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Find the area that fits your situation below, or call us and we will help you find the right place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are trying to figure out where to start, you are not alone. Here are answers to the questions CSS hears most often. If your question is not here, call 614-221-5891 and someone on our team will help.

About Our Services

What services does Catholic Social Services offer?
CSS provides programs for seniors, families, and persons with disabilities across 23 counties in central and southeastern Ohio. This includes food assistance, case management, ESL classes, senior service coordination, companionship programs, non-emergency transportation, representative payee services, workforce development, parenting education, and wellness clinic access. Services vary by location and program guidelines.
CSS serves individuals and families of all backgrounds, faiths, and circumstances. Programs are designed to support seniors, families with children, persons with disabilities, immigrants, and veterans, among others. Eligibility requirements vary by program, and our staff can help determine what is available for your situation.
Yes. While CSS is rooted in the Catholic faith and is a ministry of the Diocese of Columbus, services are available to everyone regardless of religious background, immigration status, or income.

Yes. The Our Lady of Guadalupe Center serves the Latino community primarily in Spanish, and case management, food pantry, legal consultation, and ESL programs are available in Spanish. For services in other languages, call (614) 857-1232 to ask about current availability.

Getting Started

How do I get started with services?

The easiest first step is to call (614) 221-5891. A team member will ask a few questions about your situation and guide you toward the right programs. For services at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Center, call (614) 340-7061. For food pantry appointments, call 211.

Some services are available quickly, while others require scheduling or referrals. When you call, our team will assess the urgency of your situation and connect you with the fastest available support.
Requirements vary by program. You may be asked for identification, proof of income, or documents related to your situation. Staff will let you know what is needed before your appointment.
Yes. Family members, caregivers, and community organizations can often make referrals on behalf of someone who needs help. This is especially helpful for seniors or individuals who may have difficulty reaching out on their own.
If you do not meet the requirements for a specific service, CSS staff will work to connect you with other local agencies or community programs that may be able to help. The goal is always to make sure you leave with a next step.

Specific Programs

Do you offer food assistance?

Yes. CSS provides food assistance through the Our Lady of Guadalupe Center food pantry in Columbus and connects individuals to food resources across the region. Pantry appointments at OLGC are made by calling 211. Emergency food assistance referrals are available through the main CSS line at (614) 221-5891.

CSS can help connect individuals to housing support, utility assistance, and financial resources. While direct funding may be limited, CSS staff provide referrals and guidance to local agencies and programs that offer financial assistance. CSS also provides on-site service coordination at Seton Square Senior affordable housing communities across Ohio.

CSS offers service coordination at Seton Square Senior housing communities, supportive services including payee and transportation, and companionship programs including the Senior Companion Program, Super Neighbor, Care Calls, and the Foster Grandparent Program. These services help older adults maintain independence and stay connected.

CSS provides non-emergency medical transportation for seniors and veterans in Licking County and representative payee and fiduciary management for persons with disabilities across 34 Ohio counties and 11 West Virginia counties. These services support financial stability and access to healthcare.

CSS does not provide direct clinical mental health treatment, but staff regularly connect individuals to trusted mental health providers and community resources. If you need a referral, call (614) 221-5891.

Yes. CSS offers career navigation and job readiness support at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Center, along with the Mercadito Raices entrepreneurship program for Hispanic small business owners. Call (614) 340-7061 for more information.

Ongoing Support

How long can I receive support?
It depends on the service. Some programs offer short-term assistance, while others provide ongoing support based on need. Many individuals return to CSS as their circumstances change. Staff will help you understand what is available for your situation.
In most cases, yes. CSS is here when you need help, whether that is once or over a longer period of time. Eligibility requirements vary by program.
Yes. CSS maintains partnerships with healthcare systems, legal aid organizations, schools, parishes, government agencies, and many other nonprofits across central and southeastern Ohio. These partnerships allow CSS to connect individuals to a wider network of support.

Getting Involved

How can I volunteer?

Sign up through ServeAsNeighbors.org to browse available opportunities and register for a shift. CSS welcomes individual volunteers, groups, businesses, and parishes. Call (614) 221-5891 or email Se**************@*****ss.org for group volunteer coordination.

CSS accepts one-time gifts, recurring donations, planned giving, vehicle donations, and stock or securities. Visit colscss.org/get-involved/donate/ or contact jn*******@*****ss.org for assistance.