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  • Leadership at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Houston

    Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston Houston Council Leadership Ann Schorno Executive Director Val Senegal Chief Program Officer Kirk Vogeley Director of Finance Pura Santangelo Director of Vincentian Services Daniella Marquez Director of Development Board Members Gerardo Rivera President ​ Patricia Dornak District 1 President Robin Riley District 6 President ​ Michael Zarich Vice President ​ Patricia Davis District 2 President ​ Yolanda Capelo District 7 President Ajoy Menezes Treasurer ​ Stacy Medrano District 3 President ​ Maureen O'Connell, OP At Large Member Connie Steward Secretary ​ Janice Chatham District 4 President ​ Ann Schorno* Executive Director ​ ​ Deacon Charlie Buhay Spiritual Advisor ​ Ladd Puskus District 5 President ​ ​ ​

  • Underserved Communities Initiative | Archdiocese Galveston Hou

    Underserved Communities Where we serve determines what we see, and what we see ultimately shapes our actions as a Society. The Underserved Communities Initiative began in 2021 leveraging data from the Distressed Communities Index is a tool for measuring the comparative 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 areas. 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. Grant Funded Conferences Holy Family - Galveston St. Ambrose St. Mary Purification - Third Ward St. Monica - Acres Homes St. Patrick - North Houston St. Philip Neri - Sunnyside St. Thomas the Apostle - Huntsville St. Thomas Aquinas - Sugarland St. Thomas More ​ 2022 Report 2023 Report Two grant cycles each year: ​ October - March April - September ​ Minimum Requirements Serve an "at-risk" or "distressed" zip code area. Utilize CMS for monthly reporting. Have a minimum of 8-11 members. Recently completed a Conference assessment or completed the Conference Revitalization process.

  • Donate to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Houston

    FORBES Society of St. Vincent de Paul AMERICA’S TOP 100 CHARITIES 2023 The mission cannot continue without you. If you do not see your choice of giving below, please email: development@svdphouston.org There are many ways you can be a blessing to others in need. Your donation to the Society takes only a moment but the impact lasts a lifetime. Call Email Mail a check We accept donations in the form of a check. Please make sure to make the checkout to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul c/o Development 2403 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77021 Honorarium or Memorial Fund Make a gift in honor of or in memory of a loved one; the Society will send a letter to the recipient or the recipient's family letting them know of your gift. The amount of your gift is not disclosed. We will send you a tax acknowledgment letter. Donate Online Employer Matching Check with your employer to find out if the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is eligible for the company's matching gift program. Matching gifts double the amount of impact. Planned Giving Plan ahead and leave a legacy for years to come. Your eternal gift can be in the form of a bequest, life insurance, IRAs, stock, or charitable annuities. Leave a Legacy Stocks Instead of donating the after-tax proceeds from the sale of your appreciated securities, consider increasing your impact by donating stocks, bonds, and mutual funds directly to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul through the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Stock Donation Form Endowment An endowment is a fund of assets, the principal of which is held in perpetuity and invested for the organization to receive distributions. Endowed funds are invested with a long-term goal of achieving investment returns that exceed distributions. Endowment Forms

  • new draft | Archdiocese Galveston Hou

    Underserved Communities Initiative Underserved Communities Grant Program Where we serve determines what we see, and what we see ultimately shapes our actions as a Society. GREATER HOUSTON At Risk & Distressed areas > 890K Funds Distributed > 3.5k Evaded Evictions > 1 K Seniors > 2K Children > 1K Utilities Remain connected Underserved Communities Initiative Began in 2021 leveraging data from the Distressed Communities Index , which is a tool for measuring the comparative economic well-being of U.S. communities. To illuminate ground-level disparities across the Greater Houston areas, a grant funding program was launched in May 2022. ​ This funding for Conferences 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 . 2022 REPORT Preventing Homelessness requires YOUR HELP. Make a difference today. Your money helps keep children, families and seniors in underserved communities remain in their homes during a financial crisis. DONATE Home Visit The essential elements of the Society are spirituality, friendship, and service. These elements are the essence of a home visit with those who are in immediate need of assistance. By visiting their homes, Vincentians experience first-hand their living conditions and needs. Although Vincentians are not case workers, they do undergo special training to learn how to interact with the diverse communities of the Greater Houston area in a compassionate manner. Families are provided the dignity deserved when Vincentians allow the Holy Spirit to guide their interaction with the individual and their family members. INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VINCENTIAN? Our local parish-based chapters are always in need of new volunteers. We have 58 chapters throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. You do not have to be Catholic to be a Vincentian. Email our Vincentian Services Specialist for more details. EMAIL The Society serves numerous zip codes through Conferences located throughout 10 counties. ​ To determine if you are within the Society's service area, call 713. 741.8234 Disaster Relief When disaster strikes, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul steps in to help our community recover from what can sometimes be a devastating and life-altering loss. Although we are not first responders, our network synergistically collaborates in disaster areas once the location has been deemed safe to enter. The Society provides help with the basic essentials to get people back on their feet. Want to help when disaster strikes? ​Volunteer, give financially, or donate in-kind items from online wish lists. Drop off your items at a local parish Conference. VOLUNTEER GIVE FINANCIALLY AMAZON WISHLIST WALMART WISHLIST

  • Daughters of Italian Heritage St. Josephs Virtual Fundraiser

    The Daughters of Italian Heritage will hold a virtual St. Joseph's Table Fundraiser March 14-22, 2022. During this time, m embers can support the Society's Food Network through this page. ​ A special thank you to all members and friends of the Daughters of Italian Heritage for supporting the Society's mission of providing person-to-person service. Your support of more than 15 years has helped so many families across the Greater Houston Area have access to fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, grains, and other healthy food options. The Society's food network is made up for one central distribution center and 23 parish-based food pantries. ​ To donate, click one of the giving options below. You will then be redirected to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's secure site for processing donations. $10.00 $25.00 $50.00 $100.00 Other To learn more about how your donation will help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's programs, please review our 2020 Annual Report. ​ ​

  • Underserved Communities Initiative | Archdiocese Galveston Hou

    Underserved Communities Grant Program Where we serve determines what we see, and what we see ultimately shapes our actions as a Society. The Underserved Communities Initiative began in 2021 leveraging data from the Distressed Communities Index , which is a tool for measuring the comparative economic well-being of U.S. commu nities. To illuminate ground-level disparities across the Greater Houston areas, a grant funding program was launched in May 2022. This funding for Conferences 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. IMPACT MADE ACROSS GREATER HOUSTON By September 2023, more than 890K of direct aid has been distributed to more than 3.5K in at-risk and distressed zip code areas. CHILDREN >2K prevented from being unhoused and displaced UTILITIES > 1k remained connected SENIORS >1K with extremely low incomes prevented from becoming unhoused 2022 Report 2023 Report Impact story Sheila A resilient parent of three sons faced heart attacks, a stroke, Crohn's disease, and hip issues. Sheila was able to manage her bills with the help of one of her sons, who lives in Texas City; however, Sheila's son faced a financial setback after contracting COVID-19 three times. Covering her own living expenses became increasingly difficult, and while on a month-to-month lease, she faced a sudden rent increase. In this critical moment, Sheila turned to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for support. After past due rent was verified by one of the Vincentians during a home visit, the Conference approved paying a portion of the unpaid rent directly to the leasing office; Shelia's son paid the remaining portion. ​ The Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to provide financial assistance because of the Underserved Communities Program grant funds. Grant Program Impact "We are so very indebted to the donors who make these funds available. We have been blessed to be able to help so many people with financial assistance greater than what our conference can provide. Our donors should feel proud that we are making their donations count. May God Bless. " - St. Thomas Moore Conference President Preventing Homelessness Requires YOUR HELP Your money helps keep children, families and seniors in underserved communities remain in their homes during a financial crisis. DONATE

  • Financial Information for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Houston

    Financial Information Prudent stewardship and accountability is the Board's top priority. Careful management of operational resources in a business-like manner is necessary to continuously fulfill the mission of the Society. 2023 Annual Report 2023 Community Impact Report Tax and Accounting Documents: 501c3 IRS Letter Most Recent Form 990 Most Recent Independent Audit Report FORBES Society of St. Vincent de Paul AMERICA’S TOP 100 CHARITIES 2023

  • 2023 Black Bag Collection - Toolkit | Society of St. Vincent de Paul

    2023 Black Bag Collection COMMUNICATIONS TOOLKIT FOR PARISHES & CONFERENCES WEEKEND OF JULY 8-9, 2023 or JULY 22-23, 2023 UPDATE : We would like to inform parishes that you have the flexibility to choose the most suitable date for the 2023 Black bag special collection. You may opt to hold the collection on either of the following weekends: July 8-9, 2023 or July 22-23, 2023 . Alternatively, if it aligns with your parish's needs and preferences, you are welcome to conduct the collection on both weekends. We deeply appreciate your understanding and flexibility in accommodating this change. Your support and participation are vital to the success of the Society's mission in helping those in need within our community. We are grateful for your continued support and dedication to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. DOWNLOAD PDF GUIDE What is the Black Bag Collection? The Black Bag Collection is an annual opportunity for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to reach more than 1.7 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and ask for their help to support the poor and vulnerable in our community. The collection is a symbol of ONE SOCIETY coming together to help those in need. We rely heavily on this major source of funds for the Society to continue to accommodate the needs of our brothers and sisters who are without basic life essentials—most of which we so often take for granted. In 1833, our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and the original members realized they needed money to fund their good works of charity. Because the giving capacity of the members varied, they decided to pass around a simple black bag so that each member could give what they could afford to give. Today, we continue this tradition. ​ Parishes may opt to hold the special Black Bag Collection during the weekend of JULY 8-9, 2023 or JULY 22-23, 2023 . We ask for your generosity to continue serving our neighbors in need. Parish Bulletin Announcements ENGLISH Please support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection the weekend of July 22-23, 2023 . Donations will help the Society provide food, clothing and financial assistance to families struggling to make ends meet. With the increasing cost of living, your support can make a difference. SPANISH La Sociedad de San Vicente de Paul los invita a participar en la Colecta Anual de la Bolsa Negra el 22-23 de Julio del 2023 . Sus donaciones ayudaran la misión de proveer necesidades básicas, como comida, ropa y ayuda financiera, a familias con escasos recursos. VIETNAMESE Xin hỗ trợ chương trình gây quỹ hằng năm của Hội Thánh Vinh Sơn Phaolô vào cuối tuần ngày 22–23, Tháng Bảy năm 2023 . Mọi đóng góp sẽ được dùng vào việc mua thực phẩm, quần áo, yểm trợ tài chính cho những gia đình gặp hoàn cảnh khó khăn. Với lạm phát đang gia tăng, sự đóng góp của quý vị có thể thay đổi cuộc sống của họ. Flocknote Messages Email #1 Send around July 13, 2023 (Subject Line) July 22-23, 2023: Annual Black Bag Collection ​ The Society of St. Vincent de Paul will be holding their Annual Black Bag Collection the weekend of July 22-23, 2023. Our parish needs your help to support one of the oldest Catholic organizations serving the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. There are more than 1.7 million Catholics in our Archdiocese. With your help, we can strengthen our network of charity programs that provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to the struggling working-poor in our area. Donate or learn more about the Black Bag collection at: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag . Email #2 Send around July 20, 2023 (Subject Line) July 22-23, 2023: Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection is the organization’s single, largest fundraiser. The funds raised are used towards program support and general operations support to keep the programs running. Please consider making a gift this weekend July 22-23, 2023 , in support of the Society. Last year, your support helped over 49,000 people! Learn more about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s community impact at www.svdphouston.org/blackbag . . Social Media Posts The parish social media coordinator can use these posts to help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul spread the word about the Black Bag Collection. Please make sure to tag the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in your social media posts! Find us on social media using the accounts below or look for us under Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. If you cannot find us, please use #SVDPHouston. Post #1 Publish the week of June 26, 2023 Mark your calendar! JULY 22-23, 2023. Join your fellow parishioners in donating to the Annual Black Bag Collection of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Unlike many of our local Catholic organizations, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul does not receive DSF Funding. Your generosity will help their programs serve people in our community with food, financial assistance, and other much needed basic needs. Visit their website for more information: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag #BB2023 #SVDPHouston Post #4 Publish the week of July 17, 2023 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Annual Black Bag Collection will be active between JULY 22-23, 2023. Please be generous in your giving during this weekend's special collection. Thank you for all your support in ensuring the success of the Society’s largest fundraiser of the year. #BB2023 #SVDPHouston Post #2 Publish the week of July 3 , 2023 Join your fellow parishioners next month (JULY 22-23, 2023) in supporting the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, one of Houston’s oldest Catholic organizations serving the needs of the poor through their unique Home Visit Ministry. In 2022, the Society helped 6,300 households with rental assistance. The average assistance provided was $435 per household. Check out their 2022 Impact Report to learn more about their services: www.svdphouston.org/blackbag. #BB2023 #SVDPHouston Post #3 Publish the week of Ju ly 10 , 2023 Please consider donating to the Society’s Annual Black Bag Collection next weekend, JULY 22-23, 2023, to continue fueling the services provided by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Last year, volunteers of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul spent 140,000 hours serving our friends and neighbors living in the Greater Houston Area. Our communities are stronger because of these amazing volunteers. Their contributions are a critical component of the Society’s core mission of providing person-to-person service to all in need. #BB2023 #SVDPHouston Downloadable Graphics to Share Please feel free to download any or all of these graphics to share via Flocknote, social media posts or in your parish bulletin.

  • Donate your vehicle to Society of St. Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

    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

  • Systemic Change Initiative | Archdiocese Galveston Hou

    Systemic Change Initiative Promoting systemic change means offering holistic support that empowers those we serve to make their way out of poverty and into-self-sufficiency. GETTING AHEAD PROGRAM LEARN MORE APPLY TO PROGRAM Sessions begin in January & July each year APPLY TODAY Program Goals Working in a group learning environment, participants, become "investigators", and learn how money is only one of eleven resources to achieve success. Resources participants learn to move from crisis to sustainability: Social Capital Support System: Friends, family, network. Relationship/Role model : Access to people who can help improve your outcomes. Motivation & Persistence: Energy, drive and planning Financial: How to use money to purchase assets and services. Emotional: Ability to control emotional responses, increase Integrity, build trust, and maintain safety. Physical: Health and mobility Knowledge of Hidden rules: Know unspoken cues and behaviors of different social environments. Spiritual: Belief in divine purpose. Language: Ability to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar for different social environments Mental: Cognitive capacity to master daily life challenges. Program Benefits Become an Investigator If you’ve spent part of your life—or most of your life—struggling to get by, the idea of actually getting ahead might seem out of reach. Even if your story has been filled with barriers, vanishing opportunities, and setbacks, this program can change your next chapter. Yes, you have to write your own story, but you don’t have to do it alone. APPLY TODAY UNDERSTANDING OF THE HIDDEN RULES DIVERSE SUPPORT NETWORK STRATEGIC PLANNING PARTICIPATION STIPEND Getting Ahead Program Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World is a 16-week series for motivated people ready to change their life by acquiring the tools and support necessary to "get ahead" in today’s world. ​ Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World takes participants on a step-by-step journey to discover resources and build the resiliency necessary to overcome life's obstacles. This program helps participants build the life they want. APPLY Sessions Include the Following Modules: 01 01 01 MY LIFE NOW Investigate poverty; what is it like for us and our community? 02 02 02 THEORY OF CHANGE Be free from solving the same problems over and over again. 03 03 03 RICH/POOR GAP Research on causes of poverty; understand poverty from different perspectives. 04 04 04 HIDDEN RULES OF ECONOMIC CLASS Learn, understand, and be able to use the Hidden "Rules" of the wealthy, middle class and impoverished. 05 05 05 IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE Investigate formal register and negotiation tools. 06 06 06 ELEVEN RESOURCES Investigate societal, community, relational, emotional, and financial resources. 07 07 07 SELF ASSESMENT OF RESOURCES Conduct self-assessments. 08 08 08 COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT Deeper investigation of community resources. 09 09 09 BUILDING RESOURCES Create a treasure chest to achieve economic stability. 10 10 10 PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY PLANS Develop a detailed plan for your future. Only 12 participants per cohort. Participants are chosen based on the information in the application, along with their willingness to fully participate in all sessions. Sessions are held virtually. Equipment is provided. Getting Ahead GRADUATE Program The second phase elevates participants' commitment to improving their own lives. Mentors become their teammate to provide the encouragement in achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability. Cohort '23 Cohort '23 Assists Graduates with developing a pragmatic action plan to their vision of a better life. Guides Graduates in building financial, social, and emotional resources. Provides Graduate with incentives once successes and milestones are achieved. 6 MONTH GRADUATE PROGRAM MUST FIRST COMPLETE THE 16-WEEK GETTING AHEAD PROGRAM Getting Ahead ALUMNI Program Continue your journey. Become an Ambassador. Join the ALUMNI program. Continues exploring key community resources to maintain self-sufficiency. Provides educational workshops and online resources to stay motivated on journey. ONGOING PROGRAM Hosts community job fairs , networking opportunities and recognition events throughout the year. Provides alumni participants the opportunity to become mentors, facilitators, and even Vincentians to continue strengthening the community. MUST FIRST COMPLETE THE 6 MONTH GRADUATE PROGRAM Participant Experience Christy Christy loved the getting ahead program. She states it was instrumental for her personal and professional growth. Christy has learned systemic poverty and how to overcome it. Although she remains at her current job, she states she now has a better insight on how to look for better opportunities. Christy has gone through the 16 week getting ahead program, graduate program and is now helping facilitate alumni program. Mary Mary had lost her job and had no income for over 3 months. Due to her lack of knowledge about available resources, this was a difficult situation to overcome. After participating in the Getting Ahead program, she has started to work through her situations and begin a new path to financial stability. Mary continues to refer other individuals to the program and hopes to become a facilitator for the program to help others around her. Gloria Gloria shares that the getting ahead program is an open environment to discuss situations that have impacted you, and how the resources provided in the program helped resolve those issues. She says what she liked the most was that resources cam from both mentors and other participants in the program. Gloria would like to participate more with the community and expand the information she has received in the prgram. Submit your application for the New Cohort: Application Become a Facilitator or Mentor by contacting: gettingahead@svdphouston.org ​ Join in prayer for the program participants by clicking HERE Share Brochure and Poster with your church members.

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