St. Vincent de Paul Society

Impact Statement

For the most recently completed operational year the 392 volunteer members of the SVDP Society made 1,897 home visits and conducted 2,151 office visits with those seeking assistance. Additional visits were made to individuals in hospitals, prisons, and eldercare institutions. A total of 23,482 men, women, and children were provided the assistance needed to regain or maintain their personal integrity and financial solvency. Volunteers donated 16,025 hours of service in support of those in need, provided in-kind professional services valued at $32,827, collected and distributed food, clothing, furniture, hard goods, and personal care items valued at $156,379. Volunteers and friends of the Society raised $589,086 to support individuals with utility payments, rent & mortgage payments, medical expenses, transportation and training.

Needs Statement

Requests for assistance far exceed the resources and manpower available within the Society. Volunteers are needed to respond to the inquiries received by 30 locations around the Denver Metropolitan area. Non-perishable food items, clothing, personal care items, and furniture are in great demand. Additional funds are needed to assist the utility assistance program which is experiencing increasing demands as heating costs reach record levels.

Background Statement

The first St. Vincent de Paul Conference (chapter) was established in Denver in 1888 and the Society has maintained a strong presence in the human services arena in Denver for the past 120 years. Although the Society is based on the philosophy and work of two prominent Catholics, the services are provided without regard to age, sex, race, creed, handicapping conditions, or place of origin. There are no spiritual obligations on the part of or expectations of those receiving any form of assistance.

Executive Director Statement

Due to the underlying philosophy and organizational structute of the SVDP Society there is only one paid Society employee in Denver. This means that almost every dollar donated to, or generated by the Society, is allocated in support of those in need. Funds are allocated and programs and services are developed and delivered at the local level, which allows these resouces to be focused in a way that will have the greatest impact on the individual and/or family.

Board Chair/President Statement

As outlined in the Mission Statement of the SVDP Society, we are organized locally and witness God's love by engaging in a wide variety of works of charity and justice. We collaborate with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served.

We are all volunteers who see great need and work tirelessly to support those struggling wth today's economic and social challenges. We do this with the resources provided by those who also see the need and are committed to making a difference in the lives of their fellow man.

I ask you to become part of this international effort by contributing what you can to support the work of the SVDP Society in the Denver Metropolitan area. What is raised here stays here to support the work of the 400 plus volunteers who believe "there is no work of charity that is foreign to the SVDP Society."