This Giving Tuesday, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles (SVDPLA) invites you to join us in making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families in need. While many know us for our thrift store, we are so much more than that. Rooted in Catholic faith, we proudly serve individuals from all backgrounds and beliefs, ensuring that everyone receives care, compassion, and respect.
Your generosity supports transformative programs that address immediate needs and empower lasting change. Here’s how your contributions impact our community:
Circle V Ranch Camp: A Life-Changing Experience for Children
Nestled in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley, Circle V Ranch Camp is a magical retreat for children ages 7-13. This traditional sleepaway camp offers a safe, nurturing environment where children can explore nature, build confidence, and create lifelong memories.
Each summer, campers enjoy activities like:
- Hiking, swimming, and archery
- Arts and crafts, photography, and music
- Sports including soccer, basketball, and miniature golf
- Themed sessions such as “Superheroes” or “Carnival,” adding an extra layer of fun and creativity
Circle V Ranch Camp is more than just a place for fun—it’s a place for growth and transformation. In fact, some of our current staff members at both the camp and SVDPLA headquarters attended Circle V as children. Read more on our previous blog post here. Their life-changing experiences inspired them to give back to the organization that had such a profound impact on their lives.
Your donation helps sponsor children from low-income families who would otherwise never have the opportunity to attend camp. Circle V Ranch Camp fosters confidence, spirituality, social skills, and lifelong memories in a setting where every child can thrive.
Cardinal Manning Center: A Pathway to Stability
At the Cardinal Manning Center, located in Skid Row, downtown Los Angeles, we provide comprehensive services to individuals experiencing homelessness. From emergency shelter to long-term support, our goal is to help residents regain stability and independence. Click here to hear from George, a previous resident whose life was transformed with help from CMC.
The CMC offers:
- Emergency Shelter: A safe, clean space for men experiencing homelessness to stay while receiving support.
- Support Services: Assistance with housing searches, employment, and skills training to help individuals build a sustainable future.
- Holistic Care: Access to medical and mental health resources, as well as education and counseling services.
Additionally, our residents benefit from personalized case management to address unique challenges and provide tailored support. Donations help provide critical resources such as move-in kits, which include furniture and household essentials to ensure a smooth transition into permanent housing.
3. Vincentian Services: Essentials for Everyday Living
The heart of SVDPLA lies in our Vincentian Services, which provide direct aid to individuals and families facing hardships. Whether through our thrift store, our conferences, or outreach programs, we are dedicated to serving with dignity and compassion.
- Free Merchandise Program: Our thrift store is more than a retail space—it’s a lifeline. Last year, we distributed over $100,000 in free clothing, furniture, and appliances to those in need.
- Community Support: From offering food and essentials to connecting individuals with long-term resources, our Vincentian volunteers and staff work tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to the help they need.
- Faith-Driven Mission: While rooted in Catholic values, we serve people of all backgrounds and beliefs, fostering equity and inclusion in everything we do.
Whether it’s through one of our local conferences, our community outreach, or the personal care provided by our staff and board members, every interaction is marked by compassion and respect.
Your Support Makes an Impact
Your generosity helps children discover their potential, adults regain stability, and families access life’s necessities. Together, we’ve achieved so much—but the need continues to grow.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s give hope. Donate to our cause.
Thank you for believing in our mission. Together, we can build brighter tomorrows for those who need us most. To donate, click here.
