About Us
A network of friends. A mission of love.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Diocese of Cleveland, is a network of volunteers rooted in Gospel values, committed to growing in holiness and serving neighbors in need throughout Northeast Ohio.
Our Mission
A network of friends, inspired by gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.
That mission guides everything we do. From home visits and hunger relief to furniture deliveries and utility assistance. We believe in meeting people face to face, listening before acting, and loving without distinction.
Our Impact
Across 8 counties—Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit, and Wayne—we serve over 180,000 people annually, thanks to the dedication of more than 1,800 Vincentians and volunteers.
We operate
62+ active parish-based Conferences
7 Hunger and Ozanam Centers
A growing number of volunteer programs, drives, and outreach efforts
Our services include
Hunger relief (hot meals, groceries, and food pantries)
Rent and utility assistance
Beds, blankets, and basic furnishings
Toiletries and school supplies
In-home visits to offer spiritual and emotional support
What Makes Us Different
Unlike many social service organizations, our approach is deeply personal. We go out to meet people where they are—often in their homes—and serve on a need-by-need basis. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions. Our help is rooted in relationship, not red tape.
We are also committed to financial integrity. Donations stay within the Cleveland/Akron district and are carefully stewarded by parish groups who know the needs of their community firsthand.
History
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul In the Diocese of Cleveland
SVDP Cleveland is affiliated with the international Society of St. Vincent de Paul, one of the oldest charitable organizations in the world. Originally known as the “Conference of Charity,” the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was founded in 1833 by French scholar Frédéric Ozanam, his fellow students and others – including Sister Rosalie Rendu — who helped thousands of poor residing in the slums of Paris during the cholera epidemic.
The first United States volunteer group Conference was launched in 1845 in St. Louis, Missouri. Only 20 years later, in 1865, the Diocese of Cleveland started its first Conference at the Cathedral of St. John. Today, SVDP Cleveland is comprised of 63 parish groups in Ashland, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Summit and Wayne counties.
Blessed Frederic Ozanam
Founder
St. Vincent de Paul
Patron
1855 Fundraiser Lottery Ticket,
Bordeaux, France
Our Spiritual Foundation
Vincentians are drawn together not just by service, but by a shared desire to grow in faith. Our work is nourished by prayer, reflection, and the support of one another. In every neighbor we serve, we strive to see the face of Christ.
Our Staff
While most of our work is carried out by volunteers, our small staff team supports and coordinates our mission behind the scenes.
Jack Bedell
Executive Director
Office: 216-696-6525 x3590
Mobile: 440-336-3855
Email: jbedell@svdpcle.org
Kelly Shaw
Fund Development Manager
Office: 216-696-6525 x2520
Email: kshaw@svdpcle.org
Julie Fulton
Business Manager
Office: 216-696-6525 x3570
Email: jfulton@svdpcle.org
James Bruening
Operations Manager
Office: 216-749-4295
Email: jbruening@svdpcle.org
Interested in joining us?
We’re always looking for compassionate people to serve as volunteers as part of their local Conference.