Looking at everyone as brothers and sisters, we are called to the example provided us in Luke 10, to be heralds of hope: The Good Samaritan. This calling to be neighbors requires co-responsibility in caring for people experiencing poverty, hunger, loneliness, disability, and mental health challenges.
We see first-hand how the promise of a daily meal can be truly life-changing, or when a family no longer has to worry about a paycheck, their health, and the basic needs of their children, they become able to achieve their God-given potential.
Or when a senior or veteran is helped with the challenges common to their season of life such as connecting them to resources, navigating new and rapidly changing technology, avoiding and overcoming senior abuse and senior-targeted scams, as well as the realities of a fixed income and the health risks of loneliness.
Address from His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre at the 2024 Breakfast with the Bishop – Luke 10:27
The Need:
Imagine having to choose between paying rent and feeding your family. This families just can’t keep up.
Not everyone operates at the same level of opportunity. Some people face the effects of addiction, mental health, unemployment, or lack of education and we are all called by Christ to be the Good Samaritan for our neighbors in need.
In Franklin County, 15% of the population – almost 200,000 people – live in poverty.
1 in 7 children in the Diocese of Columbus are hungry.
1 in 4 Seniors are isolated and have a 50% increased risk of dementia.
In the state of Ohio, 900 babies do not make it to their first birthday.
We started a new program called Little Blessings to serve families with children aged 0-5 years old, providing them with the basic needs of food, diapers, car seats, and hygiene supplies, as well as offering educational parenting classes (safe sleep, child-proofing the home, etc.) and peer resource groups. Additionally, we provide case management for mental health care and other family needs.
By pairing an able senior with an isolated senior, we coordinate visits and companionship. Through monthly training the companion is equipped to provide trips to the grocery store or for a haircut, and can identify health decline, suspicions of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. We are expanding the program to Licking County, in addition to our current services in Franklin and Delaware Counties.
To meet the growing needs in our community we are expanding our reach and facility in the coming year. We will be able to offer all of our services in the new community center while also cultivating resources and partnerships to serve a broader region.
Your gift makes a difference by supporting transformational programs that serve over 10,000 people each year.
197 E. Gay Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 221-5891
(614) 228-1125 (Fax)
1031 Brice Street
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 345-2565
(740) 345-0199 (FAX)
422 Main Street, Ste 400
P.O. Box 3446
Zanesville, OH 43702-3446
(740) 452-5057
(740) 452-2448 (FAX)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Center
409 Industry Drive
Columbus, OH 43204
(614) 340-7061 (tel)
(614) 824-1423 (fax)
Portsmouth
2311 Stockham Lane
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 961-4020 (tel)
740-353-3186 (fax)
197 E. Gay Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 221-5891
(614) 228-1125 (Fax)
1031 Brice Street
Newark, OH 43055
(740) 345-2565
(740) 345-0199 (FAX)
422 Main Street, Ste 400
P.O. Box 3446
Zanesville, OH 43702-3446
(740) 452-5057
(740) 452-2448 (FAX)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Center
409 Industry Drive
Columbus, OH 43204
(614) 340-7061 (tel)
(614) 824-1423 (fax)
Portsmouth
2311 Stockham Lane
Portsmouth, OH 45662
(740) 961-4020 (tel)
740-353-3186 (fax)
To make a single, impactful donation, you can contribute via credit card, or through cash or check. For checks, please make them payable to Catholic Social Services and mail to:
Catholic Social Services
197 East Gay Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
For any assistance or to donate electronically, please reach out to jnaporano@colscss.org. Remember, your generous one-time gift is tax-deductible and will directly bolster the vital services we provide.
Make a lasting impact by setting up a recurring donation. You get to choose the frequency and date that work best for you, ensuring continuous support for the community in need. Manage your recurring contribution anytime by reaching out to jnaporano@colscss.org.
Planned giving at Catholic Social Services (CSS) enables long-term sustainability and growth for programs that transform lives daily. Such gifts ensure that future generations can access essential services, fostering a legacy of compassion and support. To explore the potential and advantages of planned giving, please contact our development team at jnaporano@colscss.org.
Have an old car you no longer need? Through our partner CARS, donating your vehicle to support Catholic Social Services is convenient and tax-deductible. We handle everything from the pickup to the sale, and you receive a donation receipt and all necessary tax documentation. Get started by clicking here, and donate your vehicle today to turn it into support for those in need.
Additionally, by considering a gift of stock, insurance, securities, or IRA assets to CSS, you have a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of those we serve and align your philanthropic goals and financial planning strategies. You can download the appropriate form below or reach out to our development team at jnaporano@colscss.org.
If you would like to modify an existing gift, please get in touch with us at jnaporano@colscss.org and request to speak to someone on the development team.
We’re grateful for your ongoing support and committed to making the process simple and easy.