About Us
Catholic Social Services is the charitable ministry of the Diocese of Columbus, serving the people of central and southeastern Ohio since 1945. We are not a government agency, a hospital, or a social media campaign. We are your neighbors, motivated by faith and committed to showing up for the people Christ calls us to serve.
On this page you will find our history, our mission and values, the people who lead this organization, the partners who make our work possible, and the recognitions that reflect our commitment to excellence. If you want to know who we are, this is where the story starts.
Who We Are... Since 1945
Since 1945, Catholic Social Services (CSS) has been a source of compassion, dignity, and hope for those Christ calls us to serve throughout our community. Serving over 11,000 individuals annually, our mission is supported by dedicated volunteers who help seniors find connection, guide families towards a brighter future, and assist persons with disabilities find new freedom. Rooted in the belief that every person reflects the image of God, we journey together as neighbors, empowering individuals to shape their own futures with our unwavering support.
As long as there has been the Catholic Church, there has been charity. With faith as our guide, we are called to serve those in need, regardless of their faith.
We were established as the Catholic Welfare Bureau in 1945 under the leadership of the Most Reverend Bishop Michael Ready to serve women and children in Columbus
We expanded our services and our reach with sites in Zanesville in 1948, Newark in 1949, and Portsmouth in 1957. As our programs grew, we were separately incorporated on August 4, 1966, and renamed Catholic Social Services.
While our services have changed with the needs of the community, our commitment to the highest standard of excellence, respect, trustworthiness, and compassion in our client and community care has never wavered. Today our team of 75 staff members, hundreds of volunteers, and partners serve from 17 locations in central and southern Ohio. Our vision of hope is guided by the Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, supported by our Board of Directors, and led by Kelley Henderson, who serves as our President and CEO.
Mission
Motivated by faith, Catholic Social Services (CSS) helps poor and vulnerable seniors and families reach their potential.
Vision
We envision a world in which all who are in need are able to meet their potential to live with dignity, hope, and purpose.
Values
Impact | Compassion | Courage | Excellence. Our values are guided by our faith, and we strive to live these out in everything we do.
Serve As Neighbors
Volunteering with Catholic Social Services is a powerful way to contribute to our mission of making a difference in the community. When you volunteer with us, you become a part of a compassionate network dedicated to empowering those in need. Whether you're mentoring others, serving meals, connecting with our seniors, or serving in a wide variety of other crucial roles, your efforts have a profound impact on lives, both for today and in ways that will continue to echo long into the future.
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CORES Certification
We are pleased to announce are now CORES-certified! The CORES Certification recognizes organizations that have developed a robust commitment, capacity, and competency for providing resident services coordination in affordable rental housing. Achieving CORES certification signals an organization’s commitment to the highest standards for resident services, a deep commitment to resident health and well-being, and data-informed operations and decision-making.This certification is for our Service Coordination Program.
Leadership Team
The men and women who lead Catholic Social Services bring deep expertise in social services, finance, community development, and ministry to work that matters. They are accountable to our Board of Directors, to the Diocese of Columbus, and most importantly to the people we serve across central and southeastern Ohio.
S. Kelley Henderson
Nickolas Borchers
Julie Naporano
Ramona Reyes
Tony Parks
Dave Desender
Sarah Clark
Jill French
Michael Haverkamp
Terri Hurtt
Aundrenetta Lightner
Sam Moser
Angela Stoller-Zervas
Ezra Escudero
Diana Pagan
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings the perspective of business, law, medicine, faith, and community service to the governance of Catholic Social Services. They provide the strategic oversight and accountability that allows CSS to serve with integrity across 23 counties in central and southeastern Ohio.
Klaus Diem
Chair | Nationwide Insurance
Katie Grayem
Secretary | AEP
Joe Hayek
Treasurer | Worthington Industries
Deacon Dave Bezusko
Diocese of Columbus
Myranda Duhart
Abercrombie & Fitch
Cole Ellis
The Ellis Company LTD
The Very Reverend Fr. William Hahn, V.G.
Diocese of Columbus
Tom Heise
Grange Insurance
Sean Langsing, PhD
Ascension Health
Anthony Lobello
Huntington
Jodi Naderhoff
Carmelite Systems
Jim Negron
President, CK Construction
Fr. Vince Nguyen
Diocese of Columbus
Kelly Reidenbach
AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio
Christine Sander
Nationwide Children's
Michael Shoenfelt
Vorys Sater Seymour and Pease, LLP
Matt Stroop
Cardinal Health
John Woods
The Ohio State University
Heidi Cotey
NiSource Columbia Gas
TJ (Thomas Joseph) Harvey
Vice President/Director of Operations, Hope Timber Companies
Gabriela May
Owner of Simply Honest Cafe
Fr. Bill Hahn
Diocese of Columbus
Healther Ulrey
Mount Carmel Health Systems
John Dosen
Columbus Investment Advisory
David Ortiz
Huntington Bank
Brian Elder
Director of Community Home Lending and Development, Park National
Partners and Affiliations
We never do this work alone. Catholic Social Services collaborates with an extensive network of partners across central and southeastern Ohio, including healthcare systems, parishes, schools, legal aid organizations, government agencies, community nonprofits, and corporate sponsors. These relationships extend our reach, strengthen our programs, and connect the people we serve to a broader web of support.
We are proud to be a member agency of Catholic Charities USA, part of a national network of Catholic charitable organizations serving communities across the country.
Community Involvement and Recognition
Catholic Social Services holds itself to a high standard of accountability, transparency, and excellence in service delivery. These recognitions reflect that commitment.
CORES Certification
CSS is CORES-certified for our Service Coordination Program. This certification recognizes our commitment to high-quality resident services, resident well-being, and data-driven decision-making in affordable housing.
Charity Navigator
Catholic Social Services holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest possible rating, reflecting strong financial health, accountability, and transparency. Donors can give with confidence knowing that CSS resources are managed responsibly and directed toward mission.
