Society of St Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Chicago
BUILDING A BETTER TOMORROW FOR THOSE IN NEED
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Food Pantries and Programs
We operate over 40 food pantries in Cook and Lake Counties and deliver hot meals to the homes of the elderly and to families during the holidays. In 2020, our volunteer-led programs helped over 52,414 people with utility bills, rent, food, transportation, and medical expenses.
Thrift Stores Voucher Program
We operate three thrift stores which provide the following:
1. A significant amount of sustainable annual revenue to the Society to support our various programs and services.
2. An Emergency Voucher Program for clothing, furniture and other household goods to help those in greatest need.
3. Low/affordable prices on our merchandise.
4. Employment opportunities for low-income individuals in the communities where our stores and warehouse are located.
Rent and Utility Assistance
Rental Assistance: Those in need of rental assistance due to hardships meet with our volunteer liaisons. We collect the needed information and they direct payment for rent in order to prevent those in need from becoming homeless.
Utility Assistance: We provide Utility Assistance for those to keep the heat going during our long winter season to ensure the health and welfare of families, mainly children.
Where we work
External reviews

Photos
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international non-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor and providing others with the opportunity to serve.
The Chicago Council has been assisting Cook County and Lake County families since 1857.
SVdP provides a number of greatly needed services to needy families and individuals in our community, including the very basics for human dignity such as food, shelter, and clothing. Additional help with utility bills, rent, transportation, medical expenses, and even emotional and spiritual support transforms the lives of many. We assisted approximately more than 840,000 community residents in Cook and Lake counties in a given year; people who wouldn't have had anywhere else to turn to for help without the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Programs include three thrift stores, 44 food pantries, dining rooms, and general assistance for individuals in need. Volunteer opportunities for those who would like to help the less fortunate in their community are available at our conferences (volunteer sites), thrift stores, events and main office at 2815 N. Kimball Ave, Chicago, IL 60618. In 2016 we open the Pope Francis Center - a case management facility gear to provide additional one-on-one service. Whether its the homeless needing assistance with IDs or shelter, or maybe being that friend that has time to sit down with you prepare a resume or a simple refresher to interview etiquette. At PFC we allow the need of those that come to our door determine how we help them.
Mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
"A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need."
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Open more thrift stores to create revenue for more programs
Diversify & Build a larger board that has a broad circle of influence.
Create a Gala to increase net proceeds
Increase our capacity for the services provided through "Pope Francis Center" for intensive case management and wrap around services to reach more people.
Expand the core capacity of the Society to have greater impact
move more product through our distribution hub for additional streams of revenue
Grow the number of conferences to serve desert areas of Cook & Lake
To collaborate with other organizations of good will
Develop our capacity to obtain grants, planned giving and major gifts
Feasibility study for capital campaign
Improve and streamline our stores and warehouse operations
Create a strong volunteer base to support programs and funding efforts.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Movement toward expansion of our board and it's influence
Strengthen our Brand and Awareness through marketing and social media.
Partnerships are being developed with the community organizations and other organizations that serve the poor.
Chairperson and committee for advocacy and collaborations through the Voice of the Poor program.
Development of key staff and volunteer support committees.
Placement of a PT dedicated staff member to expand the capacity of our volunteer work-sites from 120 to a minimum 10% increase in 2019.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Cash flow is being increased through the Thrift Stores Operation and warehouse credential sales.
Balanced Budget and expansion of board are works in progress.
Expanded our services to include more systemic change while still being there to the immediate needs.
Increased our disaster assistance services - house-in-box
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Society of St Vincent de Paul Archdiocese of Chicago
Board of directorsas of 11/04/2021
Mr. Harry Ohde
Holly Robinson
Mary Beth Wejman
David Kamper
Ann McCormick
Jim Ferguson
Jim Plepel
Steve Amann
Elizabeth Wakefield
Kristin McMurray-Schmelter
Edward Stachon
Jack Hughes
James Hohner
Pamela Matambanadzo
Harry Ohde
Paula Haynes
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data