OUR MISSION
We are men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to individuals in need. We are part of an international society of friends united by a spirit of poverty, humility, and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection.
The St. James Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference offers families in our community financial aid they need to ease some of their monthly financial burdens, and take the steps they need to get back on their feet. By helping families with their financial obligations, they are able to gradually pull themselves out of their mounting debt. In fact, in most cases, families receiving this assistance will only require a one-time payment to get their bills up-to-date, after which they are caught up and able to manage their household needs again.
Energized by the awareness that service to our brother or sister in need is in fact an encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are keenly aware that poverty, suffering and loneliness are present for millions in our communities. For that reason, we collaborate with all who seek to relieve need and address its causes.
Since 1833, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul® has been serving those in need. The Society's 97,000 trained volunteers (members) in the United States provided 17.9 million hours of volunteer service in 2015, helping 23.8 million people through visits to homes, prisons and hospitals.
HOW WE HELP
When a member of our community requires assistance members of the St. James Parish St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference conduct what we refer to as a home visit. Conference members visit people in their homes and help to find the most appropriate response to the person’s or family’s needs. This involves being a supportive listener and may also include providing food or food vouchers, clothing, furniture, budget support, assistance with utility bills or back to school costs, information and advocacy.