St. Vincent de Paul Sweet Dreams Expansion Shelter Manna Givers

SPECIAL NOTE: WE NO LONGER ACCEPT COURT APPOINTED VOLUNTEERISM. Please note that all volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to participate.

The Sweet Dreams Expansion Shelter located at 1623 Convention Street in Baton Rouge provides shelter for families in need of a safe place while attempting to gain independence.

Manna Givers are the lifeblood of the shelters. We are so very grateful to the individuals and groups that take their valuable time and resources to purchase or prepare a delicious meal for the participants in the shelters. Participants are heartened that strangers are willing to go to great lengths to sustain them in such a generous and loving way.

Meal Guidelines

-Meals should include one meat, one vegetable, and one starch

-Desserts and beverages are optional

-Paper goods are provided

-Please label all meals: “Sweet Dreams Expansion Guests”

We encourage Manna Givers to stay and serve the meal and enjoy fellowship with participants. If you choose to stay, please bring enough food for your volunteers as well.

FOR THE MOST ACCURATE HEADCOUNT, PLEASE CONTACT MS. DAKASHA LEONARD, DIRECTOR OF SHELTER OPERATIONS, AT 512-297-0865. WE RECOMMEND CALLING 2-3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DAY OF SERVICE.

Arrival Time: We ask that the Manna Givers arrive at the Sweet Dreams Shelter of St. Vincent de Paul with the meal ready to be served at 5:45 PM.

Directions & Parking

-Please enter from Florida Street at N. 17th Street.

-Enter through the first gated parking lot, proceed through the second gate, and continue onto the circular driveway.

-You will see a sign for “Rosie’s Pavilion”—you may park there.

Whether you are dropping off the meal or staying to serve, please call the Night Manager upon arrival to let them know you are on the premises so they can come out with a cart and assist. There is also a buzzer located on the wrought iron gate near the rear door of the shelter that you may ring to notify staff of your arrival. If you plan to stay and serve the meal, please park behind the pharmacy on the circular drive near the black wrought iron gate.

Night Manager Contact:
Ms. DaKasha Leonard
512-297-0865

Volunteer Guidelines

-Volunteer groups are limited to 10 people

-Minors must be accompanied by an adult

-A Minor Volunteer Waiver must be printed, signed, and brought on the day of service

-Waiver: https://svdpbr.galaxydigital.com/files/dl/ec8fc9332d3aec8773b40273c6e495ff/

-One certified adult may accompany up to six minors if certified to work with vulnerable populations

-For certification information, contact Connie Planche at 225-383-7837 ext. 302

Dress Code (Required)

-Long pants (capris acceptable for women)

-Shirt with sleeves

-Closed-toed shoes

Health & Safety:  Please do not enter the shelter if you are feeling unwell. The safety of our volunteers, staff, and participants is our highest priority.

Thank you for considering being a Manna Giver at St. Vincent de Paul. Your generosity is a true gift to the families we serve. For questions about this opportunity, please contact us at 225-383-7837 ext. 207.