Conference History
The Good Shepherd Conference of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Durand was organized in October of 2011 by a group of Catholics who live in the community and responded to the Vincentian Vocation call of providing personal service to those in need. A 6000 ft² building was rented at 825 East Prospect Street, shelving set up, and donations were taken in. The store opened in May of 2012. The building was purchased in November of 2012. The house at 819 East Prospect Street was purchased in 2017, to be used as an office and meeting area. As word spread, donations and sales increased in the store. By 2018 the operation outgrew the existing building. A 5877 ft² addition was added in 2021, expanding the store and intake to nearly 12,000 ft².
In the past fourteen years, hundreds of Friends in Need have been helped with rent assistance to keep them in their homes, utility bill assistance to keep the lights and heat on, car repairs, food, and other living expenses to help them through a rough period in their lives. The Good Shepherd Conference’s goal is to help our Friends in Need past a ‘rough spot’ and get them ‘back on their feet’. Approximately 95% of the funds used to help Friends in Need come from store sales.