WHO WE ARE

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is made up of women and men who seek union with God through serving the poor with love and justice. We try to see the face of Christ in those who are suffering and hope that they feel God’s love in the way we treat them.

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Not a social service agency, we help people on a one-to-one basis, mainly through visiting people in their homes at times of crisis. It is this personalized approach that makes the work of the Society unique. Money to support our programs comes from donations from our members, our parishioners, other donors and income from our thrift store. 

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In Racine county, Vincentian groups are made up of members from several local Catholic churches who work together to bring help and hope to our neighbors in need so they may find stability and move toward self-sufficiency.  We have helped the needy in Racine County since 1934.

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We are an international Catholic group who help anyone regardless of race, religion, or background. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a non-profit registered 501(c)(3) organization.

HISTORY

1833 Paris, France – Frederic Ozanam, our founder, established the first local group or “conference”. St. Vincent de Paul, who lived in 16th century France, was the model for the Society because of his service and spirituality.

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1845 The first conference in the United States was established in St. Louis, Missouri.

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1913 The first conference in Wisconsin was established in Milwaukee.

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1934 The first conferences in Racine County were established at Sacred Heart and St. Edward Catholic Churches in the city of Racine.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

  • International Council, Paris, France

    • 150 countries, 5 continents, 44,600 conferences and 800,000 members

  • USA National Council, St. Louis, Missouri

    • 64,300 Active and 27,083 Associate Members

    • A total of more than 150,000 members in 8 regions throughout the US

  • Currently there are three conferences in the Racine District Council, each with members from several parishes. Interested Catholics from other parishes are invited to join us as active members.

    • Racine North Side – St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta Conference

      • Sacred Heart Parish

      • St. Joseph Parish

      • St. John Nepomuk Parish

      • St. Rita Parish

    • Racine South Side – Our Lady of Guadalupe Conference

      • St. Edward Parish

      • St. Patrick Parish

      • St. Richard Parish

    • Burlington Area - Good Shepherd Conference

      • St. Charles Parish, Burlington

      • St. Mary Parish, Burlington

      • St. Joseph Parish, Lyons