Your Central Hub for Accessing Essential Information for Conferences!
The Chicago Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is made up of 9 districts across Cook and Lake Counties. Within these nine districts, there are over 70 Conferences and 44 food pantries. We also undertake many special works that help solidify our presence in the Chicagoland area. This page contains useful information and documents for members only.
Please check this page frequently as updates and additional information will be added frequently.
If you have a question or need specific information, please email contact@svdpchicago.org.
Quick Links to Important Resources
SVdP Chicago Council Weekly Newsletters
July 2026
June 2026
SVdP Chicago Vincentians Newsletter: An e-newsletter from the Chicago Archdiocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA.
Sign up to receive the email newsletter here
Mike’s Corner
Ask Mike!
Click here to read new questions in the “Ask Mike” series that address common questions Chicagoland Vincentians may have as they go about their work for the Society. Have a question? Email us at teresa@svdpchicago.org.
Vincentian Growth
Mike Syslo has written extensively on what it means to be a Vincentian and how the Vincentian Way fosters growth. His reflections emphasize that Vincentian growth is not just about following rules, but about living out a shared identity, mission, and spirit of service. The Vincentian Way is special.
To read more about what makes being a Vincentian so special, see the articles below written by Mike Syslo.
Committee Happenings & News
Wherever you are on your journey, there is a place for you here! With 11 committees to choose from, there is always something happening at St. Vincent de Paul Chicago.
For more information on our committees, click here: SVdP Chicago Committee News and Happenings
“Committees: A place where friends are made; ideas are exchanged; and dreams of changing our world begin to come true.”
Pilgrimage Through Paperwork
Documents Currently Available:
- Annual Reports (Jan 2025)
- W9’s and Report (Jan 2025)
- Annual Self Audit (Jan 2025)
- Program Proposal (Feb 2025)
Click HERE for all the documents
Programming
With the many programs that St. Vincent de Paul Chicago offers, we know it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep track of everything. Below, you will find an overview of several of our programs, along with key information about each one.
Friends in Need Program
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a Q&A Zoom call was held regarding the New Program Model for the SVdP Chicago Friends in Need Program. For those who were unable to attend, below is the recorded Zoom call as well as other documentation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate contacting Dana at (773) 779-6700 x102, or via email at dana@svdpchicago.org.
The Friends in Need Program exists to extend the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, to serve Christ in the suffering, poor, and marginalized, by offering assistance to individuals and families who live outside the geographic boundaries of an active SVdP Chicago Conference. This program provides direct assistance to the people in need who call for help and are not in a Conference boundary.
Click on a link for more information:
Care Card Voucher Program
The Care Card Voucher Program exists to support individuals and families during times of hardship by providing access to essential items through our thrift stores. This program is intended to help people regain stability with dignity and compassion.
Click on a link for more information:
Chicago Furniture Bank Program
The Chicago Furniture Bank partners with over 400 nonprofit organizations within the Chicagoland area. Their mission is to provide essential furniture for individuals and families in need. Each home furnished by the CFB provides stability, dignity, and comfort to a Chicagoan in need. Each household receives a complete furniture package with beds, couches, dresses, kitchen tables, chairs, lamps, mirrors, artwork, kitchenware, rugs, and more.
Friends in Need are invited to virtually walk through the showroom and handpick pieces that best fit their style. This is at no cost to the Conference or the Friend in Need. CFB primarily gives away gently used and donated furniture which is restored and refurbished on site at their warehouse.
Click on a link for more information:
Safeguarding Program
The Archdiocesan Council of Chicago (ADC) implemented the Safeguarding Program in May 2024. In accordance with the Safeguarding Policy, all St. Vincent de Paul Chicago members must have an active Virtus account with the Society within 60 days of the launch of the program. For more information on the Safeguarding Program, click here.
ServWare
St. Vincent de Paul Chicago has partnered with ServWare to help Conferences keep track and accurate record of those we serve (Friends in Need). ServWare is the preferred standard for case management across the country for The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Whether your Conference is already using ServWare or you are looking to sign-up, we have all the information you need to succeed.
For more information click here. ***This page is currently under construction***
Conference President Training Videos
Conference Presidents will learn the role and responsibilities of your position and answers to many questions. Conference members will get acquainted with what is expected of the President.
December 2023: We have updated the Conference President Training videos. Below, you will find link to those videos which are in a 5-part series. Please review them in order.
We, the Formation Committee, hope you find this training helpful and meaningful.
- Conference President Training – Part 1: Basic Considerations
- Conference President Training – Part 2: Servant Leadership and Officers
- Conference President Training – Part 3: District Councils
- Conference President Training – Part 4: Working with Your Pastor
- Conference President Training – Part 5: Legal and Financial Matters
Conference Guidelines
All Conferences should have a written set of guidelines which help members make decisions about how to help those in need who ask for help. Guidelines help resolve disagreements about how or how much aid should be given. Written guidelines help to train new members joining the Conference. This gives new members more confidence in their ability to help.
Find out what should and what should not be included in the links below.
Updating the National Database
All Conference Presidents have the ability to update the National Member Database. If you would like a Central Office staff member to keep your Conference up-to-date on the database or if there is a change to your Conference roster, please email Nicole Dio (nicole@svdpchicago.org).
For more information and tutorials, see the links below.
Video Tutorials
Invitation to Serve Webinar – September 2023 – Presented by: Mike Syslo
The Society Video – English
El Video de la Sociedad – Espanol
Dr. Donna Beegle: If Not Me, Then Who?
Donna Beegle’s videos are being made available to St. Vincent de Paul. Here are the “If Not Me, Then Who?” videos. Please note: Dr. Beegle has requested her materials remain secure. You will need to type in this password (case sensitive) in order to access the videos: poverty101SVdP
The videos have a participate guide available that is helpful when viewing. The participant guide is sold through her store ($20).