SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL DIOCESAN COUNCIL OF DALLAS INC

Direct Assistance Conferences - Conferences offer direct aid to those in need located in Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall Counties. The Society provides short-term financial, material and emotional support. People are empowered to reach the goal of self-sufficiency through advocacy, education and referrals. Inspired by Gospel values, members grow spiritually through person-to-person service to all in need.

Systemic Change, The Mini Loan Program provides low interest loans to replace high interest predatory loans to people who are victims of alternative lending mechanisms such as payday and auto title loans. Society volunteers establish strong relationships with the participants to help empower them for long term success through financial coaching and referral services. The StudyTime program academically prepares students through long term relationships to grow beyond their economic legacy. The Council operates three StudyTime sites in Dallas, with each site having a site coordinator and multiple volunteers to mentor and tutor each student. In addition, several scholarships for local private high schools are awarded each year and several scholarships for college are also awarded. The Community Garden program provides neighbors the opportunity to have hands on experience in gardening while at the same time providing the community with fresh fruits and vegetables. The Hygiene Closet supplies hygiene products and other household goods to those in need. The Neighborhoods of Hope program provides job search and interview coaching and assistance with locating jobs that pay at least a living wage.