National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, is a non-profit organization and part of the global Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It is dedicated to serving the poor, the suffering, and those in need across the United States.

Background

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was originally founded in Paris, France, on April 23, 1833, by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam and Emmanuel-Joseph Bailly. The organization is named after St. Vincent de Paul, a saint known for his dedication to serving the poor[2]. In the United States, the first Conference was established in 1845 in St. Louis, Missouri[2].

Mission

The National Council supports local St. Vincent de Paul Conferences and Councils across the U.S. It provides resources, training, and spiritual formation to nearly 100,000 Vincentians in over 4,000 Conferences[1][3]. The organization's mission aligns with its global counterpart, focusing on the sanctification of its members through service to the poor.

Activities and Programs

Vincentians in the U.S. engage in a wide range of activities aimed at addressing poverty and improving the lives of individuals and families. These include:

• Home Visits: Establishing personal relationships with those in need, providing material assistance, and offering spiritual support.
• Disaster Relief: Responding to natural disasters and supporting affected communities.
• Job Training and Placement: Helping individuals acquire skills and find employment.
• Food Pantries and Thrift Stores: Providing essential goods and services at affordable prices.
• Housing Programs: Supporting efforts to prevent homelessness and provide stable housing.
• Medical Services: Offering healthcare access to those in need[1][3].

Impact

Each year, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States provides over $1.7 billion in aid to more than 5 million people, demonstrating its significant impact on communities across the country[3].

Organizational Structure

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the National Council ensures that local Conferences and Councils have the necessary support to carry out their charitable work effectively[3].

[1] https://www.svdpcparl.org/about-svdp/national-council/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society_of_Saint_Vincent_de_Paul [3] https://ssvpusa.org [4] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/135562362