Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Rhode Island

Overview

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Rhode Island is a nonprofit organization that operates under the umbrella of the international Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Its mission is to be an inclusive community fostering personal transformation through friendship with and comprehensive service to those in need[4].

History

The St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded nationally in the United States in 1845 in St. Louis, Missouri. However, the Rhode Island chapter began operations shortly after, with a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. In fact, it is one of the oldest chapters in the country and predates the establishment of the diocese itself[5].

Mission and Activities

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul focuses on the sanctification of its members through service to the poor. Locally, SVDP Rhode Island envisions a world where faith, hope, and love transform communities and lives, creating a just society for all[4]. The organization provides a wide range of services, including home visits, food assistance, housing aid, utility bill support, and holiday relief[4].

Structure

SVDP Rhode Island is structured around conferences, which are typically based in parishes. The organization operates through a statewide council with five districts and includes 24 parish-based conferences along with a statewide youth conference[4]. These conferences provide direct assistance to individuals in their local communities.

Impact and Celebrations

Over the years, the Society has played a significant role in supporting families in need. For instance, in 2017, they provided about $2.5 million in assistance to approximately 26,000 families[5]. Celebrations such as the 165th and 170th anniversaries serve as milestones marking their continued commitment to community service and spiritual growth[1][5].

Tax Status

SVDP Rhode Island has a tax ID (EIN) of 05-6010248 and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization.

[1] https://www.thericatholic.com/stories/vincentians-bring-christ-to-the-poor-for-170-years,14225 [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Saint_Vincent_de_Paul [3] https://ssvpusa.org/about-us/history/ [4] https://svdpri.org/about-us/ [5] https://thericatholic.com/stories/st-vincent-de-paul-society-of-ri-celebrates-165-years,10361