The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international catholic lay organization which offers women and men the opportunity for spiritual formation through person-to-person service to the poor and needy.

Founded in France in 1833 by a young college student, Frederic Ozanam, the Society grew quickly. The Society models its service to the poor after St. Vincent de Paul, a French priest who lived in France in the 17th century.

The Society was reorganized in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese in 1981 and continues today with 22 parish conferences, 8 thrift stores, 5 food pantries, 2 food distribution warehouses, a Youth Ministry program, 2 family kitchens, and a car donation program.