In 1879, Father Bernard Donnelly established Mount St. Bernard’s Orphanage in Kansas City. With that one act of faith, hope and charity, many lives — and a community — were transformed.
And, from that humble beginning a strong tradition of compassionate care and social service took root, thrived and grew to become Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
Today, millions of lives have been transformed, and our community is a much different — much better — place.
Catholic Charities in 1942
1879-1909 During these first three decades, thousands of infants, children, young mothers and aging adults found shelter and support through Catholic social service agencies. Mt. St. Bernard’s Orphanage, Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Elderly, St. Anthony’s Home for Infants and St. Vincent’s Maternity Hospital opened their doors to all, regardless of faith.
1927 Catholic social service agencies in Kansas City merged into a single Catholic Welfare Bureau and added support services for youth in the juvenile detention system.
1935-1945 As the depression lingered and World War II loomed, Kansas City’s needs changed and grew. The Catholic Welfare Bureau added food kitchens, family and foster care services and programs that served offenders. During and after the war, the Bureau added employment training, housing assistance and counseling programs to assist veterans and their families.
Catholic Charities in 1942
Fr. Pat Tobin and Mother Teresa
1950’s-1980’s During an era of sweeping social change, the Catholic Welfare Bureau expanded and adapted to serve more people with more services. Fr. Pat Tobin served as associate executive director, and launched new programming for ex-offenders, community gardens, assistance for refugees and housing programs.
1964 President Lyndon Johnson declared a War on Poverty. The agency joined the fight and merged with additional diocesan social services. In 1967, it was renamed Catholic Family and Community Services.
Fr. Pat Tobin and Mother Teresa
Rashey Moten 1970
1970 Rashey Moten named Executive Director. He became the first African-American to lead a Catholic Charities organization. He earned national praise for his pioneering leadership, which brought social work back to providing hands-on, day-to-today services to the poor and vulnerable.
1977-1980 Catholic Family and Community Services renamed Catholic Charities. When a branch opened to serve Northwest Missouri, it became Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
Rashey Moten 1970
Today, Catholic Charities provides assistance to at-risk individuals and families with services that are designed to address immediate needs.
Emergency assistance, food, personal hygiene items, and transportation supports – but also to create long term stability – employment services, permanent housing, and family programming designed to increase parenting knowledge, promote appropriate childhood development and create financial stability.
In the news
From the Desk of the CEO
“I can do things you cannot, and you can do things I cannot but together we can do great things.” Mother Teresa . Never were truer words spoken. Individuals with various talents, capabilities and passions working together can be tremendously impactful. We witness...
Helping Where He Can
Jim Teihen is one of the regular volunteers you can call anytime, and he will be ready to help where he can. He has picked up shifts at the serve and lift center so there are two people available to help those coming in. In addition, Jim has picked up rescue food and...
Local Farmer Donates Fresh Produce
At the South Serve and Lift Center, an anonymous local, retired farmer donates fresh produce from his crops to give back to the community. His goal is to bring produce to the pantry at least twice a month, more often if his crops allow. The fresh produce that he...
Brunch Hygiene Drive
Pat Smith was reading the last newsletter when she was inspired by the opportunity for a hygiene drive. Instead of asking for donations from those in her community, she hosted a brunch. Pat invited 13 friends to her home and enjoyed time together while they each...
Disaster Relief Services
A go bag is essential during disasters because it provides immediate access to vital supplies and resources. When emergencies strike without warning, have a pre-packed bag ensures that individuals can quickly evacuate to safety with necessary items like food, water,...
#RunServeLift Outpace Poverty 5K
#RunServeLift The Outpace Poverty 5K Run/Walk is an annual event, this year held on September 30th at Avila University. People of all ages come together to run or walk with the common goal of fighting poverty in our community. Participants can sign up individually or...