Catholic Charities Community Services began in 1980, in response to a call from Roman Catholic Bishop Matthew Clark of the Diocese of Rochester to address the unmet needs of those with developmental disabilities. They opened their first residential home in Lyons, NY for 12 individuals who were moving from institutional settings to a place they could truly call home.
Today Catholic Charities continues the tradition of supporting the independence and inclusiveness of individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as many others who have significant health challenges, including traumatic brain injuries, and HIV/AIDS. Annually they serve over 3,000 people of all faiths and backgrounds throughout the 12 counties of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester with a variety of services including: 13 residences, programs that support the independence of care coordination, behavioral health programs and efforts that help people find jobs and stable housing.
Community Services is one of nine Catholic Charities organizations within the Diocese of Rochester. They employ 300 compassionate staff members, many of whom are long-term employees of over 20 years. The staff and the agency have been recognized for excellence in service by the Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS, The NYS Justice Center, the NYS Association for Community and Residential Agencies and the Department of Health/AIDS Institute.
In the past three years, Catholic Charities Community Services has seen significant growth in services and nearly tripled the number of people they serve. As they plan for continued growth, they remain focused on each unique individual—their needs, goals and talents. Catholic Charities’ board and staff are truly driven to provide superior services, advocacy and compassionate support to empower individuals to recognize their full potential and live with dignity as people of God.
It is a great privilege that we recognize Catholic Charities Community Services as the
Community Organization of the Year for the 2017 TOPS Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade.