Our Mission
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Mission Statement
Respecting the dignity of each person, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Northeast Ohio District Council brings hope and help to those in need,
so they may achieve stability and move toward self-sufficiency.
Vision Statement
Northeast Ohio District Council is to change the face of charity
and grow in faith, through service to others; one neighbor at a time.
Compassion in Action
Our mission is to provide life-changing support to individuals and families in need, offering resources that bring stability and hope.
Together, we can prevent homelessness, feed the hungry, and create sustainable futures.
Vincentian Spirituality:
Walking with our neighbors in need
The SVdP Northeast Ohio is guided by Vincentian
spirituality. This is a faith-centered commitment
to seeing Christ in every person we serve.
Our volunteers, known as Vincentians, grow
closer to God by walking alongside neighbors who are struggling, responding with
compassion, and bringing hope into the
hardest moments.
Through hands-on service, our members become more compassionate, more understanding, and more generous — reflecting the Gospel call at the heart of our mission:
"Love one another"
What Sets SVdP Apart
Our members’ dedication to spiritual growth
is what truly distinguishes our Society.
We don’t just collect food or raise funds.
We build relationships, restore dignity,
and help families in Northeast Ohio become
self-sufficient; and we grow in our faith.
Every act of service, from a home visit,
or assisting a young mother rebuild from
a life of domestic violence to providing
free hot meals each day to seniors,
is an expression of faith in action.
Our Guiding Principles
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio is guided by a set of core values rooted in Catholic social teaching, shaping how we serve neighbors in need across Trumbull, Portage and Ashtabula counties.
Justice & Charity — Serving with compassion in Northeast Ohio Driven by justice and charity, SVdP Northeast Ohio reaches out to individuals and families experiencing hardship, offering person-to-person help that treats every neighbor with dignity and respect.
Renewal & Adaptability — Adapting to meet our community’s needs True to the Vincentian spirit, our organization continuously evolves to address the changing needs of Northeast Ohio; from emergency food assistance to utility help and far beyond.
Open to All — A Catholic mission welcoming everyone Catholic in character but open to all who have a heart for service. SVdP Northeast Ohio welcomes volunteers and members of any background who want to live their faith by loving and serving their neighbors in need.
Human Dignity — Addressing root causes of poverty No act of charity is too small or too large for SVdP. We address immediate needs — food, shelter, clothing — but also work to eliminate the underlying causes of poverty in our region.
Unity & Equality — One family, united in service Members of SVdP Northeast Ohio stand together regardless of wealth, status, race or background. We form one family with those we serve, united by a shared commitment to community and care.
Our History
Frédéric Ozanam, a 20-year-old student at the Sorbonne, founded the first “Conference of Charity” with five friends after being challenged to show that faith translates into real-world action for the poor. Guided by Sr. Rosalie Rendu, they named their society after St. Vincent de Paul, the “Apostle of Charity.”
1845 — Arrives in America
The first U.S. conference was established in St. Louis, Missouri — just twelve years after its founding in Paris — and the mission spread quickly to Catholic parishes across the country.
1921 — First roots in our region
Parishes at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Stephen in Niles began informal Vincentian chapters, planting the earliest seeds of organized charitable service in the Mahoning Valley.
1930 — Official founding in Trumbull County
A group of dedicated men from St. Rose Church in Girard officially established the first formal SVdP Conference in Trumbull County, the true beginning of organized Vincentian ministry in Northeast Ohio.
1934 and beyond — Growing our network
Additional conferences quickly followed, including St. Mary in Warren (1934) and St. Stephen in Niles (1940), weaving SVdP deeper into the fabric of local Catholic communities.
Today — 95+ years and still going strong
The SVdP Northeast Ohio District Council now provides daily meals, multiple local food pantries, utility and rent assistance, emergency housing, clothing programs, workforce development, and much more — serving thousands of residents across Trumbull, Portage, and Ashtabula Counties every year.
Part of Something
Much Bigger
Our local District Council is part of one of the largest volunteer networks in the world, with more than 850,000 active members in 148 countries — all united by the same spirit of charity and friendship that Frédéric Ozanam brought to life nearly two centuries ago.
What sets us apart is our person-to-person approach: Vincentians don’t just donate — we show up at your door, listen, and respond to your specific situation with genuine care.
Your support is an act of trust...
We are committed to using your generosity with care,
transparency and purpose, so you can give with confidence.
Learn more about how we steward your support.