Agency Details:

Catholic Charities Indianapolis

We, Catholic Charities Indianapolis, are called by the Gospel to support the dignity of all people.

We are dedicated to provide:
*Individual and Family Support
*Eldercare
*Crisis Relief and Shelter.

We are committed to strengthening those
we serve through empowerment while
serving as advocates for peace and
justice.

Description:
Catholic Chairities Indianapolis offers support in ten programs covered under three service lines -Individual and Family Support, Eldercare and Crisis Relief and Shelter
Individual, Couple and Family Counseling Programs
Professional counseling is available on a sliding fee scaled, based on income.
Family Growth Program
Training programs for parents/caretakers and youth are offered to improve communication among family members.
School Social Work Programs
Professional counseling services are provided for school children along with consultation services.
SJA-- Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program (NYO)
Activities to serve urban youth and their families in the St. Joan of Arc neighborhood (46th and Central).

Eldercare
Adult Day Services
Therapeutic, safe day care for frail or handicapped, elderly adults is provided at the following two sites.
*A Caring Place (north)
*Holy Trinity Place (west)
A caregiver support program is available offering respite to caregivers, providing resource information and operating a small scale home modification project for caregivers.
Senior Companion Program (SCP)
Companions, low income adults, 60 and over, visit homebound clients (at no charge to clients).

RSVP of Central Indiana
People 55 and over volunteer for service to the community.

Crisis Relief and Shelter
Crisis Office Program
Food, clothing, limited transportation, rent and utilities money are available for those in emergency/critical need.
Holy Family Services
Holy Family Shelter
Temporary shelter meals, counseling, child care, and job assistance for homeless families is provided at this site located on the near south side of Indianapolis.

Holy Family Transitional Housing
Extended services for families facing chronic homelessness are provided shelter as they transition out of homelessness.

Refugee Resettlement/Refugee Social Services Program
Advocacy, family reunification, job assistance, ESL services, help in setting up a household for refugees are some of the services offered through this program.

The Christmas Store
Christmas gift assistance for needy families is offered to families on a referral basis.

History:
Catholic Charities Indianapolis (formerly Catholic Social Services of Central Indiana) has been in existence since 1919. Catholic Charities Indianapolis was founded as the Catholic Community Center (CCC).
1920's .... The Jazz Age and Prohibition. CCC merges with the Catholic Women's Association. Msgr. August Fusseneger is appointed as Director and continues in this position until his death in 1962. -
1930's .... CCC develops a Child Welfare Program as economic conditions lead to a major increase in broken homes and delinquencies.

1950's.... The Child Welfare Program continues to expand and professional counseling services are offered for the first time.

1960's Rev. Donald Schmidlin serves as the Director of what is now known as Catholic Charities. Psychological testing, School Counseling and Family Life Education inaugurated. CSS now becomes an agency of Catholic Charities--the Archdiocesan Flagship for human services.

1970's. ..CSS names first lay Executive Director, Robert Gerwe. A growing emphasis on social activism and the phase out of the agency's Child Welfare Program. Dr. Robert Riegel begins 25 years of service, is later appointed Executive Director and leads-continued expansion.

1980'S ....A major restructuring in which an additional group of six services which had been the descendents of the Archdiocesan Social Ministries become part of the CSS program. The agency moves to the Catholic Center building on North Meridian Street.

1990's .... Tom Gaybrick, MSW appointed Executive Director and CSS works towards developing linkages with area hospitals and initiates a new supportive housing program. Tom Gaybrick is appointed Executive Director of Catholic Charities, and Tom Colbert, MSW appointed Executive Director of CSS.
2000's ...CSS celebrates 75 Years of service to the Central Indiana community. David Bethuram is appointed Executive Director to lead CSS into the new millennium.
In July of 2005 the name of our agency was changed from Catholic Social Services of Central Indiana to Catholic Charities Indianapolis.

Contact people:

Valerie Sperka, Events Coordinator, (phone), (email) Craig Fall, Associate Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (317) 261-3375

Address:

1400 N Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.CatholicCharitiesIndpls.org

Directions:

We are located on the northwest corner of 14th and Meridian. The entrance to the building is off the parking lot. You can enter the parking lot from 14th Street.   Nearest Bus Stop: Bus stops at 14th and Meridian, 0 minute walk

Last updated on November 25, 2009