When you become a Vincentian, you join an international family of laymen and women who follow after Christ in an effort to bring hope and love to a hurting world.
Although each Conference operates within the parish boundaries, it decides which programs and services they will offer based on the needs climate in their local community. They all share the same core values and abide by statutes set by the National Office of the Society, located in St. Louis, MO.
Conference programs and services include but are not limited to:
- Direct Financial Aid – Monetary support given to individuals and families for various needs including but not limited to: rent/mortgage and utility payments, prescriptions, car repairs, and burials.
- Food Pantries – We have several SVDPLI run pantries, which are operated solely by Vincentians. We also support many other pantries operated by Parish Social Ministry, which is the community outreach arm of the parish and Catholic Charities.
- Clothing and Furniture Aid – Distribution of clothing and/or furniture vouchers that are redeemed by families at SVDPLI Thrift Stores.
- Transportation Assistance – In the form of metro cards for the bus and train.
- Moral Support – Sometimes, an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on is just the medicine that someone needs to keep going.
- Spiritual Comfort – When welcomed, Vincentians provide spiritual support to those whom they visit. This may include praying with them, leaving a prayer card, or inviting them to church. No one is required to accept spiritual guidance in order to receive assistance.
The Vincentians bring with them all the resources of the Conference and the Diocesan Central Council, whatever is needed to help resolve the problem and make people’s lives better. Relief is offered unconditionally, without passing judgment and in the strictest confidence.
Home visits – Conferences are required to complete home visits to families who contact us for assistance. It is customary for two trained Vincentians to make the visit together. The home visit enables us to discover a person or family’s comprehensive needs in addition to their initial request aid. For example, a mother may ask for help with her oil bill and during the home visit, Vincentians discover that she is also in need of food and winter coats for her children.
Home visits take place in the privacy and comfort of the family’s residence, offering a safe place for them to share the stories of struggle.
The home visit distinguishes the Society of St. Vincent de Paul from all other organizations serving the poor. The manner in which help is offered and provided is just as important the relief given. That personal touch, the one-to-one encounter with a person or family who is struggling, is the balm that helps the healing process begin.
If you are interested in becoming a Vincentian call us at (516) 822-3132 or email us at info@svdpli.org.
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