Society of St Vincent de Paul – Fort Wayne

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

Author: Jeremiah Otis

  • SVdP Build to Work: Carpentry Skills Program

    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 an 8-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

    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

    Fill out the form below!

    📞 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–12:00pm

    🗓️ Program Start Date

    Monday, September 29, 2025

    Build Skills. Strengthen Character. Craft Your Future.

  • 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.

  • SVdP Walk For Hope

    Signup or Donate Here!

    Join us for the SVdP Walk for Hope—a day of community, compassion, and action!

    September 21, 2025

    We’ll kick off the afternoon with a fun, family-friendly tailgate at 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM featuring food, and fellowship. Check-in for the walk/run will open at 2:00 PM, and the walk will begin at 3:00 PM as we walk together to bring hope to our neighbors in need. Walk route options include: 5k, 1.5 miles, and 1/4 mile loop around the Parkview Field Concourse.

    Why Walk?

    Every step you take and every dollar you raise will directly impact individuals and families in Northeast Indiana who are struggling with poverty, hunger, and crisis situations. 100% of the proceeds go back into our community to provide critical assistance with food, rent, utilities, transportation, and more.

    How You Can Help:

    Let’s come together to lift up those who need it most. Your support helps us bring hope where it’s needed the most!

    To learn more, visit our SVdP Walk For Hope Team page or contact us at <<Contact Info Goes Here>>.

  • Giving Tree

    Recent News or Upcoming Event Information will go here, along with any pictures and signup forms.