A support professional with Catholic Community Services provides care to a young woman. (Submitted photo)
Catholic Community Services is a faith-based nonprofit that supports people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and children, youth, and families facing adversity.
Founded in Salem in 1938, the agency offers 12 programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 5,000 people each year. Catholic Community Services envisions a world where children, families and adults have the knowledge, ability and desire to take control of their own lives and live responsibly with others in a just society.
Catholic Community Services never closes. It has several facilities offering 24-hour essential care to youth in crisis, pregnant and parenting young mothers, and adults who experience disabilities and fragile health. Counselors and personal agents provide critical care via telephone and video conferencing. According to Scott Mischke, the agency’s donor relations and event manager, the organization relies on community support.
Because the global pandemic has slowed donations and sponsorships, the nonprofit will have difficulty meeting its operating obligations. Additionally, it had to postpone the fundraising event for St. Joseph Family Shelter, a support program for people experiencing homelessness.
The most important need right now is for financial contributions and donations can be made online at https://ccswv.org/give-today/.
Needs for CCS now: Canned meat (tuna, chicken, Spam), soup, chili, oatmeal, sugar juice. Baby diapers also needed. Gift cards: Target, Walmart, WinCo, Fred Meyer, local restaurants.
These items can be dropped off at Mission Benedict: 925 S. Main Street in Mount Angel or call (503) 845-6147.
Donations can be mailed to: Catholic Community Services, 3737 Portland Rd. N.E., Salem, OR 97301
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing regularly for Salem Reporter. During the quarantine, she will be connecting with Salem nonprofits. Tell her about your nonprofit needs at [email protected] and follow her on Facebook.
