Op-ed: The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Southern Portage County

Too much month left at the end of your money? Unexpected expenses? Maybe the St. Vincent de Paul Society can help.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society, a nonprofit organization, was founded in Paris, France in the early 1800’s by a college student named Fredric Ozanam. He and a group of friends visited the homes of the poor, bringing them food, clothing, support and fellowship.

Today the Catholic Society is international. In southern Portage County, the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s only conference is comprised of those who seek to live their faith, loving and committing themselves to their neighbors in need from the St. John Neumann Parish (St. Josephs’ Church in Randolph and St. Peter of the Fields Church in Rootstown).

If you live in the communities of Atwater, Randolph, Brimfield, Charlestown, Deerfield, Edinburg, Mogadore, North Benton, Palmyra, Rootstown and Suffield, and need assistance, please call 234-207-0291 to reach our conference.

We have provided assistance for a wide range of services: rent, utilities, medical needs, car repairs, or funeral expenses. In 2023, 42 households received over $6,500 in times of need and we would like to do more in 2024.

Please feel free to call at any time. We will answer questions, help you with your needs and, if necessary, direct you to more help. Spread the word so we can support the people in our communities who need it.

Our largest yearly fundraiser is coming up July 12th through the 14th at the St Joseph Festival in Randolph. Look for our booth as we will be selling tickets for prizes that can include restaurant gift cards, event gift cards, wine/fun baskets, picnic tables, car maintenance, and more totaling over $3,000 in prizes. Please join us at the St. Joseph Festival to learn more about us and enjoy live music, food and fellowship.

For more information, please call 234-207-0291.