Epiphany Center to Honor LaVerne Reiterman with the St. Louise de Marillac Award
The Saint Louise de Marillac Award is given by Epiphany Center to honor outstanding work on behalf of San Francisco’s at-risk women and children.
St. Louise de Marillac, the patron saint of social workers, co-founded the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in 1633. St. Louise was committed to meeting the emerging and changing needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in society. She encouraged her sisters to always remember that "You are the servants of the poor. Love them tenderly. Respect them deeply."
LaVerne (fourth from left) photographed with fellow Epiphany League members.
Recipients of the Saint Louise de Marillac Award are deeply committed to Epiphany Center and the Daughters of Charity’s mission of service. Honorees have selflessly served the agency for over seven years and, like Saint Louise, know how to get things accomplished, are positive and exuberant, and model love. At this year’s Benefit Party & Show (Epiphany Center’s annual fundraising gala) on February 29, 2024, we will honor a very special and deserving individual, Mrs. LaVerne Reiterman, with the award. Laverne is a current Epiphany League member and has volunteered with the Center for more than 20 years. She will be the sixth recipient of the award.
LaVerne Reiterman with fellow Epiphany League Member and past Saint Louise de Marillac Award recipient, Brenda MacLean.
To learn more about her many years of invaluable service with Epiphany Center, we sat down with LaVerne to reflect. Here is what she had to say:
How did you decide to choose to volunteer your time on behalf of Epiphany Center? A third-generation San Franciscan, I was familiar with the Mount St. Joseph orphanage since childhood. However, I really credit my involvement with Epiphany Center to my late husband Milt. He was devoted to helping the agency for over 36 years. In 2003, at a Gala, he was honored for his 30 years of service to the Daughters of Charity and the women and children they serve. Although I can’t help in the ways he did, after his death, I wanted to continue his legacy of helping the Center.
LaVerne (left) volunteering at an Epiphany League hosted lunch for Epiphany clients.
What is your favorite Epiphany Center memory? Probably the night of Milt’s award at the Great American Music Hall on O’Farrell Street in San Francisco with many friends and family present. Also, I warmly remember a graduation ceremony for clients who had successfully completed the Epiphany program, making speeches to their families and mentors, proud and confident.
What have you learned during your time working with the Epiphany League? I have learned that one can be useful to others in small ways as well as large, contributing time, ideas, energy, and money, of course. It has been rewarding getting to know the other women who are part of the League, recognizing their talent and generosity, energy, and dedication to the Center.
LaVerne with her two sons (Tim and Ted) daughter (Laurel), and son-in-law (Steven Weil) at the 2023 Benefit Party & Show.
What or who inspires you? I am inspired by the wonderful staff that makes the program at Epiphany work. I am always inspired listening to former clients tell their stories of how their lives have been changed. I don’t remember ever hearing one client complain about how hard making that change was after her acceptance into the Epiphany program. This newly found and nurtured courage inspires my admiration.
Of the five major Vincentian Values of Respect, Compassionate Service, Simplicity, Advocacy for the Poor, and Creativity, which one is your favorite to practice? Respect. If we respect someone, we treat them with kindness, recognizing that we all wish to be acknowledged.
LaVerne (right) volunteering at an Epiphany League hosted lunch for Epiphany clients.
What is the biggest reward you get from volunteering here in the city of San Francisco? The thought that I am able to contribute to the city I love. Most of it beautiful and still a wonderful place to live in spite of its flaws that are constantly pointed out to us. I love looking at the Golden Gate Bridge and its surroundings and I love enjoying my many pastimes in the City - playing Scrabble in Italian while trying to master the language of my father, learning to play bridge, reading, theatre, symphony, and, top of the list, the company of good friends.
On behalf of our Governing Board, the Epiphany League, our Staff, and most importantly, on behalf of the women and children we serve, congratulations to LaVerne and thank you for your unwavering dedication to Epiphany Center and its mission.
Help us celebrate LaVerne’s 20 years of service to Epiphany Center by attending this year’s
Benefit Party & Show
on February 29, 2024!