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The Society is an international organization founded in 1833 in Paris, France. It was locally established in 1871 in Galveston, TX. History In 1833, a 20-year-old college student and his friends began serving the poor in Paris, France. This was the beginning of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Today, there are more than 777,000 members serving in 149 countries around the globe. The Society arrived in the United States in 1845, where the first conference was formed in St. Louis, Missouri. The first presence of the Society in the Galveston-Houston area was in 1871 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Galveston. Today, there are 58 Conferences in the Galveston-Houston Council with more than 1,900 members growing spiritually through friendship and service to those in need. Timeline (1871-2021) Our Patrons & Founders The Society's Patron Saint St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) was the founder of the Congregation of the Mission, Daughters of Charity, Confraternities of Charity, and Ladies of Charity. He was a man of deep faith, keen intellect, and enormous creativity, he has become known as the "The Apostle of Charity" and "Father of the Poor." His contributions to the training of priests and organizing parish missions and other services for the poor shaped our Church's role in the modern world. St. Vincent de Paul Feast day is September 27th. The Society's Sister St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) had St. Vincent de Paul as her spiritual director. Her inherent desire to know and accomplish God's will blossomed into a life of ministry to those who were sick and destitute. Her contagious spirituality and strong, organizational ability led her to co-found with Vincent the Daughters of Charity, a group of sisters who serve the poor and who inspire our Society. St. Louise de Marillac Feast day is May 9th. The Society's Founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813-1853) founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was a young Sorbonne student who met regularly with his fellow Catholic students to discuss the issues of their time. At one of their public meetings, a challenger admitted the Catholic Church, at one time, had been a great source of good, but asked, “What is your Church doing now?… Show us your works and we will believe you.” Unable to respond, Frédéric conceded. Shortly afterward, Frédéric and six friends created the Conference of Charity, with the purpose of serving the poor of Paris. Frédéric and his friends provided food, clothing, shelter, financial, and spiritual help. They also established tutoring programs and libraries. Blessed Frederic's Feast day is September 9th. The Society's Mentor Blessed Rosalie Rendu, DC (1786 - 1856) was a Daughter of Charity who served for 54 years in the Mouffetard area, the most impoverished district of Paris. Emmanuel Bailly, the President of the Society, sent the founding members of the Society to Sister Rosalie for guidance and direction. Sending them on home visits, she formed them in the spirit of St. Vincent, teaching them how to serve the poor with respect and compassion. Blessed Rosalie's Feast day is February 7th.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has been serving the greater Houston area since 1871. Essential elements include spirituality, friendship, and service. Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Galveston - Houston We are a volunteer organization that serves underserved communities regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender, religious or political affiliations. About The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a 501c3 non-profit organization established with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 1871. It includes a network of more than 50 parish-based chapters, known as Conferences , with more than 1,700 volunteers, and a large food & clothing pantry network. As ONE Society, all parish-based members of the Society, known as Vincentians , synergistically collaborate with community volunteers and mission-driven organizations to make an impact in the lives of others throughout the Greater Houston area. Mission Inspired by Gospel values, we grow spiritually through person to person service to all in need in our community. Our actions promote the dignity of the person, alleviate suffering and distress, while addressing the conditions that cause them through systemic change. Vision We are a community actively living our faith by loving and providing hope to our neighbors. We envision a future where access to financial and social resources is not limited by where one lives. Essential Elements SPIRITUALITY FRIENDSHIP SERVICE Organizational Structure The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston - Houston is part of the South Central Region. Regional Structure International Council The International Council is Located in Paris, France and represents over 100 countries. National Council (U.S) National Council, located in St. Louis, Missouri, supports all Archdiocesan Council across the USA and reports to the International Council. (Arch) Diocesan Council Our Council office supports our Districts and Conferences to promote the Society's mission and reports to our National Office. District Council 7 District councils uniting and supporting our conferences. Our districts report to our Archdiocesan Council. Greater Houston Conferences We have 50+ Conferences reporting to District and Archdiocesan Council.

← back to homepage Happy Giving Tuesday! The day we've been eagerly awaiting has finally arrived—it's Giving Tuesday! We are so thrilled to have you with us on this special day as we work towards our goal of raising $3,000 in one day . Now is the time to take action and help us reach our financial goal. Every donation counts, no matter the amount. Your generosity today is crucial in helping us make an even greater impact in the neighbors we serve throughout the greater Galveston-Houston area. GIVE NOW We also appreciate your support in other ways! You can sign up to volunteer or shop at our thrift stores. Every contribution, whether financial or through your time, makes a difference. Thank you for your continued support of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. We are so grateful for you sharing your gifts. GIVE VOLUNTEER SHOP Connect With Us Stay connected with us on social media to be part of the action, get updates, and amplify our impact. Together, we can create positive change. Follow us now and help us spread the spirit of giving! What is Giving Tuesday? Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. Since its inaugural year in 2012, GivingTuesday has become a global movement that celebrates and supports philanthropy, inspiring people to give back through donations, volunteering, and advocacy. All gifts made on Giving Tuesday to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston are 100% tax-deductible. For more information, please contact the Development Office via this form or call 832-538-0327 .

Neighborhood food pantries throughout the Greater Houston area managed by Vincentians, members of the Society Food Pantry Network Vincentians aim to alleviate hunger across Greater Houston communities through special works programs like operating an SVdP Food Pantry in their community, especially in areas deemed a food desert. Interested in becoming a member? You can help package and distribute food to those in need. GET INVOLVED The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Food Network serves 10 different counties throughout the Greater Houston area. The network is made up of member-operated community pantries. These neighborhood-based pantries provide families with access to nutritious food. Some of the most vulnerable populations are the elderly and children. Need Food? 211 HELP NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT DECLARACION DE NO DISCRIMINACION Alleviating Hunger Requires YOUR Help Ways to Give

Welcome Vincentians! Find the information you need here. Get Involved Don't waste time, talents or treasures. Share your gifts with the world. Invest in your community now. Join us in spiritual growth to increase our mission's impact! Vincentians are active or associate members of the Society who God calls to grow in spirituality through friendships and service in the communities of Galveston Houston. Application An Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston requirement is that everyone complete the virtual Catholic Mutual Group (CMG) Virtus training (Safe Haven or Safe Environment) and authorize a background check before performing service on parish property. This must be renewed every 5 years . SAFE HAVEN No time but some treasure? DONATE Conferences A Conference is a parish or community-based chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston Houston. There are currently more than 50 active Conferences operating throughout the Galveston-Houston area. Each Conference has a leadership team: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Spiritual Advisor. More than 1.7k Vincentians are growing spiritually as friends to serve those in need. Vincentians A Vincentian is the name given to a commissioned member of the Society. Vincentians put their faith into action by responding to the needs of people regardless of race, creed, age, gender, or legal status. The vocation of a Vincentian is to follow Christ through service to those in need and bear witness to His compassionate and liberating love. Members show their commitment by visiting people in their homes and performing special works to alleviate the suffering of those in crisis.

St.Vincent Times Take a look at the newsletters you might have missed this past year! Newsletter Archives October 2025 SVDP Newsletter October 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter October 15, 2025 January 2025 SVDP Newsletter January 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter January 15, 2025 April 2025 SVDP Newsletter April 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter April 15, 2025 July 2025 SVDP Newsletter July 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter July 15, 2025 November 2024 SVDP Newsletter November 1, 2024 SVDP Newsletter November 15, 2024 February 2025 SVDP Newsletter February 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter February 15, 2025 May 2025 SVDP Newsletter May 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter May 15, 2025 August 2025 SVDP Newsletter August 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter August 15, 2025 December 2024 SVDP Newsletter December 2, 2024 SVDP Newsletter December 15, 2024 March 2025 SVDP Newsletter March1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter March 15, 2025 June 2025 SVDP Newsletter June 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter June 15, 2025 September 2025 SVDP Newsletter September 1, 2025 SVDP Newsletter September 15, 2025

Underserved Communitites Initiative places millions of dollars in the at-risk and distressed areas throughout the Galveston Houston area. Underserved Communities Where we serve determines what we see, and what we see ultimately shapes our actions as ONE Society. The Underserved Communities Initiative began in 2021, leveraging data from the The Distressed Communities Index measures the economic well-being of U.S. communities. A grant funding program for Conferences was launched in May 2022 to illuminate ground-level disparities across the Greater Houston area. This funding is designated ONLY to zip code areas identified as "at-risk" or "distressed" with the intent to prevent the number of unhoused children, families, and senior citizens living on the streets of Houston. Purpose Create healthy, vibrant Conferences to continuously serve the Galveston-Houston area, and I ncrease the mission's impact in the at-risk and distressed communities. IMPACT IN GREATER HOUSTON More than 2.2M of financial assistance has been provided to almost 20K people in at-risk and distressed communities across the Galveston-Houston area. CHILDREN >5K prevented from being unhoused and displaced UTILITIES > 5K remained connected SENIORS >1K with extremely low incomes prevented from becoming unhoused Impact story Rebecca A young, single mom reached out for assistance with her overdue rent. Her difficulties began when her roommate, who had been contributing to the rent, moved out, leaving her to cover the entire cost. Compounding her challenges, Rebecca's car required significant repairs that she could not afford, leading her to dispose of it. Shortly after, she lost her job, and Vincentians successfully advocated for the removal of her late fees, bringing her account to a zero balance. Since then, Rebecca has found a job as an assistant therapist, working with autistic children at a location accessible by bus. She is incredibly grateful for the support and kindness we have shown her. Grant Funded Conferences Holy Family - Galveston St. Albert - Fondren/ Southwest St. Ambrose - Northside St. Frances De Sales - Sharpstown St. Hyacinth - Deer Park St. Mary Purification - Third Ward St. Monica - Acres Homes St. Patrick - Kashmere Gardens St. Philip Neri - Sunnyside St. Thomas the Apostle - Huntsville St. Thomas Aquinas - Alief St. Thomas More - Westbury Two grant funding cycles to Conferences each year: October - March April - September 2025 Report 2024 Report 2023 Report Conference Requirements Historical deficiency in financial and/or human capacity to serve the community. Have a minimum of 12 active members conducting 2 Conference meetings each month. Conduct recruitment events and onboarded a minimum of 2 new members within the past year. Conduct home visits in an at-risk or distressed zip code area. Use CMS (Case Management System) for monthly Conference reports and home visit data. Conference assessment recently completed. Regularly submit impact stories for continuous fundraising efforts. Attend Formation events. Preventing Homelessness Requires YOUR Help Your money helps to keep children, families, and seniors safe in their homes. Ways to Give

← back to homepage Thank you to supporters like you! Your generosity has allowed the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help families and neighbors in need across the greater Galveston-Houston area since 1871. Thank you for helping us continue this vital work. Donate today.

Donate your truck, motorcycle, or trailer to the Society. If it has a motor, it is a vehicle. Working or not working. FREE PICK-UP. Vehicle Donations Frequently Asked Questions 1. Why should you donate your unwanted car? The income generated from your vehicle donation is used to help those in need. 2. In what condition should my vehicle be in? No matter what condition your vehicle is in, the Society can use the value proceeds to help an individual or family get closer to self-sufficiency. 3. Where do I drop off my vehicle? You don’t. We pick it up for you – for FREE. 5. How will my vehicle donation help? The proceeds help our programs – Home Visit, Food Network, Voucher, and Disaster Relief. 6. Is my vehicle donation tax deductible? YES! Our National Vehicle Donation Program will send you a tax-deductible receipt. 7. What kind of vehicles do you accept? Cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, boats, and more. Ready to donate a vehicle? Start Process

Val Senegal CEO Kirk Vogeley Finance Sandra Achury CPO Council Board Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Patricia Dornak President Deacon Charlie Buhay Spiritual Advisor Janice Chatham District 4 President Franchelle Lee At-Large Member William "Bill" Murto Vice President Vivian Salazar District 1 President Ladd Puskus District 5 President Rick Plaeger At-Large Member Chase Angelle Treasurer Patricia Davis District 2 President Robin Riley District 6 President Angelique Pereira Secretary Robert "Bob" Miller District 3 President Yolanda Capelo District 7 President Val Senegal CEO/ Executive Director Sandra Achury Chief Program Officer Kirk Vogeley Director of Finance