he Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County Board of Directors Vice President A. Ruben Rodriguez (left) and Executive Director Claudia Ramirez (center) were grateful to accept this honor from District 7 California State Senator Steven Glazer (right).

(Pittsburg) – In honor of the work St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County (SVdP) has done in the county for over 59 years to provide basic needs assistance to thousands of vulnerable families, District 7 California State Senator Steve Glazer has selected St. Vincent de Paul as the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year.

“St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County is a vital lifeline to people and families in need, and their work is more critical than ever given the difficult times faced by so many,” said Senator Glazer, D-Contra Costa. “The volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County treat people who use their services with small and large kindnesses that allow people to get through the day with dignity and hope. I am proud to choose them as my district’s Nonprofit of the Year.”

Since 1964, St. Vincent de Paul has been one of the most trusted nonprofits in the county, providing basic needs assistance to help families move from crisis to sustainability. SVdP’s programs help feed, clothe, shelter, and heal our most vulnerable neighbors.

Assistance from St. Vincent de Paul includes food distributed from their 18 food pantries throughout the county, rental & utility assistance, access to free medical and dental care, a job training program for those with barriers to employment, and more. In 2022, SVdP distributed over $1.9 million of direct financial aid, (predominantly rental & utility assistance), and over $3 million of in-kind aid, (predominantly food). The aid provided by SVdP to families & individuals in need is provided by 700 volunteers throughout the county.

In addition to the SVdP Family Resource Center in Pittsburg, SVdP serves community members in need via 28 branches, (based at Catholic churches), and through 3 Thrift Stores. SVdP’s Thrift Store’s earned income supports its safety-net programs, and enables county residents to REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE, contributing to the health of our environment.

Now in its eighth year, the Nonprofit of the Year initiative provides the opportunity for each California state legislator to choose a nonprofit organization doing outstanding work in their district. Nonprofits from across the state were recognized at the State Capitol on California Nonprofits Day, June 7, 2023.