Mission
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The mission of St. Vincent de Paul is to service people in need.
Sponsoring P&G Alumni
Sponsoring Alum: Chris Williams
34 years in U.S. Product Supply
P&G Alum Chris Williams has been actively and meaningfully involved with SVDP Cincinnati for more than two decades, serving in a wide range of leadership, advisory, and philanthropic roles that have significantly advanced the organization’s mission. He has served on its Board (’06-‘12), its Advisory Council (’14-’24), and is currently Board President.
In his endorsement letter, Chris writes, “The Re-Entry program at its core is more than workforce development – it’s about removing the barriers that often keep our neighbors from rebuilding their lives after incarceration. It is designed with intentionality and compassion, walking alongside individuals as they navigate the complex path back into society. The program reflects the best of what P&G instilled in all of us – an unwavering belief in human potential, the importance of innovation and systems that work, and the power of meaningful investment in people.”
The Re-Entry Mentorship Program
SVDP’s Re-Entry Mentorship Program serves returning (formerly incarcerated) citizens who have already achieved basic stability through the organization’s established Re-Entry services. The Program empowers individuals who have already overcome initial barriers – such as housing, employment, and transportation – to pursue higher-level goals including workforce advancement, vocational certification, and leadership development. Participants are paired with trained mentors for 6–12 months.
2025 Grant
PGAF’s $10,000 grant will help cover vocational and career advancement expenses for 10-20 individuals associated with the program including tuition for certification programs, reinstatement fees (e.g., driver’s licenses), business registration, transportation, access to technology, professional attire, notebooks, binders, and printed resources for both mentors and mentees, along with the training, recruitment, and coordination of volunteer mentors. As PGAF will be providing 40% of the requested amount, the impact metrics might be affected, and we will have to manage expectations accordingly. In this case, our contribution would have been low anyway (9%) even had we awarded them what they requested, so the effect of the reduced award should be minimal. [this is why we chose to provide a reduced award.]
Success Story
Christopher Holley entered the Re-Entry Mentorship Program after facing significant challenges reentering the workforce. Having spent 36 years incarcerated, he found that rebuilding his life required not only practical resources but also support in strengthening his confidence, professional skills, and daily stability. Despite these barriers, Chris approached the program with determination and a clear desire to grow.
Through regular mentorship sessions, Chris began developing essential workforce skills, including communication, networking, and stress-management strategies. His mentor helped him explore vocational and certification programs that aligned with his long-term goals, and Chris has been preparing to take this next step toward meaningful employment. With guidance from the program, he also started working toward reinstating his driver’s license and securing his own apartment. Two major milestones on the road to independence.
Earlier this summer, Chris faced an unexpected and difficult setback: a battle with cancer. During treatment, the program surrounded him with comprehensive support, providing help with his phone bill, bus passes so he could continue getting to medical appointments, clothing vouchers, and employment resources to keep him moving forward even during recovery. This wraparound support ensured he could maintain stability at a time when everything felt uncertain.
Chris continues to make steady progress. He is gaining professional experience, actively building his network, and preparing for vocational training that will expand his employment opportunities. His confidence has grown significantly, and he is closer than ever to securing independent housing and reliable transportation. Chris frequently shares how much the Re-Entry Mentorship Program has meant to him, not only for the practical assistance it provided, but for restoring his sense of hope, health, and possibility as builds a new chapter of his life.