Join a Conference

Life can be tough.

A medical crisis, a family emergency, a lost job—it doesn’t take much to become overwhelmed and in need of a little help. Maybe it’s a prayer or a shoulder to cry on. Maybe it’s help paying the bills. It can happen to any of us, not just those living on the edge of poverty. This is why members of St. Vincent de Paul—known as Vincentians—serve.

The core of our Society’s work is done by more than 1,100 Vincentians who serve in 56 St. Vincent de Paul Conferences across Hamilton County. A Conference is a small group of Vincentians, typically associated with a parish or school, who visit those in need to assess their situations and help however possible.

Gifted with an awareness that our blessings should be shared with others, Vincentians are granted the opportunity to give back—to make a difference in their community. It doesn’t require great skill, just a great heart.

What you need to know

You decide how much time you can give. Anyone willing to lend a hand is welcome to join. There are abundant opportunities to give back in ways that fit your busy life. Even just a few hours of your time are very precious to those in need, and the time you devote to works of charity is small compared to the gratification and spiritual growth you receive in return.

Vincentians are not professionally trained social workers. Vincentians are people who want to serve as Jesus did—with unconditional love. We pray with our neighbors, we listen, we care.

The neighbors we serve need your talents, your know-how, your concern, your love. All of us have perspective and expertise to contribute, and working together we can make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives.

We help get problems solved. We respond to emergency needs for food, clothing, furniture, rent, utilities and medication through direct help and referrals. Sometimes we can even help neighbors identify and create plans to become more self-sufficient.

We promote dignity and respect. Neighbors in need are met on an equal basis, at their level, never looked down upon, and always with the thought that they are our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.