MISSION STATEMENT

St. Vincent’s is dedicated to strengthening low-income families and seniors through programs rooted in the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church.  Faithful to the charism of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, we serve our sisters and brothers by providing affordable housing, early childhood education, and family enrichment opportunities.

SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

The Social Teachings of the Catholic Church show concern for the poorest members of society.  Solidarity with those who live in poverty is a commitment to understanding the connection and interdependence we have with each person, individually, and collectively as a society.  Solidarity is a commitment to helping others empower themselves.  This concept of solidarity is one of the main themes of the Church’s social teaching.  The other themes include the life and dignity of the human person, the call to family and community, fundamental rights of the human person along with the corresponding duties and responsibilities to one another, concern for the poor and vulnerable, the dignity of work, and care for God’s creation.  As you see in St. Vincent’s mission statement, our work is “rooted in the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church,” and we strive each day to instill in our work these important teachings.

CHARISM OF THE DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY
OF ST. VICENT DE PAUL

A charism is a special gift of the Holy Spirit that characterizes an individual or group and that is used to contribute to the common good and glorify God in the Church and the world.  The Vincentian Charism refers to the gifts, spirit, and teachings of St. Vincent de Paul who, along with St. Louise de Marillac, established the Daughters of Charity in Paris in 1633.  Following the example of humility and compassion evidenced in the life of Jesus Christ, St. Vincent and St. Louise were committed to providing excellent, respectful service to their brothers and sisters who were poor and marginalized.

OUR VINCENTIAN VALUES

Creativity:  Providing innovation and leadership in response to emerging needs and challenges.
Advocacy:  Promoting change in unjust systems and social structures in solidarity with those whom we serve.
Respect:  Embracing diversity and building relationships that reflect a high regard for the worth and dignity of each person.
Excellence:  Consistently providing services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our clients.
Simplicity:  Committing ourselves to act with honesty and integrity in all matters.

LIVING OUR MISSION

St. Vincent’s has provided continuous services to the Santa Barbara community for over 155 years.  St. Vincent’s lives out its mission through programs that address homelessness, abuse, childcare, and basic needs with an emphasis on education, counseling, and family strengthening.  These vital programs serve almost 600 residents and clients each day. 

ST. VINCENT'S FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAM

A two-year residential, communal living program for single mothers and their children.

ST. VINCENT'S EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER 

A licensed, Catholic preschool providing quality, affordable childcare for children three months through five years of age.  St. Vincent's Early Childhood Education Center serves children of working parents.

ST. VINCENT’S HEART 

An on-site, volunteer-assisted food pantry and donation center.  Fresh food is distributed weekly to the families along with clothing, shoes, baby goods, school supplies, books, toys, and other household necessities.

OUTREACH 

Outreach Services has a long tradition at St. Vincent’s.  With the assistance of faithful volunteers, we continue responding to the current needs of our local community. English as a second language is offered weekly in both Villa Caridad and St. Vincent’s Gardens.  The ability to communicate well in English supports growth, scholarship, and career opportunities for children as well as adults.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS 

St. Vincent’s Gardens provides 75 apartments for low-income families, and Villa Cridad provides 95 apartments for low-income seniors.  Intergenerational activities and services complement campus amenities.

In each of these programs, St. Vincent’s fosters hope, a sense of dignity, and personal worth in a safe and nurturing environment.  Each person is encouraged to develop the necessary skills to lead a productive and full life.