When Darlene Jones first learned about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio (SVdP) in Northeast Ohio, she was struck by its simple yet powerful mission: to grow in faith through service to others. What inspired her most was seeing volunteers live that message daily, neighbors helping neighbors with compassion and faith.
“I could see the potential this organization had to change lives in a tangible way,” Jones said. “At the same time, I saw an opportunity to rebuild and strengthen a ministry that had been quietly serving our community for generations.”
At first, Jones planned only to assist with the rebuilding process and eventually hand leadership to someone else. But the more she connected with SVdP members, volunteers, and the people they served, the more she felt called. “It became a personal ministry to help grow this organization.”
Jones’s leadership and commitment to empowering others were recently recognized earlier this year, when she received the 2025 Athena Award, hosted by the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber, as it honors and celebrates women who excel professionally, give back to their communities, and inspire others to achieve their full potential.
When Jones stepped into leadership, the organization was struggling with financial strain, outdated systems, and low public awareness. “The hardest part wasn’t in the spreadsheets,” she said. “It was in the spirit of the organization.”
Guided by faith and supported by dedicated volunteers, Jones led a full-scale turnaround, refocusing the mission, modernizing operations, improving transparency, and strengthening parish conferences. She also prioritized reconnecting with the community, raise visibility and build vital partnerships across the region.
“Collaboration truly multiplies impact,” Jones said. “Once people realized we were serious about accountability and service, momentum built, and hope returned. It’s hard to stop a train fueled by faith and mission.”
Community support quickly became the heartbeat of the renewal. “Our volunteers, donors, parish conferences, and community partners have been everything,” she said. “This organization is living proof of what happens when people come together with a shared commitment to care for one another.”
For those unfamiliar, the SVdP serves neighbors in Trumbull, Ashtabula and Portage Counties facing poverty, homelessness, hunger, and other crises throughout northeast Ohio. “Our mission is to serve those in need, spiritually, emotionally, or materially by treating every person with compassion and respect,” Jones said. “At its core, our work is about restoring dignity, offering hope, and walking alongside people on their journey.”
Jones recalled one story that captures that mission perfectly. “A young woman came to us after years of struggling with addiction. She and her partner had lost everything. We helped her find housing, provided food, clothing, and furniture, and enrolled her in our workforce development program. Over time, she learned budgeting, job skills, and stability. Today, she’s married, has a daughter, is clean and sober, and volunteers with us because she wants to ‘be the role model for the next person in her shoes.’
Through it all, Jones has learned that real change doesn’t start with money, it starts with faith. “You have to believe in the mission before you can rebuild it,” she said. “Transparency and communication are vital because people want to trust where they give their time, talent, and treasure.”
Looking ahead, Jones envisions SVdP becoming even stronger and more sustainable. “My hope is that new volunteers and donors continue to come forward so we can expand our reach and help more neighbors in need,” she said.
One major initiative already underway is the Community Resource Center, a new facility that will seat 120 people for daily meal service, host workforce and life-skills programs, and provide space for local organizations. “We’re focused on long-term impact, innovation, and partnership,” Jones said. “But at the heart of it all, the mission stays the same: faith in action, love in service, and dignity for every person we encounter.”
For nearly a century, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Northeast Ohio has provided food, housing, and hope to those in need. Guided by faith and fueled by community generosity, the organization continues to transform lives, one neighbor at a time.
Photos Courtesy of Darlene Jones & Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Northeast Ohio.
