Causes:
Family Services,
Food,
Food Programs,
Human Service Organizations,
Human Services,
Thrift Shops
Mission: In 1833, the St. Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris. Frederic Ozanam, a 20 year old university student, is considered the principal founder of the Society because of his leadership within a small group of similarly-minded students.
Their model of visiting the poor of the Paris slums was adopted widely, reaching Milwaukee in 1849. St. Vincent de Paul "conferences," as the volunteer groupings are called, were established in several Milwaukee Catholic parishes. In 1914, enough conferences existed to form a "council." This allowed for legal incorporation and the ability to take on broader activities. Over
the years, activities have taken the form of thrift stores, meal programs, shelters, and helping centers. These programs have been generously supported not only by the Catholic community, but also by other faiths and the broader community. Most programs, although professionally staffed, maintain a largely volunteer component. Professional staff assists volunteers through training and are available for consultation.
Target demographics: Those in need
Geographic areas served: Milwaukee County
Programs: Vincentian services: neighbors helping neighbors: through home visitations, over 900 volunteers establish one-on-one supportive relationships with individuals and families who need basic necessities such as food, clothing, new beds and furniture, and who benefit by the companionship, care and compassion extended by the volunteers. Volunteers in this program also operate food pantries, and visit the sick, the elderly and the imprisoned.
thrift stores: through donated merchandise from the community at large, the svdp thrift stores, located at 2320 w. Lincoln avenue in milwaukee, and 4476 s. 108th street in greenfield, benefit those in need by fulfilling certificates for clothing, new beds and household merchandise, which are issued by volunteers during the neighbors helping neighbors home visitations; and by providing low cost merchandise to budget-conscious, and low-income shoppers.
meal program: the milwaukee council of svdp operates a free meal program at two sites, five nights per week on the north side, at 2600 n. 2nd street, and six nights per week on the south side at 931 w. Madison street. Each of the sites serves between 150 and 200 hot, nutritious meals on nights of operation. In addition, guests at the south side meal program can also access hot showers and clean clothing, a bike repair program, and younger guests can use the on-site children's library. At both sites, guests can obtain warm winter outerwear, and join the fun of various social activities.
