Flora Ziegler
Floragnes joined the staff of St. Vincent De Paul Mission in 2006 as a cashier in the thrift store. Within a short time, she was promoted to Thrift Store Manager. Previously, Floragnes had worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant caring for women with Alzheimer's Disease. This work opened a new door in her heart, as she experienced firsthand the genuine need for caring help to those who are sick, poor, and forgotten.
As the Thrift Store Manager, Floragnes supervises a close-knit team of four employees and a gentleman who has volunteered full-time for the thrift store for 22 years. She supervises the store's volunteers, including a large number of local residents who choose to perform court-mandated community service at the Thrift Store.
Floragnes's work includes soliciting donations of furniture, household goods, and clothing; preparing items for display; and scheduling furniture pickups. She also administers donations of goods given free-of-charge to very-low-income people who would otherwise go without household essentials.
Floragnes takes great pride in the appearance of the store, generating revenue for the Mission, and serving people who need a helping hand to cope with poverty. When faced with such individuals, Floragnes keeps in mind that "this could be me or a loved one." Smiles, or occasionally tears of gratitude from people assisted by the Thrift Store inspire her most, and bring home for her the importance of the true mission of the St. Vincent DePaul Mission of Waterbury.
