Meet Case Management Volunteer Vince DiGiorno

Family Life: Born and raised in Miami, FL. Oldest of three. Married to Kathy; four kids.

Education: BS in Architecture, University of Notre Dame. MBA, University of MN.

Started with Daily Work: October 24, 2018

How did you hear about us and what made you want to volunteer? I am convinced that the poverty in our communities is the result of systemic failings at economic, political, and social levels. I wanted to help solve the problem but was overwhelmed by its size and breadth. Why isn’t the economy producing enough decent paying jobs and what can I do about it?

My family has supported the work of Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul for many years. When they announced Opportunity Saint Paul (OSP), I knew that this was where I was needed. Daily Work is an OSP partner organization.

What would you tell new volunteers? The work is critical, the need is great, and it is really hard work. Be prepared to commit. It takes a lot of time and concentration to do a good job because details matter.

What do you want others to know about the job seekers at Daily Work? The most important thing to know is how much everybody wants to contribute to society and what a mistake it is to believe that people don’t want to contribute.

One of my job seekers is spending 82% of his monthly income on housing. A young mom who entered the U.S. as an asylum seeker got a job, signed up for CNA training, and is committed to making a better life for herself and her daughter. Another is working at the airport 80 hours per week to make ends meet. He works from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at two different jobs.

What motivates you to keep doing volunteer work? My strongest motivation is the need. The need for help never goes away.

I am passionate about contributing to Daily Work’s vision that all people deserve an opportunity to support and sustain themselves through meaningful work. The economy must serve people, and workers have the right to productive work and to decent and fair wages.

~ Vince