Rita St. Pierre, president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Providence, a Catholic lay organization that, among other things, provides person-to-person [or in home] comfort and financial assistance to those in need from a volunteer base that she said includes many longtime members she believes are inspired by personal fulfillment from giving back.
Last year, St. Vincent Providence members provided 36, 851 hours in volunteer service to more than 67,000 people throughout the year during which, St. Pierre said, there has been an increased demand on counseling and financial aid due to the state’s high unemployment rate.
PBN: Are there any personality traits necessary or more beneficial to have if someone wants to become a member? Might some be worried they won’t be a good person-to-person volunteer?
ST. PIERRE: We welcome all kinds of people to help serve the poor as Vincentians. While personalities, ethnic heritage, age, and geography may vary, our members are unified in their commitment to service and their desire to improve the lives of others. Our founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam said “Yours must be a work of love, of kindness; you must give your time, your talents, yourselves.” Anyone willing to give of themselves is welcome.
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PBN: What are other ways people can volunteer without being a person-to-person caregiver?
ST. PIERRE: We don’t see ourselves as caregivers, rather as compassionate friends of those in need. Those who don’t wish to have face-to-face contact with people in need can contribute in many other ways. There are three formal levels of membership: full members, associate members, and contributing members. As an associate, for example, a person might help out by stocking shelves in a food pantry, preparing food for a soup kitchen, or fundraising. We also welcome in-kind services. An electrician or oil company can provide in-kind or reduced rate services. One Rhode Island conference provided assistance to someone who needed a wheelchair ramp for their home and the construction work was done free of charge by associate members. Contributing members also play a crucial role. These volunteers provide regular financial support.
PBN: Does your makeup as a Catholic lay group bring any misconceptions with it?
ST. PIERRE: I do believe that there are individuals and businesses that are hesitant to become members or financially support the Society because of our Catholic heritage. They’re under the misperception that we operate as part of the church. This is an organization of lay people, however, and we welcome people from all faiths. WE honor our Catholic tradition and will not participate in any activities that are contrary to Catholic morals or faith but we are a welcoming, inclusive group, united by a desire to improve the lives of those in need.
PBN: How have you dealt with any fundraising challenges during tough economic times?
ST. PIERRE: With almost 200 years of experience behind us, we’re well equipped to manage in difficult financial times. I can’t say that the latest recession hasn’t been difficult. All our charitable works are being stretch to the limit. An increase in requests has required Vincentians to get more creative with fundraising and to rely more on community support. This year our annual Friends of the Poor Walk/Run raised $50,000- much more than ever before. More Vincentians reached out for donations, more participated and we added WJAR-TV NBC 10 and CMRK Industries as our first corporate sponsors.
PBN: Are the holidays a more critical time for your organization?
ST. PIERRE: As with all agencies providing assistance to those in need, the holidays can be very busy with requests for food baskets and Christmas gifts. However, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul often sees more need when the holidays are behind us. Frequently, requests for assistance increase when other agencies run out of funds or when the winter moratorium on heating and utility shut-offs end. We provide assistance with needs that no other agencies can. We have no applications, filing deadlines or paperwork. We’re nimble, we’re responsive, and we don’t just put band aids on situations. We are willing to walk with others on their journey out of poverty regardless of how long that might take.
