Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation

Since its formation in 1887 St. Vincent’s has purposed to be a church that meets both the spiritual and physical needs of an ever changing world. “We choose for our focus the mission of enabling the people of God to know His love for them, their dignity and their responsibility to live gospel values. We are here to serve all the people of the parish, with a special concern for the marginated, that is, the poor Hispanic community. We make this ministry and mission effective by welcoming others to join our mutual sharing of faith and by Christian service that is clearly joyful, trusting, and rooted in Jesus who lives in us— to bring good news to the poor‚ and to bring all people to our loving God.” It is through this mission that all parish efforts are conceived and implemented. Among these efforts is the weekly availability of a licensed social worker to those in need. Help is offered in the form of emergency financial assistance, referrals, orientation, and counseling for all areas of life. The Saint Vincent De Paul Society works within the parish boundaries and distributes food to the poor every Thursday morning, visits their homes, evaluates their needs, and brings Jesus‚ love and care to them. The Refugio San Vicente offers temporary shelter to male immigrants who have recently arrived in Los Angeles and each day dedicated parishioners serve them hot meals, lift up their spirits and give them hope and encouragement in the face of an often overwhelming situation. The parishioners also reach out to the poor in Tijuana and Rosarito, bringing them food, medicine, clothes and toys. Additionally the parish distributes daily sack lunches to the homeless and to anyone who comes to their door hungry. The parish family is over 95% Hispanic, with representatives coming from all the countries of Central and South America, as well from Mexico and the USA. The face of the parish staff is a rich mosaic of lay people and religious women from congregations other than the Vincentians.

The Foundation has been closely aligned to the upkeep and outreach of St. Vincent de Paul Church since 1949. While Mrs. Doheny formed a separate trust specifically dedicated to the physical needs of the Church, the Foundation has also funded many special projects over the years including capital improvements and the purchase of a van for parish outreach projects.