Society of St. Vincent De Paul of San Mateo County

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul of San Mateo County is a local chapter of the international Society of St. Vincent de Paul, an organization dedicated to serving those in need. This non-profit group operates under the principles of love and justice, providing person-to-person services to support individuals and families who are suffering, forgotten, or deprived.

History

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded globally in Paris in 1833 by Frédéric Ozanam, inspired by the charitable works of St. Vincent de Paul. The first Conference in San Mateo County was established at Holy Angels Parish in Colma in 1931. Today, the organization has grown to include 32 parish-based Conferences and 3 Homeless Help Center Conferences, with over 2,000 Vincentian volunteers actively working to provide emergency aid throughout the county[2].

Mission and Activities

In line with the broader mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the San Mateo County chapter aims to address local needs by providing essential services such as food, clothing, and rent assistance. They also operate Homeless Help Centers, offering meals and resources for the homeless and precariously housed populations[2].

Social Services

The Society is involved in a range of social services, including:

• Restorative Justice Ministries: Working with incarcerated individuals, crime victims, and their families to promote healing and reconciliation.
• Catherine Center: Providing holistic re-entry programs for previously incarcerated women.
• Employment Opportunities: Offering job opportunities for marginalized communities.
• Thrift Stores: Operating stores that provide clothing and household goods vouchers for those in need[2].

Core Values

The organization adheres to core values that emphasize compassion, respect, and integrity. They collaborate with other groups to address poverty and its causes, serving all individuals without regard to their background or beliefs[5].

Non-Discrimination Policy

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul of San Mateo County actively recruits volunteers and hires employees without discrimination, serving all individuals equally regardless of their background or status[2].