Every SVDP Conference (volunteer group) has different resources to offer their communities. Some conferences have more funding than others, while other conferences have more volunteer members, or a better network of support from their local community. One of the most important missions of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the sharing of resources and blessings we have with others that are less fortunate; thus, we created a “Twinning” program, which pairs conferences in less affluent communities with those in more affluent communities. This way, conferences that are unable to fully help people in their community due to lack of resources can access much needed financial and spiritual support to do what they do best – help people.

Twinning is conducted domestically as well as internationally and has resulted in many conferences worldwide being given the vital support they need to continue the work of the Society. Funds are pooled through a National Twinning Program that transfers funds to the National SVDP Offices in various countries. This way, they can utilize the funds as they see fit based on the needs of their region.

The concept of Twinning builds support between all of the conferences throughout Long Island – with all Vincentians working toward the greater goal of helping everyone in need, not just those in their immediate communities.

SVDPLI previously twinned with SVDP Councils in San Jose de Ocoa and Hondo Valle in Dominican Republic to provide financial assistance and supplies for various projects. These projects included bringing fresh water wells to communities, a farmers coop, reforestation, technical assistance, construction, and infant nutrition, all of which resulted from caring Vincentians from Long Island traveling at their own expense to San Jose de Ocoa to greatly improve the lives of the people.