Welcome to Vanspec!

Coming to Vanspec was as unexpected as rewarding journey recently in my life. Since my start in early January, I have gotten to know the operations of this Ministry. Once I met Mena, the students, families and volunteers who make this possible, I knew that the Lord had put me in a great place. There is a sense of community, of acceptance and belonging felt by everyone here.  It is the Vanspec family who welcomed me on my first day and continues to do so on a regular basis.

As a teacher at heart and by profession, I believe in the value of education and inclusion. I am greatly impressed by this Ministry and all the wonderful people who are part of it.  At Vanspec, no two days are alike: each day I am fortunate to meet these very special people who come to us to learn about Jesus. Their learning happens in so in many ways: through storytelling, arts and crafts, interactions with their teachers, puppet shows, and so on. One can see the teachers’ creativity at best adapting lessons tailored to their students. I am humbled to watch them devote themselves to their students with such passion and enthusiasm. After witnessing our students receiving their Sacraments, my greatest joy has come from  seeing them grow in their faith journey.

The legacy of the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence resulted in Vanspec impacting many people’s lives over the years. We have so much to learn from our students if we open our hearts to what God is trying to accomplish through our encounter with them. I feel blessed to be part of the Vanspec family and I pray that the Lord continues to bless and guide Vanspec for many years to come!

Laura Levera
Coordinator, Vanspec