St. Vincent de Paul Society

About

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international service organization founded in 1833 by French student Frederic Ozanam. Inspired by the work of 17th century priest, St. Vincent de Paul, Ozanam established the society to bring concrete aid to those in need through friendship, service, and charity. Today, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a network of charity organizations in 150 countries with over 900,000 members.

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County was founded in 1964. We provide direct services at our Family Resource Center in Pittsburg and throughout the county through 29 parish conferences (branches). SVdP CC strives to provide concrete aid to those in need. Our many programs provide food, clothing, shelter, rental assistance, medical services, employment, and workforce development to our neighbors in Contra Costa County. We collaborate with several Bay Area agencies including Loaves & Fishes, Catholic Charities, RotaCare Bay Area, Winter Nights Shelter, One Warm Coat, and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

Mission and Core Values

SVdP CC Mission:

'A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.'

Inspired by values of charity, humility, and social justice, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County provides person-to-person service of time, talent, and resources to help our neighbors in need regardless of gender, national origin, race, or religion. Our mission is to bring aid and support to those who are poor and suffering in Contra Costa County.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul holds these core values and is guided by them in all of our programs and services.

We believe:

• In the dignity of the human person
• In the preferential option for the poor
• In the virtue of humility, personal and corporate
• In the virtue of simplicity
• In charity and justice within and outside the Society
• In personal and communal prayer
• In friendship
• In community
• And in solidarity with each other and with those in need

St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County by the numbers:

• 82,000 people served in the last fiscal year, in both direct and in kind services
• Over 54,000 volunteer hours per year
• Over $2,450,000 in in kind and financial assistance provided
• 29 branches throughout the county providing direct, volunteer services to those in need
• Over 800 individual volunteers
• Partnerships with over 30 local agencies including other non-profits, churches, and for profit corporations