Just a few of the specific needs we address:
Prayer books
Electrical
Gas
Medicine for a diabetic
Used furniture
Food
Clothing pantry
Hotel for stranded travelers
Automobile Gas for medical visits
Guidance to the correct agency
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The purpose of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul is to fulfill the two great Commandments, love of God and love of neighbor. We seek out God’s needy, both materially and spiritually, and help where we can. No need is too great or too small. Sometimes great resources are needed; we have them. Sometimes we can do no more than listen and comfort; we are very good at it. In coming closer to the needy, you are coming closer to God!
Outside the Society itself, no one knows which families are being aided, or what material and spiritual help has been provided. Vincentians are doctors, office workers, lawyers, factory workers, housewives, students, retirees, people just like you. Your next door neighbor could very well be a Vincentian and you would never know it. We like it that way; it protects the needy and makes our work more effective.
Vincentians are not professionally trained social workers. The important thing is the desire to serve as Jesus served.
All of us have a great deal of expertise in various areas and, by working together, we can move mountains. Many Vincentians have raised families, run a household, built buildings, repaired autos or done just what you do so very well. The needy have need of your talents, your know-how, your concern, your love. Anyone who is willing to lend a hand is welcome to join the Society. Even a few hours of your time are very precious to the needy and the distressed. You can be an apostle right in your own parish.
The Society is formed of parish conferences consisting of two to ten persons. We meet monthly, pray together and discuss current cases being handled. Conferences work with and through the pastor and the pastoral council. Every parish has some people in need either spiritually or materially.
The Society is not just an “emergency food order giver”. Vincentians are also concerned with the needs of the aged, lonely handicapped, permanently sick or housebound and of persons in convalescent nursing homes and hospitals. Persons to the aided are to be met “on an equal basis”, at their level, never looked down on and always with the thought that they are our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
When making calls, Vincentians determine first the immediate needs, which frequently are food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Material assistance is given on an emergency basis. All calls are made in pairs to avoid scandal and to help the recipients feel more at ease. Wherever there is a need, the Vincentians go two by two and do what they can to ease the suffering of their fellow human beings.
In subsequent follow-up calls, Vincentians attempt to eliminate the underlying causes of the distress. In this area, they are able to call on a vast number of people who are able to open doors in the medical, legal and business fields. WE GET PROBLEMS SOLVED! Follow-up visits continue as long as the needs are present. In conclusion, may we say that Christ has just knocked at your door!