Member Toolbox

As Vincentians, we participate in a worldwide movement with its own unique history, spirituality, and organization. It is not enough to have a desire to serve those in need; to be effective, that desire must be formed and focused by the Rule and Statutes of the Society. We have a way of doing things that has been tested over our 180-year history. To be a Vincentian is to embrace that way, not rigidly or uncritically, but in a spirit of charity, friendship, and service.

For Vincentian leaders this is doubly true. By accepting positions of leadership, you have accepted responsibility for teaching and enforcing the Rule. You have also agreed to be accountable: to your donors and members; to the people you serve; to higher level Councils; and to the government, which has a natural role to play in ordering society towards the common good (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1897-1905). This means scheduling and conducting meetings according the Rule, preparing and submitting required reports, tracking finances and “case” records, and other responsibilities.

The following resources are made available to all Vincentians, whether in leadership or not. If you have suggestions for additional material, please alert us. We want this “toolbox” to be an invaluable resource for all our members.

NOTE! If something you need isn’t here, always check the National Council website, which has an incredible range of materials addressing every topic of concern to Vincentians and Vincentian leaders. Visit that page here.

Board & Staff

Staff

Renee Brissette, Executive Director

Bookkeeper

Warehouse Driver

Board

Michael Vieira, President

Treasurer

Secretary

Mary Sue Tavares, East Bay District President

Mark Gordon, Southern RI District President

Tom Walsh, West Bay District President

Lisa Peters, Northern RI District President

Agnes Chretian, Providence District President

Rev. Joseph Brice, Spiritual Advisor

Safe Environment & S2Verify

As of April 1, 2018, all Vincentians in the Diocese of Providence must have completed a three-step process in order to conduct home visits or participate in special works that involve the public:

STEP ONE: Complete Safe Environment Training

STEP TWO: Read our Sexual Misconduct Policy and Code of Ethical Conduct

STEP THREE: Submit to a Background Check

The first two steps can be completed right here on this website. Step Three will take you to our background check vendor, S2Verify, which provides screening services to business and nonprofits, including the National Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. There is no cost to you. Simply click through the link below and follow the steps. You may have a copy of your report sent directly to you.

BEGIN THE PROCESS NOW!

Working With Our Friends in Need

Case Record (with directions)

Case Record (without directions)

Bilingual Confidential Release Form (English and Spanish)

SVDP Code of Conduct

Rules of Engagement for Collaboration with Third Parties

Systemic Change & Voice of the Poor

Investigator Information Letter (for use with Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World)

Gateway to Systemic Change Resources at svdpusa.org

Gateway to Voice of the Poor Resources at svdpusa.org

Voter Voice Information and Registration

Non-SVDP Agencies and Organizations

This is a list of other organizations and agencies that can provide assistance during your time of need. SVDP Rhode Island offers this list without endorsement and is not responsible for the level of service provided by these organizations.

2-1-1 Rhode Island

Amos House

Blackstone Valley Community Action

Comprehensive Community Action

Crossroads RI

East Bay Community Action

Family Resources Community Action

George Wiley Center

Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund (Heating)

RI Coalition for the Homeless

RI Community Food Bank

RI Department of Human Services