The St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/ Goulburn is a not-for-profit organisation made up primarily of passionate members and volunteers, supported by a number of dedicated staff. The work of the Society is funded through donations, enterprises run by the Society, and some government funding. As a lay Catholic organisation, the Society does not receive any direct funding from the Catholic Church. Vinnies helps people in need in a number of ways, giving them a ‘hand up’ and support to make life-changing decisions. The types of assistance offered differs from situation to situation, but our mission remains central to our services.
OUR MISSION
The Society is a lay Catholic organisation that aspires to live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society.
HOW WE HELP
For over 180 years, Home Visitation and Emergency Relief has remained the core work of the Society. Inspired by the Society’s founders in 1833, our conference members (volunteers) continue to visit people in their homes or within Vinnies centres to provide support, friendship and material assistance. Conferences are the core group that gather together in prayer and friendship as they respond to calls for help from those in their local area. The conference responds on a person to person basis always with two members working alongside and accompanying those seeking assistance. This help is directly related to the specific needs of the individual, and can include, among other things, assistance with food, utility bills, clothing, education support, or connection to services.
We also have specialist programs to provide a ‘hand up’ to people experiencing disadvantage. These include our Night Patrol vans which provide refreshments and material aid 364 nights a year to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness; Clemente, an adult education program offering a pathway to tertiary education for those who have experienced disadvantage and the St Nick’s Young Carers Program which provides respite and recreation to young people aged 9-17 who have caring responsibilities.
Our region covers the south east of NSW, from the Victorian border up the South Coast to Batemans Bay, across through Goulburn, through Harden and Young to West Wyalong and Lake Cargelligo, covering the Snowy Mountains and the ACT.
To find out more about Vinnies and our good works please visit our website
