Who We Are
History of the Society of
Cabrini Conference was formed in 2008 by 14 volunteers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to establish the first conference in Marathon County.
The conference started as a small group of people with some funds to distribute to the less fortunate, thanks to the generosity of the east-side parishioners from St. Michael's and the Church of the Resurrection.
In 2013, with the help of significant donor assistance, we were able to purchase the former Rose Garden events and catering facility on West Thomas St. to house our store. Now, in addition to the local donations, we are able to supplement our ability to help others with the profits from the store.
St. Vincent de Paul, Cabrini Conference, Wausau WI
Our Mission
Inspired by Gospel values, the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Cabrini Conference is to aid those in need in Marathon County as well as to enhance the spirituality of its members.
Impact on those in need in Marathon County
Through our home visit ministry, we help more than 300 families each year who are referred to us for assistance. Working in pairs, we make a visit to the home of our neighbor as sign of respect for their dignity and to help better assess their needs. We assist with rent to avoid eviction, utilities to keep heat and lights on and furniture to aid in their comfort and safety. We often refer our neighbors to other sources of support in the community.
Through our Getting Ahead program, we foster systemic change in a group setting by teaching our neighbors the skills they need to overcome poverty and create a bright future.
St. Vincent de Paul
Blessed Frederick Ozanam
History of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society was founded in Paris in 1833, shortly after the French Revolution, by Frederick Ozanam and a group of fellow students. They named the Society after St. Vincent de Paul, a French priest who had lived a life of compassionate servitude to the poor 200 years earlier.
The Society established roots in the United States in 1845, and today there are more than 90,000 Vincentians serving their communities across the country.
Care to know more about the history of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul?