The St. Vincent
DePaul Society is a community of lay Catholics whose mission is to assist the
poor and needy through prayer and action. Assistance is provided on a short-term
basis as our goal is to return the family members to self-sufficiency and full
participation in the community. The society provides help with food, clothing,
and furniture. It also can provide assistance with bills such as rent, heat,
utilities and prescription medications, as well as providing referrals for
counseling to community, state, federal and religious organizations and
agencies. Funds are provided through Poor Box donations, selling supermarket
certificates and through separate gifts. The society sponsors special food and
gift programs for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter which are supported by the
generous contributions of our parishioners.
Membership exists at three levels: active members participate in meetings and
charitable activities on a regular basis, associate members help periodically,
and contributing members provide assistance through donations of money, food, or
other items. The society meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month in the
church at 7:00 PM. We warmly welcome new members.
How do people receive assistance?
Individuals and families who are in need and live within the
parish boundaries are urged to contact the Society for confidential help.
Two members of the Society will arrange a visit in order to better
understand the situation and to determine what form of aid will be most
helpful. In some cases, St. Vincent de Paul Society is the only contact
people have with the Catholic Church.
What kinds of help can the Society provide?
The Society can give short-term help with food, clothing,
some furniture and assistance with meeting bills such as rent, heat,
utilities and prescription medications. Additionally, when necessary,
referrals may be provided to other resources and government agencies.
The Society particularly desires to prevent homelessness.
What is the goal of the Society in terms of those requesting
help?
Our goal is to return the family members to self-sufficiency
and full participation in the community while respecting their God-given
dignity.
What can we do to help?
Food donations are gratefully received at the church. Most
clothing donations must be taken to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop
in Medford, due to space limitations. Occasionally we conduct drives for
specific items. Holiday dinners are received on behalf of the poor for
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Financial donations may be made through the
Poor Boxes at church and by check. Parishioners are urged to pray
constantly for the poor and consider becoming members of the Society.
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