2 minute read
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Serving God and Helping Those in Need
It can happen quickly — a downturn in the economy, a surprise company payroll reduction, an unexpected injury on the job. Sometimes, just one glitch can set a family far enough behind that catching up feels impossible. This is when the All Saints conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul steps up to help.
“We are a faith-based group that helps both parishioners and non-parishioners,” says David Adamson, member of the All Saints St. Vincent de Paul conference. “We lead people to resources that can help them get back on their feet and gain employment, particularly people in temporary, emergency situations. We look to put them into permanently better circumstances.”
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The hallmark method of connecting with those in need for the St. Vincent de Paul Society is the home visit. Vincentian members work in pairs, travel to the homes of those requesting assistance, connect with clients through faceto-face interactions, and gather all necessary information. The pair then returns to the collective conference, deliberates the particulars, and identifies a plan of action.
Often this plan includes material assistance with rent, utilities, food or clothing, as well as friendship, understanding, and prayer. This is done in a spirit of great respect for client dignity and privacy. Clients are frequently referred to other target organizations, such as those that assist with childcare or medications. People in need of assistance over and above what the Vincentians can provide are directed to the mini-loan program, which allows access to zero-cost financing. This provides tremendous debt relief to those with title loans or payday loans that carry extremely high interest rates.
“These people are incredibly thankful for the assistance they receive,” David says. “Most of them are working hard to improve their situations and it is such a blessing to witness them do that.
“In serving others, we get more out of it than they do,” he adds. “God told us our primary role is to know Him, love Him, and follow Him by serving others. When this is our ‘front and center’ every day, it is a great thing. The people involved are wonderful and it has been an absolute blessing and a great gift from God to be a part of it.”
As the St. Vincent de Paul Society is funded exclusively through parishioner donations, we would like to thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting this important ministry!
Help Your Neighbor Sunday was a great opportunity to serve.
St. Vincent de Paul members fill the truck for Help Your Neighbor Sunday.
