BY BELINDA ABELL, SPECIAL TO THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC

Tornadoes are devastating to families and communities alike. In recent years, even months, western Kentucky has seen enough to last a lifetime. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Western Kentucky, Inc., is honored and humbled to work with survivors for unmet needs. SVDP Community Liaison, Vicki Duncan, had a few stories she wanted to share amid recovery from the May 26, 2024 tornado.

Brittney Pentecost is from Muhlenberg County and lived on a farm beside her parents with her husband and their seven children, with one on the way. The tornado destroyed their home and all their possessions. Kentucky Emergency Management placed this family at Pennyrile State Forest Park in Dawson Springs until a trailer is set up on their property. On June 24, Brittney had her 5 lb. 6 oz. baby boy in the cabin. That makes eight kids in the cabin ages newborn, 2, 3, 5, 10, 12, and 16. They needed help with clothes for kids, food, and gas for Britney’s husband to travel to work. SVDP helped alleviate the strains on the family with gift cards. This family was so happy to get help with these necessities. Thanks to God and all the Vincentians who make this possible!

Pam and Thurman Deermond lost their home and all its contents in the tornado. The family income is only $420 per month. Thurman draws a check and Pam lost her job for excessive absences due to taking days off to accompany Thurman to his doctor’s appointments, which includes cancer treatments. They are housed at Pennyrile State Forest Park in Dawson Springs. Kentucky Emergency Management is providing a camper trailer on their property until they can secure a permanent home. The needs of this family are food, clothes, and gas money for Thurman’s doctor appointments in Owensboro, Hartford, and Louisville. SVDP gave them gift cards to help with these needs. This family was appreciative for all the help that SVDP was able to give them. Although their journey will be a long one, the help from SVDP has taken a lot of the burden of the immediate needs from them. 

To contribute to SVDP Diocesan Council of Western Kentucky’s Disaster Relief Services, visit svdpwky.org/give or mail your gift to SVDP Diocesan Council of Western Kentucky, Inc., P. O. Box 1203, Owensboro, KY 42302-1203.

Originally printed in the September 2024 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.