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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 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.

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

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 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

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 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.

Youth and young adults are encouraged to start the journey of volunteerism early. ​ Interested in becoming a member, known as a Vincentian? ​ All volunteers are required to take the Safe Haven training (also known as Safe Environment) and complete a background check, which must be renewed every 5 years. Official Volunteer Application Safe Haven

← 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 at development@svdphouston.org or call 832-538-0327.

Get Involved Don't waste time, talents or treasures. Share your gifts with the world. Invest in your community now. Which Path to Choose? Volunteers are not official members, known as Vincentians, but help provide assistance to those in need. ​ Vincentians are active or associate members of the Society who are called by God to grow in spirituality through friendships and service. ​ Special Occasion allows you to turn your next event into a celebration with an impact! Tell us some dates you would like to host your event, your zip code area, and how many family and friends will be joining you. ​ ​ VOLUNTEER VINCENTIAN SPECIAL OCCASION No time to volunteer? 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. Each Conference has a leadership team: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Spiritual Advisor. ​ More than 2k Vincentians serving the needs of those in need. Elements of a Conference: Spirituality, Friendship, Service. ​ 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.