Catholic Charities Family and Community Services history

On April 24, 1917, a Special Act of the New York State Legislature incorporated Catholic charities all across our state.

1918 The Diocese of Seattle begins organized efforts to aid the poor with Bishop Edward O’Dea’s establishment of the Seattle Council of Catholic Women.

DePaul’s Administration offices move to their current location at 1931 Buffalo Road in Gates, New York.

Mary Hannick began working at the Charles Settlement House in 1935.

1936 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Seattle is officially formed by Bishop Gerald Shaughnessy to coordinate the administration of all the various works of charity in the diocese.

In 1937, it became the Association for Catholic Childhood, an organization dedicated to supporting and raising funds for Catholic Community Services (CCS).

1939 Catholic Charities in Whatcom County opens offices in Bellingham.

1940 Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Seattle is incorporated according to the laws of the State of Washington.

1942 Catholic Charities opens offices in Everett.

As Director in 1947, Ms.

1957 Catholic Charities opens offices in Vancouver.

Subsequently, he served as the Mayor’s Youth Coordinator, until beginning work on September 1, 1971 with Catholic Charities in Syracuse.

In 1972, a TV program exposes conditions at Willowbrook State School, a New York State institution for persons with developmental disabilities.

1977 Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen establishes the Office of Catholic Charities as an umbrella group to administer the archdiocese’s social programs.

1979 The Archdiocesan Housing Authority (AHA) is founded and incorporated.

1988 Catholic Charities is reincorporated as a separate corporate entity responsible for managing the social services and housing activities of the Church, with a Board of Trustees under the direct leadership of the Archbishop of Seattle.

Portanova led the growth of the agency from $6 million in 1989 to its current position as the largest multi-service organization in Monroe County.

1990 The name of the corporation is changed from Catholic Charities to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington (CCSWW) to ensure a consistent image of CCS within the Archdiocese.

A wide range of community-based programs have been introduced throughout our history, such as the Families and Schools Together Program (implemented in 1996), that helps facilitate stronger bonds not just within families, but between families and school systems.

2002 The Catholic Charities Foundation is established to further, promote and support the work of CCS and the AHA in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

During 2009, a reorganization of programs in CCS and CHS took place.

Marlene joined CFC in January of 2013 following a volunteer experience where direct exposure to the challenges of poverty in Rochester convinced her to work in the 'for-purpose' rather than 'for-profit' world.

2015 Archbishop J. Peter Sartain appoints the Very Reverend Gary Zender as Vicar for Clergy.

In 2016, CFC was selected to lead an adult mentoring program in several city neighborhoods in partnership with other public and non-profit agencies.