Society of St Vincent de Paul – Fort Wayne

1600 South Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46806
(260) 456-3561

Author: Jeremiah Otis

  • Join us for Season 6 of SVdP Teen Service Week

    Teen Service Week is back!

    Join the Society of St Vincent de Paul – Fort Wayne from Monday, June 1 through Thursday, June 4 for four days of hands-on service, learning, and teamwork.

    Participants will work alongside our Carpenter’s Sons Ministry, experienced volunteer carpenters, on projects that help neighbors in our community. Projects may include building wheelchair ramps, rebuilding decks, installing handrails, and other minor home repair work.

    No experience is required. Teens do not need to use power tools to participate. There will be plenty of meaningful ways to help on every project site. For those who want to learn, experienced carpenters will be available to teach and supervise, with parent permission.

    Lunch, snacks, and water will be provided each day.

    Spots are limited, so register today to reserve your place!

    Registration is currently closed, and will open soon.

  • Pins for a Purpose: SVdP Bowling Fundraiser

    Join the Society of St Vincent de Paul – Fort Wayne for a fun, community centered bowling fundraiser supporting local families in need across northeast Indiana.

    This friendly tournament is designed for all skill levels and features a relaxed 9-Pin No Tap format, meaning if you know down nine pins on your first ball, it counts as a strike. Whether you bowl regularly or just for fun, this event is about participation, generosity, and shared purpose.

    Event Details

    • Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
    • Time: Begins at 1:00pm
    • Location: Thunderbowl
      6700 Lafayette St., Fort Wayne, IN 46816

    What to Expect

    • Teams of two bowlers
    • 9-Pin No Tap format
    • Payouts awarded to placing teams
    • 50/50 raffle
    • Bowling ball raffle
    • A welcoming, community-focused atmosphere

    Why It Matters

    All proceeds from this event directly support the work of the Society of St Vincent de Paul – Fort Wayne, helping neighbors facing financial hardship with essential needs such as housing stability, utilities, and basic necessities.

    This event operates under Indiana Gaming Endorsment Permit #GR0230291.

    Register Now!

    Please complete the form below so we know who is bowling.

  • SVdP Build to Work: Carpentry Skills Program – APPLICATIONS OPENING March 9!

    Thank you so much for your interest in the Build to Work Program! Applications are currently closed, and the October-November class is full.

    If you are still interested in participating, you are welcome to apply when applications reopen on March 9, 2026!

    Ready to build something real—for your future, your career, and yourself?

    SVdP Build to Work: Carpentry Skills Program, a ministry of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, is a 5-week morning-only training program for adults 18+ who want to hands-on experience, life skills, and he confidence to take on whatever comes next. You’ll get paid while you learn in a supportive, low-pressure environment. Whether you’re figuring out your next move after school or just ready for a change, this program helps you lay a solid foundation for your future.

    Is getting here a challenge? We’ve got bus passes to help you get to and from the program!

    ⚒️ 3 Days/Week: On-Site Carpentry Training

    Get practical experience learning from skilled volunteer carpenters. You’ll learn how to measure, cut, frame, and use power tools—all while working on real projects that matter, like wheelchair ramps, fixing up decks and porches, or making dressers and bunk beds for families in need.

    📚 1 Day/Week: Life & Career Skills in the Classroom

    Take one morning a week to focus on you!

    • Job Readiness: Create a solid resumé and prep for interviews
    • Life Skills: Get better at managing your time, solving everyday problems, and speaking up with confidence.
    • Money Skills: Learn how to budget, save, and make smart money moves (yes, even if you’re starting from zero).
    • Spiritual Wellness: Take time to reflect, explore your faith, and build inner strength, regardless of your background or beliefs.

    🧘 1 Day/Week Off

    Everyone needs time to recharge. Use your day off to rest…or plan your next move!

    Application Information

    ✅ Who Can Apply

    Thank you so much for your interest in the Build to Work Program! Applications are currently closed, and the October-November class is full.

    Adults 18+ who are ready to learn, work with their hands, and grow personally and professionally. No prior experience needed—just motivation and a willingness to commit.

    📄 How to Apply

    Applications are currently closed and will reopen in January.

    📞 Questions?

    Email [email protected]. We’re happy to answer any questions or help guide you through the process!

    📍 Location

    ⏱️Program Hours

    Monday–Thursday, 9:00am–12:30pm

    🗓️ Program Start Date

    Monday, April 13, 2026

    Build Skills. Strengthen Character. Craft Your Future.

    Thank you so much for your interest in the Build to Work Program! Applications are currently closed, and the October-November class is full.

    If you are still interested in participating, you are welcome to apply when applications reopen on March 9, 2026!

  • Carpenter’s Sons Project Survey

  • Donation Sorting/Organizing Volunteer

    Ongoing Opportunity

    Schedule Details

    Flexible anytime between 9:30 and 5:30 Monday through Saturday

    Cause

    Clothing, Household Items, Furniture

    Number of Spots

    The more the merrier!

    About This Opportunity

    The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store needs volunteers to help sort, organize, and hang clothing as well as accept new donations. Hours can be flexible anytime between 9:30 and 5:30 Monday Saturday. Store discounts are offered to volunteers!

    Background Check Required

    No
    Some of our volunteer opportunities require background checks. Anytime we enter a Neighbor’s home or work with children, we ask volunteers to have a background check. We do this for the safety of the Neighbors we serve as well as for your safety as a volunteer!

    Minimum Volunteer Age

    18
    Some of our programs do require a minimum age, for the safety of the volunteers and the Neighbors we serve.

  • Merchandise Stocking Volunteer

    Ongoing Opportunity

    Schedule Details

    Flexible anytime between 9:30 and 5:30 Monday–Saturday

    Cause

    Clothing, Household Items, Furniture

    Number of Spots

    The more the merrier!

    About This Opportunity

    The St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store need a volunteer to help straighten merchandise, sort, stock, clean, and provide customer. Volunteer hours can be flexible anytime between 9:30 and 5:30 Monday–Saturday.

    Background Check Required

    No
    Some of our volunteer opportunities require background checks. Anytime we enter a Neighbor’s home or work with children, we ask volunteers to have a background check. We do this for the safety of the Neighbors we serve as well as for your safety as a volunteer!

    Minimum Volunteer Age

    18
    Some of our programs do require a minimum age, for the safety of the volunteers and the Neighbors we serve.

  • Wood Shop Volunteer

    Ongoing Opportunity

    Schedule Details

    9:00am-Noon on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

    Cause

    Carpentry, Furniture

    Number of Spots

    The more the merrier!

    About This Opportunity

    The volunteers in our Wood Shop build furniture and toys to either give away to our low-income Voucher clients or sell for low prices in our Thrift Store. They meet on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for carpentry and fellowship. It’s a wonderful group of people who enjoy woodworking and making long-lasting friendships. Come for one, two or all three mornings.

    Background Check Required

    No
    Some of our volunteer opportunities require background checks. Anytime we enter a Neighbor’s home or work with children, we ask volunteers to have a background check. We do this for the safety of the Neighbors we serve as well as for your safety as a volunteer!

    Minimum Volunteer Age

    Some of our programs do require a minimum age, for the safety of the volunteers and the Neighbors we serve.

  • Truck Driver/Assistant (CDL not required)

    Ongoing Opportunity

    Schedule Details

    Flexible anytime between 9:30 and 5:30 Monday – Saturday

    Cause

    Clothing, Household Items, Furniture, Deliveries

    Number of Spots

    The more the merrier!

    About This Opportunity

    The St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is in need of volunteers to help drive, load and unload our box trucks to pick-up/deliver donated furniture in the community. You will be delivering furniture to grateful families in our voucher program with limited access to transportation. In addition, the donated furniture items will help the store raise more funding to support local families with food, rent, and utilities!

    Background Check Required

    Yes
    Some of our volunteer opportunities require background checks. Anytime we enter a Neighbor’s home or work with children, we ask volunteers to have a background check. We do this for the safety of the Neighbors we serve as well as for your safety as a volunteer!

    Minimum Volunteer Age

    25
    Some of our programs do require a minimum age, for the safety of the volunteers and the Neighbors we serve.

  • Carpentry & Skilled Labor Volunteer

    Recurring Opportunity

    Every Tuesday mornings at 8:00am

    Cause

    Household Safety, Accessibility, Carpentry

    Number of Spots

    The more the merrier!

    About This Opportunity

    This Volunteer Opportunity is a great opportunity to put your carpentry skills to work! From wheelchair ramps to deck rebuilds to minor home repairs, this opportunity is a great way to support struggling homeowners and be part of a fantastic group!

    Not sure you have all the skills? The Carpenter’s Sons enjoy teaching and mentoring as much as they love the volunteer work they do!

    Background Check Required

    No, unless working with minors
    Some of our volunteer opportunities require background checks. Anytime we enter a Neighbor’s home or work with children, we ask volunteers to have a background check. We do this for the safety of the Neighbors we serve as well as for your safety as a volunteer!

    Minimum Volunteer Age

    18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
    Some of our programs do require a minimum age, for the safety of the volunteers and the Neighbors we serve.

  • Care Van Driver

    Ongoing Opportunity

    Schedule Details

    One week (except Thursday, weekends, and major holidays) every other month.

    Cause

    Transportation, Health access, Food access

    Number of Spots

    10

    About This Opportunity

    Our SVdP Care Van and its dedicated group of volunteers drivers provide free door-to-door, accessible transportation to and from medical appointments and food pantries. Our state-of-the-art accessible van is available every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday through the year.

    We ask drivers to take a week, once every other month. We also ask drivers to assist riders in getting on and off the van, and wait for them while they attend their appointment.

    If driving around the city and getting to know people while you help them get to medical appointments and food pantries sounds like a good time, then fill out the form below!

    Background Check Required

    Yes
    Some of our volunteer opportunities require background checks. Anytime we enter a Neighbor’s home or work with children, we ask volunteers to have a background check. We do this for the safety of the Neighbors we serve as well as for your safety as a volunteer!

    Minimum Volunteer Age

    25
    Some of our programs do require a minimum age, for the safety of the volunteers and the Neighbors we serve.