Impact Report
A Letter from the President
Dear Neighbors,
As people of faith, we are called to respond to the signs of our time. It seems that these signs are challenging us in ways that require more than ever before. More prayer, more love, and more faith. Our community and world seem to be experiencing unprecedented need, and some resources are tightening. Yet we are seeing new levels of generosity from people like you, who are responding to these signs with hope and generosity.
At your Catholic Social Services, we are responding with hope, courage, and love. It is through love of God and love of neighbor, that faith becomes real for us. When we respond to the needs of others, we’re not just doing good, we’re living out the Gospel as disciples. It is a choice to love, and through love we offer hope to someone who just might be trying to get through the day.
Another sign of your generosity comes from many who have joined us over the last year as volunteers. You are serving at one of our 17 locations across Central and Southern Ohio, at work, at school, at church, or at home. Service begins with an act of kindness, but it becomes something more. An act of kindness leads us to encounter others as neighbor, as sister, as brother, as Christ. That is faith in action.
We never do this work alone! Every act of mercy, every moment of hope, every life changed happens because of the compassion and generosity of people like you. Enclosed is our latest Impact Report—a reflection of what’s possible because of you, our Good Samaritans, our Neighbors Serving Neighbors.
As we enter this sacred time of year, your generosity means more than ever. Your end-of-year gift helps ensure that we can continue to serve our neighbors in need—providing food, shelter, guidance, and hope to all who turn to us.
We know you will continue to respond with generosity and hope. A response that puts faith into action right here in your local community!
With gratitude,
S. Kelley Henderson
President & CEO
Catholic Social Services
The Need in Our Neighborhood
Our collective opportunity to serve those around us is greater than ever, calling us to action with renewed urgency and compassion. Economic hardships, health crises, and social inequalities have left many families struggling to secure basic necessities and a stable living environment. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, the unemployed, and single-parent households, are particularly at risk, facing challenges such as food insecurity, inadequate housing, and limited access to healthcare and education.
We at Catholic Social Services witness these struggles daily and understand their profound impact on individuals and families. Our mission is to provide a lifeline to those in need through comprehensive support services, ranging from emergency financial aid to long-term assistance programs. By addressing these immediate and ongoing needs, we aim to foster resilience, promote dignity, and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable community.
But we can’t do it without you.
Our Collective Calling
Catholic Social Services (CSS) is dedicated to providing compassion, dignity, and hope to those in need throughout our community, person to person, neighbor to neighbor. Our mission, rooted in the core tenets of our Catholic faith, envisions a world where every individual is valued and empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Guided by faith, we embody love and service in every action, reaching out to the most vulnerable with hope and practical assistance, and honoring the inherent dignity of each person as made in the image of God.
Values
Impact
We serve in ways that have a lasting effect on our clients and that made our community stronger for everyone.
Compassion
Inspired by a God who identifies with “the least of these,” we enter into places of poverty and pain to respond to the suffering of others.
Courage
We demonstrate the mettle needed to overcome fear, difficulty, hardship, or the status quo while venturing toward a better future.
Excellence
We are good stewards of the trust and resources given to us by holding ourselves to the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
Our Impact
At Catholic Social Services (CSS), our mission is to embody the teachings of the Catholic faith through service and love.
We are dedicated to our community, striving to ensure everyone is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Guided by our faith, our impact changes lives and strengthens communities. Driven by compassion and inspired by God, we willingly enter places of poverty and pain to bring hope.
Financial Overview
Financial Overview
Financial Overview
Families
Maria’s Journey of Empowerment and Well-being
María, originally from El Salvador, arrived in Columbus two years ago as a single mother with two young children. She first came to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Center after hearing about the food pantry but soon shared her deeper struggles—she was facing overwhelming stress, feelings of isolation, and fears about providing for her family in an unfamiliar country.
Through conversations with our social worker, María was connected not only to emergency food assistance but also to the Women of Today (“Mujer de Hoy”) support group, where she found a safe, welcoming space to share her emotions and learn coping strategies.
Maria also attended the annual Mother’s Day celebration at the Guadalupe Center. Our Mother’s Day event is a day to honor and uplift the women who do so much for their children and our community. The Mother’s Day celebration allowed us to naturally weave mental health conversations into a joyful, culturally meaningful gathering, making participants more receptive and engaged. Inspired by the mental health talks provided during the Mother’s Day event, María felt encouraged to take further steps toward empowerment and well-being.
Determined to improve her English to better support her children’s education and open new job opportunities, Maria is taking English as a Second Language classes at the Guadalupe Center. She often tells staff that the Center has been “a lifeline” for her family, offering not just services, but genuine human connection and hope.
María dreams of one day becoming a volunteer at the Center to help other mothers facing similar challenges, sharing the strength and inspiration she has gained on her own journey.
Seniors
Restoring Independence: Angeline’s Story of Resilience
Nestled in the heart of Licking County, our Catholic Social Services (CSS) office is a beacon of hope for individuals facing unique challenges in rural communities. With the population steadily growing, so do the needs of those requiring support. Among the many inspiring success stories from this location is Angeline’s—a testament to resilience and the power of compassionate assistance.
Angeline was referred to Catholic Social Services by a service provider who had been assisting her at home. Living with a degenerative disease that severely impacted her vision, Angeline struggled to navigate everyday tasks. Reading, even with assistive devices, became nearly impossible. As the unopened mail piled up, so did her feelings of frustration and depression. She found herself overwhelmed and isolated, unsure of how to move forward.
Upon connecting with CSS, our team quickly assessed Angeline’s situation and identified her most pressing needs. The first step was helping her sort through her mail, distinguishing important documents from clutter. During this process, it became apparent that Angeline had missed numerous medical appointments simply because she could not read the correspondence from her healthcare providers. This discovery underscored how deeply her vision challenges were affecting her quality of life.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, CSS stepped in with practical solutions. Our team worked with Angeline to establish a budget, helping her regain control over her finances. To address her missed appointments, we coordinated with her primary care physician and specialists, ensuring she could resume necessary medical care. Most importantly, we introduced Angeline to a voice-accessible schedule on her phone. This technology empowered her to independently track her appointments and daily tasks, removing a significant barrier to her autonomy.
Since engaging with Catholic Social Services, Angeline’s life has taken a transformative turn. She now attends the majority of her medical appointments, equipped with the tools and confidence to manage her schedule. Her renewed independence has brought a sense of control and optimism, improving both her mental and physical well-being. Angeline’s story is a powerful reminder of how targeted, compassionate support can restore hope and dignity to those navigating life’s challenges.
Service Coordination
Catholic Social Services provides comprehensive service coordination, ensuring families and individuals receive tailored support to meet their unique needs. By integrating various resources and services, we help our clients navigate life’s challenges, ensuring no one is left to face them alone. Our dedicated team works closely with each person, creating a personalized plan that promotes stability and growth.
Supportive Services
Our program is dedicated to assisting seniors in maintaining their independence by providing the support they need to safely stay in their homes. We provide assistance with daily tasks and ensure seniors can live with dignity and comfort in the familiar surroundings of their homes.
Senior Companion
At Catholic Social Services, we believe in the power of companionship to uplift spirits and combat loneliness. Our companionship services connect volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated, providing them with social interaction and emotional support. This valuable connection enhances quality of life, fostering friendships that enrich both the volunteer and the recipient’s life.
Transportation Services
Understanding the importance of mobility, Catholic Social Services offers transportation services to help individuals access medical appointments, grocery stores, and community resources. Our aim is to foster independence and participation in community life, ensuring that no one is left isolated due to a lack of transportation.
Money Management
Catholic Social Services offers money management services designed to empower individuals to handle their finances with confidence. Whether it’s budget counseling or financial literacy education, our goal is to ensure clients have the tools and knowledge needed for financial stability and independence.
Foster Grandparent
Our Foster Grandparent program connects seniors with youth in the community, facilitating mentoring and bonding opportunities that benefit both generations. Seniors share their experience and wisdom, while children receive the nurturing and support they need to thrive. This intergenerational exchange enriches lives and strengthens community bonds.
Board of Directors
Angela Savino
Chair
Perez Morris
Klaus Diem
Chair-Elect
Nationwide
Katie Grayem
Secretary
AEP
Joe Hayek
Treasurer
Worthington Industries
Mary Ann Abrams
Nationwide Childrens
Heidie Cotey
NiSource
Paul DoForno
Deloitte
Kim Dorniden-Habash
Seimer Institute
Brian Elliott
JP Morgan Chase
Cole Ellis
Ellis Companies
Tom Heise
Grange
Erin Herbst
Kegler Brown
Joelle Khouzam
Bricker and Eckler
Myranda Duhart
Ambercrome
Mark Huddy
Episcopal Moderator
Catholic Diocese
Sean Lansing
Mt. Carmel
Anthony Lobello
Huntington
Jim Negron
Corna Kokozing
Fr. Vince Nguyen
Catholic Diocese
Jeff Powell
US Bank
Erin Shannon
White Castle
Michael Shoenfelt
Vorys
Matt Stroop
Cardinal Health
Christine Saunder
Nationwide Childrens’ Hospital
John Woods
Ohio State University
Kelly Reidenbach
United HEalthcare
Deacon Dave Bezusko
Diocese of Columbus
Looking Forward: Growing With Purpose Go. Serve. Love. | Adelante. Servir y Amar.
Rooted in the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, your Catholic Social Services is guided
by the principles of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity as we work to build bridges to
better futures for many struggling in our community. The inherent dignity of every person,
created in the image and likeness of God, enjoins us to treat each other as neighbors. Through
faithful collaboration and partnership with mission-aligned organizations, we respond with
love and purpose to the evolving needs of our communities. Just as the Body of Christ is made
of many parts, we believe that each relationship strengthens our ability to serve together.
As the face of poverty changes across places and times, we remain vigilant and responsive to
the signs of the time—always seeking to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope, mercy,
and care to those in need.
Strengthening Our Mission Through Awareness and Thought Leadership
Catholic Social Services (CSS) exists to be a visible, living sign of Christ’s love in the world.
Rooted in Parable of the Good Samaritan in the Gospel of Luke 10 and the enduring values of
Catholic Social Teaching, we provide companionship to seniors facing loneliness and isolation,
compassionate care to families facing poverty, and freedom to persons with disabilities.
Every day, we help those in crisis find stability, dignity, and hope.
As we look to the future, we are seeking support and partnership from those who share our
belief in the power of human dignity, faith in action, and the historic commitment of the
Catholic Church to seek justice through love of neighbor.
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