Sister Maria makes presentation about Give Me a Chance to Saint Catherine's Men's Group

Friday, May. 30, 2014

By Henry Lachowski

SALT LAKE CITY — “Give me a chance” is both a request and a command, Daughter of Charity Sister Maria Nguyen said at the Saint Catherine of Siena Newman Center Men’s Group monthly breakfast on May 10. 

Sr. Maria, who was born in Vietnam, is an aunt of Dominican Father Peter Do, parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena. She founded the “Give Me a Chance” program in Ogden. 

 “Empowering women to help themselves” is the main mission of this community/volunteer partnership and learning center. Sr. Maria emphasized the following opportunities that are offered at the center: vocational skills such as sewing, alterations and cooking, which could lead to employment; basic business skills that include computer, Internet and retail store skills; presentations on healthy well-being, nutrition and family relationships; an after-school program for children; and counseling. 

Adjacent to the Give Me a Chance Learning Center is the “Guadalupe Garden,” which just broke ground. When it is completed, the one-acre plot on Grant Avenue will serve as a place for meditation, flower and vegetable gardens and offer space for community gatherings. 

Give Me a Chance also operates the De Marillac Formal Store, which offers handmade apparel, including baptism gowns and First Communion dresses, as well as alterations. 

The St. Catherine’s Men’s Group supports local and international nonprofit organizations, and Sr. Maria said Give Me a Chance is in need of not only monetary donations but also help with garden construction work, outreach, website maintenance and teaching.