| about us |
| programs |
| donate |
| volunteer |
| events |
| conferences |
| calendar |
| national site |
| contact us |
Contact the president of your local Conference and tell him/her you want to join. It's that easy! No membership fees or hassles. click here to find your nearest parish conference. What about meetings? Members attend a Conference meeting usually once a month. The meeting lasts about an hour and starts with a prayer, spiritual reading and reflection. Members then discuss what cases they have handled and any plans for follow-up. Discussion also centers around ways to help the St. Vincent de Paul Programs. What types of cases are handled? Typically, when someone in need comes to the Parish rectory, a member of St. Vincent de Paul will be contacted. The member will then get in touch with the client and arrange for a home visit to assess that person's needs. Home visits are always done in pairs. Members never visit someone alone. What happens after the visit? If the person needs food, members will go shopping or put together a food basket with items from their Parish food pantry. If medicine is needed, the members will purchase it. If the members are unable to help the client, they will provide referrals to other agencies and service providers. We never say "no" and walk away. How do members get money to buy things? In most Parishes, every fifth Sunday's second collection goes to the Parish Conference. Some conferences also share in the church Poor Box collection, while others benefit from private donations. Expenses do not come from members' pockets, but donations are always accepted! For information, call Marc Bruno, Director, Vincentian Support Services (415) 977-1270 x 3003 or email |
|---|
