Collaboration fostered by a Vincentian priest, some Daughters of Charity and discovery of a connection with the Sisters of Charity led Kristy Eanes to found a group of Ladies of Charity in Central Arkansas. It began with a request to set up a computer lab and an internet search led to the Ladies of Charity.

Father Tom Stehlik, CM asked Kristy to establish a computer lab at the former St. Theresa Chapel in Little Rock in 2006. There she learned more about the religious orders started by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac and their commitment to working directly with the poor.

In the process of responding to this need she learned more about the vision of Vincent and Louise. Intrigued she went to the internet to learn more. There she discovered the Ladies of Charity and, as they say, the rest is history

A married woman in her 30s, she discovered a nearly 400-year-old organization, oldest Catholic lay organization of women, where she could serve the poor and spread the mission of St. Vincent de Paul.

She began a branch in Arkansas, started recruiting members and searching for projects where women in central Arkansas could impact the lives of the poor.

Whatever projects the members choose, they must be done in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. Their mission is “to serve rather than be served, with humility, simplicity and charity.”

Ladies of Charity are known for physically caring for the poor and sick before attending to their religious needs.

The Arkansas Ctholic quotes her as syaing, “The Ladies are called to be visionaries in their communities. I love the word visionary. Doing something avant garde, something to fill a void, to do something different and positive,”

For the complete story visit this link to the Arkansas Catholic web page.