I work for a well known non- profit agency here in Sonoma County as a Job Coach for people with barriers to employment. My home base to work with our clients is at St Vincent De Paul in Rohnert Park. For two years SVDP has been assisting myself and clients with various job training program with their doors always open for all challenges that come our way, to ensure all clients receive top quality job training for their employment goals. I feel so blessed to be able to work with SVDP management, managers, staff and the wonderful volunteers who all display caring, helpfulness, and welcoming to all people who need assistance. Linda Carantzalis, WCCS Job Coach.
I'm an avid thrift store shopper. Once you've experienced thrift store prices for quality merchandise, you'll find it difficult to shop at other stores! I've shopped at St. Vincent de Paul's thrift store in Rohnert Park for many years. I've found that they offer the lowest prices on most items; they add to the stock on the floor throughout the day; they have set days for senior discounts and surprise sales throughout the week. The employees maintain a friendly atmosphere and I've seen them greet by name many of the customers who come back to shop several times a week. Over the years, I've been glad to get good deals at the store on items I'm always looking for such as books, videos, records and clothing for everyone in my family. I also enjoy looking at the many unusual, quirky, rare and beautiful items that fill the "miscellaneous" shelves. I've enjoyed the store so much and respected the work of the organization, that about two years ago I began to volunteer there organizing their book section, to support the store and, ultimately, support the important non-profit mission of St. Vincent de Paul to help the hungry, the poor and homeless.
My work on the Board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been both personally fulfilling and educational . I can better understand the causes and circumstances surrounding poverty. The needy are no longer just faces, but real people with real needs. Needs for housing, clothing, food, jobs, utility bills and more. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul strives to provide these needs. At Thanksgiving, my parish conference of the St. Vincent de Paul was able to provide a turkey and three bags of groceries and produce to over 65 families. I was humbled and touched to see one client's joy when she spied a small jar of peanut butter poking out of the bag. I no longer take for granted my many blessings.
Review from Guidestar
I have been a volunteer for 35 years and still going strong. Volunteering with SVDP is a very fulfilling experience. Just today I assisted a family by getting their telephone service restored after a disconnect for non payment of a bill. I help at the dining room and a local conference with food pantry. The Society has a saying "No work of charity is foreign to the society" After over 35 yers I have experienced first hand that truth.
SVDP of Sonoma has one of the best and most useable websites I've ever seen in a non-profit organization. Donors, volunteers and those in need can find everything they need to know in a concise yet genuinely welcoming format. Nice job. There are many people like myself who are more inclined to donate time or treasure during the holidays, and this site does an excellent job of getting them directly to their field of interest. This is a tremendously overlooked area with most non-profits. Bravo.
I shop at St. Vincent de Paul and have found fair and reasonable prices on children's books, children's games, and glassware/pottery the items I am always looking for. All merchandise is clean and clearly priced. The staff has always been cordial and very appreciative of my purchases and donations. I found a hospital bed at St. Vincent for my father-in-law and we were very grateful to have found it for a good price. Stretching the money of the elderly is a challenge. I admire the organization for their Dining Room and help with rent for those in need or who are homeless. Keep up the good work!
I remember first visiting the Rohnert Park SVDP store over 20 years ago when I was a young boy. My first dirt bike came from there, and my father was always finding new and interesting gadgets to experiment with. It was always great fun to explore, and knowing that the mission helped so many people made even a small boy understand charity close to home. Keep up the good work!
I've been aware of St. Vincent for many years. It is a constant for people in real need.
Review from Guidestar
This store is a great place to find quality donated goods from vases to furniture to clothing. I have visited the store several times. I find the layout easy to navigate, and always buy more than I thought I would. For example, I walked in one day in late September and found, by chance, a complete witch outfit for Halloween-- wig, dress, and hat--for $5.00 total. When I wore the outfit to class on Halloween --I'm a teacher--the students loved it, and I didn't have to pay a lot of money. Also, the staff is very friendly, communicative, and helpful. The sales that they have from time to time are really good--sometimes 50% off. Also, I know that the store serves to help the poor, so spending money there has another purpose. As well, I donate used items to the store from time to time.
Review from Guidestar
St. Vincent's thrift store has been an ardent supporter of our agency, is always willing to work with our clients and staff to improve the job skills of clients who have barriers to employment. Thank you!
Review from Guidestar