By Vanessa Shepherd, C 07

Saint VincentCollege senior Daniel Carney of Derry shares the importance of the family unit with homeless men of Westmoreland County at the Union Mission of Latrobe. 

A major in biology who is also pursuing certification in secondary education, Mr. Carney was recently given the opportunity to serve the mission as resident manager.  It takes a “very delicate balance, (and) a strict schedule” to accommodate both the Mission and student responsibilities, he says.

The Mission was founded by the late Bill LaRue and the Latrobe Ministerium in 1985.  This Judeo-Christian, non-profit organization offers assistance to homeless men for up to 60 days.  Within that time, Rev. Justin Matro, O.S.B., vice rector at Saint Vincent Seminary and chair of the board of directors for the Mission, said the home makes an “effort to resocialize people” by teaching them basic survival and social skills, as well as providing counsel in their faith and broken relationships. 

Mr. Carney said that since 1987, the Mission has assisted over 1,560 men in the Westmoreland area.  He has been working to create an environmental standard -- a family atmosphere -- at the Mission.

“You can learn a lot from the family,” said Mr. Carney who was greatly influenced by his own family.  He makes sure everyone at the Mission makes his own bed, does his own chores  and learns to care for others as a family cares for each other. 

This second chance allows Mr. Carney and the Mission’s staff to educate the men into a behavior modification that will help them succeed in the future.  The Mission’s staff and volunteers help “give back in the most destitute times” for a person, Mr. Carney said. 

One of the resident manager’s most important job characteristics is the in-depth interviews that are initially proctored to the Mission’s applicants.  "Patience, understanding, and counseling are all skills needed for this process.  It is important to embrace them totally,” explained Mr. Carney, "so that the residents can fully learn supportive family and social ties. "

Mr. Carney’s favorite part of the job is the success stories.  He enjoys seeing the men reach their potential by growing and changing emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.  As resident manager, Mr. Carney helps provide opportunities for growth.  Literacy, personal finance, computer skills, creating a resume and interviewing skills are just a few of the opportunities the mission provides for residents, as well as Bible study and spiritual assistance. 

As for the future, Mr. Carney aspires to continue teaching and promoting growth through learning after he graduates from Saint Vincent.  He believes teaching will be a continuum of his “ability to help impart growth (because) social work is social work, and teaching is social work.”

As for now, Mr. Carney is working hard to complete his studies and to promote the Union Mission and its positive work in Westmoreland County.