Our shared history of innovation offers creative perspectives and unique adaptions. CEO & Executive Director, Julie Bennet, shares a reflection about our history of innovation and current service….

Dear friends,

We certainly live in interesting times. Political, environmental, social, and economic changes at the national and local level deeply affect our neighbors in need and deeply affect the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Madison. It’s easy to think that things are harder now than they were in the past. But the 100-year history of the Society in Dane County shows that we’ve faced tough times before and made it through. Things may be different today, but one thing stays the same… we will keep helping our neighbors with care and respect.

For 100 years, kind people like you have found smart ways to fight hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness. You’ve given your time, ideas, money, and support to help make life better for families in need. I’m grateful for everyone, past and present, who has been brave enough to try new ideas and look for better ways to serve others. Here are some of the ways Vincentians have changed how to help our community…

• 1943 – The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Madison won an important case in the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The court said that nonprofit groups running thrift stores to help others didn’t have to pay certain taxes. This decision became a model for the country.
• 1989 – The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Program opened. It was the first program in Dane County to offer temporary housing for single women and moms with young children. In 2022, the program changed to better help families who had been homeless. Now, it offers more personal support to help families stay housed.
• 1994 – The St. Vincent de Paul Processing Center opened. The center made it easier to sort and prepare donations like clothes, furniture, and household items. It provided St. Vinny’s Thrift Stores with goods that were organized, clean, and fairly priced.
• 2013 – The St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy opened to give free medicine to adults without health insurance. It’s still the only free pharmacy in Wisconsin that’s not part of a hospital or big health system.

We certainly live in interesting times, just as we always have. You are essential in helping neighbors in need as circumstances continue to change. Thank you for your continued support.

Save the date for the evening of Wednesday, September 17th to learn about how adapting to a changing world drives our current and future care for neighbors. I look forward to seeing you there!

Julie Bennett
CEO & Executive Director

Julie Bennett, CEO & Executive Director, in the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry