MISSION STATEMENT

"The Society of St. Vincent de Paul
leads women and men to join
together to grow spiritually by
offering person-to-person service..."

AN INVITATION

No special qualifications are
required other than the desire to
join with others to help those in
need for the love of God.

 

 WHAT MEMBERSHIP INVOLVES

• Meeting of members once a month in the evening at Mullen Commons
• Meet with individual clients in SJV offices one night a month
• Once a year, assist SVdP store by collecting clothing parishioners donate at the weekend Masses
• At Christmas, organize the "Angel Tree" - parishioners provide gifts and food for our clients

 MORE ABOUT THE SOCIETY of ST. VINCENT de PAUL

…Worldwide and here at SJV

The St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Society is an international organization devoted to serving the poor. It was founded in 1833 by a young French student, Frederic Ozanam, and today encompasses 900,000 members spread among 46,000 confraternities in 130 countries of five continents.

The Society's purpose is to provide direct aid to those who suffer, and to help individuals reduce and even eliminate the causes of their suffering, themselves. Society members use their own resources, sharing not only possessions but the valuable gift of their presence.

The Society was established in the United States in 1845 and today has 107,000 members. Last year, the Society helped over 12 million people in the United States, plus many more in the world through "Twinning" and Disaster programs. For more information on the Society of St. Voincent de Paul in the USA, check out their website: http://www.svdpusa.org

The St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVdP) of Contra Costa County consists of 22 parish "Conferences" with approximately 300 volunteers providing help to the poor in our county. Most assistance is through the direct personal encounters of our members, seeking in friendship, to bring whatever assistance we are able to provide.

Employment opportunities and low-cost merchandise are provided by two thrift stores. All programs are sustained through donations and store revenues

What SVdP Does…

The Society provides help and comfort to the needy and discouraged through parish "Conferences" – groups of volunteers at an individual parish. Material help may be in the form of food, clothing, furniture and occasionally shelter, or may be a referral to a local social service agency, or simply a sympathetic ear. Last year SVdP volunteers in Contra Costa County helped 16,190 people.

The Society also provides on-the-job training for those entering the workplace as they are referred from social agencies, youth programs and parole offices. Our stores provide training and employment for those who lack work experience or skills.

In summary, the purpose of SVdP is rebuilding hope and confidence and putting people back to work.

Other special projects include Christmas presents and coat give-away during the winter season.

The St. Vincent de Paul ministry at St. John Vianney is one of the oldest ministries at our parish. Volunteers are the backbone of our efforts to serve the poor. SVdP provides opportunities to serve the poor directly in our own parish ministry by meeting with individuals or families through appointments on Monday through Thursday evenings at our parish office. Volunteers work together in pairs and fine training and support is offered.

Some parishioners also give a few hours serving in the St. Vincent de Paul stores. If you would prefer to volunteer at one of the SVdP stores (in Pleasant Hill or Pittsburg), please call (925) 439-5060.

In addition to volunteering in our parish ministry or working at one of the local SVdP stores, there are many ways to assist the St. Vincent de Paul ministry. Your support can be through donations of clothes, furniture, or automobiles, or simply cash donations.

Donations of Clothes, Furniture or Household Items may be made at the Pleasant Hill Store Tuesday through Saturday between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM and Sunday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

If you have several items or a large item such as furniture, we would be pleased to schedule a pickup at your convenience. Simply call (925) 439-5060.

All donated items go directly to the store floor before it is sold or given to the poor. Non-salable items must be trashed at considerable expense to the Society. Consequently, items should be gently used and in good condition. We regret we can not accept some items such as computers or hazardous material.

Donations of Automobiles, Boats or Trailers can be made by calling (925) 439-5060. You can avoid the inconvenience and expense of selling your car, or haggling with automobile dealers, by donating your car to St. Vincent de Paul. All donated vehicles are tax-deductible based on fair market value. Arrangements can be made to pick-up your vehicle at your convenience. Automobiles do not necessarily have to be running.

Shopping at St. Vincent de Paul Stores
Support SVdP through shopping at the two St. Vincent de Paul stores in Contra Costa County. In addition to the store in Pleasant Hill, there is a store in Pittsburg. However, the store in Pittsburg cannot accept donations of items.

Store hours are:
Pleasant Hill – 2815 Contra Costa Blvd: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. (Donation items accepted all days from 12 Noon to 4:00pm) Phone: 925-934-5063
Pittsburg – 2210 Gladstone Drive: Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM. (No donation items accepted at this store.) Phone: 925-439-5060

Monetary Donations are fundamental to support our SJV St. Vincent de Paul parish ministry. You can contribute regularly to our SJV St. Vincent de Paul ministry through our SVdP special collections at Mass each of the months of the year that have a 5^th Sunday. You can also contribute to the county-wide SVdP efforts by designating St. Vincent de Paul for your United Way contribution.

Thank you to our parishioners who so faithfully and generously serve in this critical and acclaimed ministry!

 

Contact Information