St. Vincent de Paul
We are Lane County’s largest nonprofit human services organization. Founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1955, we help more than 24,000 individuals and families each year with emergency and homeless services and affordable housing. St. Vincent de Paul is committed to providing comprehensive programs to alleviate poverty and help all individuals find a path out of poverty and into self-sufficiency.

MISSION
Our mission guides our activities. “We assist the poor and those in need of consolation, seeking out and utilizing every resource. Being mindful of the sanctity and dignity of all, any charitable work that advances those goals is within the mission of St. Vincent de Paul.”

CORE VALUES
• Resourcefulness
• Innovation
• Service
• Empowerment

VISION
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, a faith-inspired organization, will be the leader in providing a social safety net through development of innovative solutions, services, and partnerships. No work of charity will be foreign to the Society. We will achieve social justice incorporating entrepreneurial spirit and environmental stewardship. We will be self-sustaining by funding our own future through asset development and community involvement.

VISION GOALS
•Recruit and maintain skilled, long-term management, staff, boards, and volunteers who grow in commitment to the values and mission of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County.
• Be a significant provider of quality housing and comprehensive social services to underserved populations.
• Create long-term jobs with benefits.
• Expand the network of stores.
• Operate stores that have a diversified and unique product base.
• Be a magnet for recycled goods. Spin waste into gold.
• Seek greater innovation in new ventures from retail and manufacturing.
• Continue the commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit.

CORE AREAS OF SERVICE
We accomplish our mission in seven core service areas.

• Affordable Housing: Approximately 1,600 units of housing have been developed since 1988. As of 2021, SVdP has grown its portfolio of mobile home parks to include eight parks in Lane and Multnomah counties, providing more than 400 housing units.
• Emergency Services: These services include vouchers to use at our retail stores, assistance with rent or utilities, propane for cooking and heating, help with prescription medications, and backpacks for Back to School.
• Homeless Services: Adults and families (served separately) have access to restrooms or portable toilets, showers, laundry services or facilities, day rooms, and access to overnight shelter.
• Overnight Shelter: Our shelter services include overnight parking opportunities, a Night Shelter for families, and Dusk to Dawn, composed of military-style tents, for adults. The seasonal Egan Warming Centers open when extreme cold is forecast.
• Recycling Programs: We divert over 44 million pounds of materials a year from landfills.
• Retail Thrift Stores: We operate 12 retail stores with donation centers and a donation car lot our stores generate revenue for our charitable programs.
• Self-Sufficiency Services: We help approximately 1,100 people a year with job training and job placement services.
• Mattress Recycling: We are the world leader in mattress recycling. DR3, our mattress-recycling program in California, was the first commercially viable program in the world. Today, with operations in Livermore, Woodland, and Stockton, California, and Eugene, Oregon, we are the largest mattress recycler in North America, recycling more than 500,000 mattresses and box springs each year.

THE 7 RULES
When you volunteer with us, you are expected to perform your volunteer tasks. You are also expected to follow our 7 Rules.

1. Be Professional - In conduct and appearance
2. Be Honest - Don’t Lie, Cheat or Steal.
3. Be Nice - Don’t Hurt Others.
4. Be Safe.
5. Work Hard - Smart Too.
6. Serve Your Customer.
7. Be On Time.

These rules are not for everybody. We understand that. Some people will not want to follow these rules. Others will choose not to follow these rules. We understand. They may be happier volunteering somewhere else.

It is not good enough to simply perform volunteer tasks well. By volunteering with us, you are part of a group. You are part of a team. You must perform your tasks well. You must also get along with your co-volunteers and our staff You must be someone people can count on. That means following the 7 Rules.

PERSONAL CONDUCT
As a volunteer, the performance of your work is important and the work you perform allows us to expand our operational capacity. The way you conduct yourself while volunteering is important too. You work with other people and represent SVdP to the community. The way you conduct yourself can also impact your success, your co-volunteers’ success, our employee’s success, and our organization’s success.

Failure by the volunteer to comply with these Policies and Procedures may result in potential dismissal from their volunteer position.

• Be courteous and helpful to others.
• Do not make false or damaging statements about us, our employees, our volunteers, our program participants, our tenants, our donors, or our customers.
• Do not talk about our program participants, tenants, customers, and donors with other program participants, tenants, customers, or donors.
• Do not act in ways that are detrimental to our organization, our employees, or your co-volunteers.
• Posting or passing out non-work-related literature on our premises is not allowed. Do not post or remove bulletin board notices.
• You must have permission to solicit or collect contributions on our time or on our premises.
• Horseplay, whether by yourself or with others, is prohibited.
• Fighting or scuffling is not allowed.
• Do not threaten, intimidate, or interfere with other volunteers or employees. This includes off-duty periods.
• You may not use our time, tools, material, or property for purposes not directly related to our business.
• Dishonesty may result in dismissal. Depending on the facts, it may also result in criminal prosecution.
• Safe and responsible operation of motor vehicles in parking lots and on our premises is required at all times.
• Any action constituting a criminal offense may result in dismissal.
• Violating any of our policies or procedures is prohibited.

PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE
There are a few dress requirements while volunteering with SVdP:

• Close-toed and close-backed shoes at all times while volunteering.
• Knee length pants or longer are required when volunteering.
• No political or religious messaging on clothes while volunteering.
• No clothing with messages, statements, promotions, illustrations, advertisements, logos, or brands relating to drugs or alcohol may be worn.

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM
As a volunteer, we depend on you. Thus, we need you to arrive on time and complete your scheduled shifts. We do understand that certain situations may arise that prevent you from doing this. Please alert the Volunteer Coordinator or site supervisor of any absences as far in advance as possible so that we can find an appropriate substitute. In the event of an unscheduled absence, please alert the Volunteer Coordinator or site supervisor as soon as possible, preferably 24 hours before your scheduled shift begins.

Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each volunteer. Any tardiness or absence without notice causes problems for fellow volunteers and employees. Any volunteer who fails to report to work without notification to the Volunteer Coordinator or his or her site manager is subject to potential dismissal from their volunteer position.

Volunteers must sign in at the beginning of their shift and sign out at the end of their shift. This may involve using the electronic timecard system or via a physical sign-in sheet. Check with your site supervisor as to the process for the site you are placed at. We ask you to take breaks when you need them, just let a staff person know.

SITE RE-ASSIGNMENT
You may request to be reassigned to a different location within the organization at any time. Notify the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss why you would like to be re-assigned and to where.

ENDING YOUR VOLUNTEER SERVICE
You may resign from your volunteer service with the organization at any time. We request that you notify the Volunteer Coordinator with as much advanced notice as possible as well as your site supervisor prior to your departure.

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
Client information is confidential. No client information or proprietary information will be shared outside of St. Vincent de Paul. As part of the Volunteer Application, you signed a Confidentiality Agreement. By signing that document you have agreed to not disclose confidential information on clients or St. Vincent de Paul to anyone outside of the organization. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, client names, contact information, current and past client records, documents, electronic information, and anything marked as confidential.

When in doubt, ask the Volunteer Coordinator or site supervisor to determine if something you become aware of is considered confidential or proprietary information.

PROBLEM-SOLVING
When a group of people work and volunteer together, problems may arise. It is important to all of us that such problems are solved as quickly and agreeably as possible. Occasionally, however, it may be necessary to look into certain problems in greater detail.

• In situations where differences arise between volunteers, or volunteers and staff, first try to resolve these differences amongst the parties involved.
• If a third party is needed, inform the site supervisor. Under no circumstances should you make these differences public or involve other members of the organization.
• If the grievance is in regard to the Volunteer Coordinator, contact the Philanthropy Director.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROGRAM
If the emergency fire alarm system is activated, all volunteers are to calmly leave the building by way of the nearest exit. Confirm with the site supervisor the current gathering spot.

VOLUNTEER HEALTH
When you are sick or have flu symptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest, and check with a health care provider as needed. Remember: keeping your distance from others may protect them from getting sick. Common symptoms of the flu include:

o Fever (usually high)
o Headache
o Extreme tiredness
o Cough
o Sore throat
o Runny or stuffy nose
o Muscle aches
o Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Let your site supervisor and the Volunteer Coordinator know if you are feeling unwell. There is no expectation of volunteering while sick and we ask you to go home or not come to your shift if experiencing any symptoms.

ON THE JOB INJURY OR ILLNESS
We follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding occupational injuries and illnesses. Seek immediate medical treatment if you suffer an injury or illness on the job. All on-the-job injuries or illnesses must be reported to your supervisor. Even if the injury or illness seems minor or insignificant, it must be reported. Verbal reports must be followed up as soon as possible with a written “Incident report”.

BREAK POLICY
While volunteers are not covered under Oregon labor laws regarding breaks and meal periods, St. Vincent de Paul values the well-being and comfort of everyone who gives their time to support our mission. To ensure a positive and healthy volunteer experience, we encourage all volunteers to take regular breaks as needed, following these general guidelines:
Break Recommendations
• Volunteers are encouraged to take a 15-minute break for every 4 hours of volunteer service.
• For shifts lasting 6 hours or more, volunteers are encouraged to take a 30-minute meal break.
• The 30-minute meal break will not count toward community service hours.
• Breaks may be taken in designated break areas.
• Volunteers should coordinate with their site supervisor or staff contact before taking a break to ensure appropriate coverage and minimal disruption to operations.
Flexibility and Communication
We understand that volunteer roles vary, and break times may need to be adjusted based on the needs of the site. Volunteers are expected to follow the direction of on-site staff regarding appropriate break timing and duration.

POLICY AGAINST HARASSMENT
We are committed to maintaining a work environment free of unlawful harassment. St. Vincent de Paul prohibits harassment based on sex (including sexual harassment, gender harassment, and harassment due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions) and harassment based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation or any other status protected under federal or state law or local ordinance or regulation. All such harassment is unlawful. St. Vincent de Paul policy applies to all persons involved in the operation and prohibits unlawful harassment by any volunteer/employee, including supervisors and co-workers.

POLICY AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention of a persistent or offensive nature made by a person who knows or reasonably should know, that such attention is unwanted. Sexual harassment includes sexually oriented conduct that is sufficiently pervasive or severe to unreasonably interfere with an employee's or volunteer’s job performance or create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. While sexual harassment encompasses a wide range of conduct, some examples of specifically prohibited conduct include:

• Threatening, directly or indirectly, to retaliate against a volunteer, if the volunteer refuses to comply with a sexually oriented request;
• Engaging in sexually suggestive physical contact or touching another volunteer in an unwelcome way;
• Displaying, storing, or transmitting pornographic or sexually oriented materials using SVdP equipment or facilities;
• Engaging in indecent exposure; or
• Making sexual or romantic advances toward a volunteer and persisting despite the volunteer's rejection of the advances.
• Sexual harassment can be physical and/or psychological in nature. An aggregation of a series of incidents can constitute sexual harassment even if one of the incidents considered on its own would not be harassing.
• Volunteers are prohibited from harassing other volunteers whether or not the incidents of harassment occur on St. Vincent de Paul premises and whether or not the incidents occur during working hours.
• Sexual harassment can involve males or females being harassed by members of either sex. Although sexual harassment typically involves a person in a greater position of authority as the harasser, individuals in positions of lesser or equal authority also can be found responsible for engaging in prohibited harassment.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITY
If volunteers believe that they have been subject to sexual harassment or any unwanted sexual attention, they should:

• Make their unease and/or disapproval directly and promptly known to a site supervisor and the Volunteer Coordinator;
• Make a written record of the date, time, and nature of the incident(s) and the names of any witnesses; and
• All incidents of sexual harassment or inappropriate sexual conduct must be reported regardless of their seriousness.

SMOKING
In response to state and local laws and building codes, smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

SOLICITATION
Solicitation by non-staff or staff members for any reason on company property is not allowed.

CELL PHONES
When volunteering with us your cell phone must remain in your pocket and not act as a distraction while on the sales floor or while working on projects in the backroom, it can alternatively be kept with your personal belongings in the backroom.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S COMMITMENT TO OUR VOLUNTEERS:
• We are committed to equal opportunity volunteerism and coordinating a diverse community of volunteers from varied backgrounds and social identities. That can include but is not limited to: people of color, immigrant communities, people of all faiths and spirituality, people living with disabilities, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender communities, and people of diverse ages.
• We are committed to working together towards creating a safe, supportive, and caring volunteer experience where we can learn from each other and grow in service to our communities.
• If needed, St. Vincent de Paul will provide a document confirming volunteer hours as community service.

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