Make a difference in someone's lifeAn unemployed father of four panics when opening the mail … a family moves to a new, less-dangerous tent encampment … the young mother’s journey to seek fortune, only to find exploitation … and your own neighbor who often choose rent over groceries. These are the faces of poverty right here in Minnesota. You have the power to help.
What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?
The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) is the largest Catholic lay organization in the world. Yes, we are faith-based; our work is guided by Catholic Social Teachings. SVdP Members (aka Vincentians) from around the world answer the call to serve wherever people are suffering in poverty. We come from all walks of life and, like those we serve, are not required to have a religious, political or other affiliation. Learn more about SVdP. Conferences
Organizationally, SVdP Conferences are where “the rubber meets the road.” These groups, often aligned with a Parish, school or other community, serve a myriad of people battling brief hardships or life-long, generational poverty. Members come together to support not only clients who need assistance, but also each other. Conferences in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota support individuals and families combating food insecurity, disenfranchisement, insufficient work skills or unstable housing. The role of Membership
Volunteer members who, through trained person-to-person interaction and mentorship, work to find the most appropriate guidance and resources to meet a client’s needs. Since the Society’s founding in 1833, St. Vincent de Paul members and clients have forged millions of successful relationships resulting in meaningful change for everyone. Members may serve in many capacities; teams may be invited to a client’s home or meet at another location. The goal of the conversation and potential relationship is to support and encourage clients to take control of their lives or move forward. Conferences and their members
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Become a Member
An unemployed father of four panics when opening the mail … a family moves to a new, less-dangerous tent encampment … the young mother’s journey to seek fortune, only to find exploitation … and your own neighbor who often choose rent over groceries. These are the faces of poverty right here in Minnesota. You have the power to help.
What is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?
The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) is the largest Catholic lay organization in the world. Yes, we are faith-based; our work is guided by Catholic Social Teachings. SVdP Members (aka Vincentians) from around the world answer the call to serve wherever people are suffering in poverty. We come from all walks of life and, like those we serve, are not required to have a religious, political or other affiliation. Learn more about SVdP.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) is the largest Catholic lay organization in the world. Yes, we are faith-based; our work is guided by Catholic Social Teachings. SVdP Members (aka Vincentians) from around the world answer the call to serve wherever people are suffering in poverty. We come from all walks of life and, like those we serve, are not required to have a religious, political or other affiliation. Learn more about SVdP.
Conferences
Organizationally, SVdP Conferences are where “the rubber meets the road.” These groups, often aligned with a Parish, school or other community, serve a myriad of people battling brief hardships or life-long, generational poverty. Members come together to support not only clients who need assistance, but also each other. Conferences in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota support individuals and families combating food insecurity, disenfranchisement, insufficient work skills or unstable housing.
Organizationally, SVdP Conferences are where “the rubber meets the road.” These groups, often aligned with a Parish, school or other community, serve a myriad of people battling brief hardships or life-long, generational poverty. Members come together to support not only clients who need assistance, but also each other. Conferences in the Twin Cities and outstate Minnesota support individuals and families combating food insecurity, disenfranchisement, insufficient work skills or unstable housing.
The role of Membership
Volunteer members who, through trained person-to-person interaction and mentorship, work to find the most appropriate guidance and resources to meet a client’s needs. Since the Society’s founding in 1833, St. Vincent de Paul members and clients have forged millions of successful relationships resulting in meaningful change for everyone. Members may serve in many capacities; teams may be invited to a client’s home or meet at another location. The goal of the conversation and potential relationship is to support and encourage clients to take control of their lives or move forward.
Volunteer members who, through trained person-to-person interaction and mentorship, work to find the most appropriate guidance and resources to meet a client’s needs. Since the Society’s founding in 1833, St. Vincent de Paul members and clients have forged millions of successful relationships resulting in meaningful change for everyone. Members may serve in many capacities; teams may be invited to a client’s home or meet at another location. The goal of the conversation and potential relationship is to support and encourage clients to take control of their lives or move forward.
Conferences and their members are thoughtful listeners ready to assist in every situation.
- pay a late utility bill
- lend support to clients suffering financial hardship, loneliness, despair or abuse of any kind
- advocate for client-needed services
- provide food, clothing and housewares through the St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cities Voucher Program
Vincentians are essential volunteers at SVdP thrift stores, food pantries and events; with housing transition and job searches. In addition to individual client issues, it is our role to promote the systemic changes that will lead families out of poverty.
Mutual respect – mutual reward
SVdP Members take with them a better understanding of poverty and the obstacles that prevent clients from emerging from their situations. Working to improve the lives of marginalized individuals not only alleviates their suffering, it profoundly impacts volunteers’ own faith and life journeys.
SVdP Members take with them a better understanding of poverty and the obstacles that prevent clients from emerging from their situations. Working to improve the lives of marginalized individuals not only alleviates their suffering, it profoundly impacts volunteers’ own faith and life journeys.
For questions about membership, training or to learn more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, contact your local Conference or contact us.