Offering More Than 
a Meal in Brazil

By Carol Yakovich, Member, International Twinning Commission

In February 2025, SVdP USA National President John Berry and International Vice President Ralph Middlecamp were approached with a project request for building a Vincentian Community Kitchen. 

The project, part of “Banho Solidario Vincentino” in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, is located in the Santo Antonio Central Council of Brazil. When they first opened their project in 2020, they were housed in a trailer. Their focus was to serve the homeless by developing means of social reintegration into their community. With income generation projects for learning skills, they wanted to devise tasks that could be the beginning of a return to the world of work.

Now located in the headquarters building in Juiz de Fora, the Council determined that they had the physical space available in their building to house the proposed kitchen project, but they needed financial assistance to renovate, adapt and equip the space. Read more...

Vincentian Charism Alive and Well in Dominica

By Althea Graham, Territorial Vice President for America 1, International Twinning Commission



In a world where many face uncertainty and hardship, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Caribbean island nation of Dominica stands as a powerful witness to faith expressed through compassionate action.

Serving as the International Territorial Vice President for America 1, a territory comprising the United States, Canada and 14 Caribbean nations and supported by two Zone Coordinators, I work in partnership with National Presidents to promote effective leadership, foster collaboration and strengthen Vincentian service throughout the region. The Zone Coordinators play a vital role as liaisons, assisting National Councils in achieving their goals and enhancing their capacity to serve those most in need.

Recently, Zone 2 Coordinator Jean Nichols made a “home visit” to Dominica upon receiving an invitation to come, see and meet her leadership team from newly elected National President Augustina Cuffy. The key moment of my visit was the opportunity to meet with National Council leaders, Conference Presidents and dedicated Vincentians for productive discussions on accountability, transparency and the pursuit of holiness in service. Their enthusiasm, dedication and collaborative spirit reflected a strong commitment to strengthening the Society and expanding its impact to those in need. Read more...