As Vincentians we are: A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
SVdP Grand Coteau has a goal: Be the hands and feet of Jesus. If you have a need, we want the chance to help. The reason we want a chance to help is simple: We’ve all been there. We’re all the product and result of someone else’s charity, love, selflessness and giving. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive, and we get to experience the blessing of giving and helping every day. We’re here to help you.
In the spirit of love and justice, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of SVdP provides person-to-person services to help our neighbors in need. SVdP respects the dignity of every person. We provide Safety-Net services for families and individuals in our community who are often suffering, forgotten and deprived — the working poor, the homeless, the incarcerated, and all people living on the margins. We also seek systemic change solutions to move people out of poverty.
Sharon* & her 4 daughters had just moved into a rental home in May. This was the first real home she & her girls could share that was their own. Not long after Sharon was sick with COVID & got behind on her bills. She was desperate not to lose the house & reached out to us for help. When she got the news that St Vincent de Paul would pay her rent, she could not speak, only sob for several minutes. It is so gratifying & an honor to help those in need.
In February, Kaylee*, reached out to us. As a single mother of two, she fell into a more difficult situation when an eye surgery left her legally blind. She lost her job, but we were able to find an anonymous donor to pay her rent & assist her with receiving food stamps & disability. When we discovered that her children had missed out on Christmas, I was able to buy gifts, wrap them in Christmas paper & deliver them. The children & their mom were all so excited!
Robert* is a man with congestive heart failure & a pacemaker. His work at a temp service pays him weekly & he has been struggling to pay doctor bills, utilities, & rent. He can only afford to buy his medication a week at a time. He has not qualified for food stamps, so, in addition to helping him with these monetary needs we were able to assist him with getting on disability. His outlook is improving & he is feeling very blessed to have had help from St Vincent de Paul.
A woman with two children had lost her job. She was so very grateful for the help she received from St Vincent de Paul that she said that God had paid them a visit!! Her hope is that someday she can pay it forward!
My family & I wish to extend our hearts to you with the humblest gratitude for the monetary & spiritual help you provided recently. At a time when we are experiencing serious hardships & various troubles, your kindness has brought hope to us. “Thank you” is just not enough, so please know of your inclusion in our daily prayers for your continuous efforts to be His hands & feet.
