Help leads to hope in Greenfield
August 13, 2024
The Vry family of Greenfield lost their home in the May 21 tornado, but thanks to donations from a special collection in the Diocese’s 80 parishes, they will be able to find rest.
Joceline Vry, her husband, Curtis, and their two young sons will receive new beds as well as much-needed appliances for a new home now being built. For now, the Vrys are camping in Joceline’s parents’ backyard.
The memories are still fresh from the fateful day when Joceline and her sons huddled in their basement while Curtis, a volunteer firefighter, was out storm-spotting to help sound the alarm. He and another firefighter had to outrace the storm when they couldn’t find shelter in time.
They all survived, but the Vrys’ home suffered so much damage, they could no longer live in it. They were able to sell the home as-is to someone who will repair it, so they are building a new home outside of town.
One recent Sunday, Humility Sister Jude Fitzpatrick, senior advisor to Bishop William Joensen, attended Mass at St. John Church in Greenfield to offer help to tornado victims from the special collection.
“Sister Jude asked, ‘What’s something you need?’ I said we are unfortunately going to need new beds and new appliances,” Joceline said.
Sister Jude brought more than financial assistance. She brought hope.
Joceline was surprised by how much the Diocese was able to help her family. She’s now collecting cost estimates for the beds and appliances, and she says she’s grateful for the help from the Catholic community of southwest Iowa.
“I was in awe. I was very overwhelmed,” she said. “I didn’t expect it.”
For now, the family is taking it one day at a time.
“We know it’s all going to work out in the end,” Joceline said. “We know there’s a purpose for everything.”
To other survivors, she says: “Don’t give up hope and ask for help.”
The Vry family home in Greenfield was severely damaged from a spring tornado. Joceline and Curtis Vry are grateful for help and hope from the Diocese as they rebuild.
The Vry family home in Greenfield was severely damaged from a spring tornado. Joceline and Curtis Vry are grateful for help and hope from the Diocese as they rebuild.