Catholic Charities takes direct action to relieve anxieties and remove burdens while simultaneously lifting people to the dignity of self-reliance. With an innovative approach, we address urgent life situations, and then lead men, women and families through services and programs reflecting their needs.
Welcome Center
People often hesitate to seek assistance because of bad experiences – being treated like a number or a faceless “case.” They find a different welcome when they walk into Catholic Charities’ Welcome Center. A resource specialist greets them, listens respectfully and compassionately to their needs, gathers information, and determines obstacles hindering their path to self-sufficiency. Immediate, critical needs are addressed through emergency assistance such as food, clothing, hygiene products, diapers, formula, utility and rent assistance. Our pantry operation is part of our Welcome Center.
Children & Family Services
Catholic Charities began as an orphanage in 1879, and we have been supporting parents and children as a core part of our mission ever since. Case management, parenting education and child development assessments help increase family stability and create a nurturing environment in which children can grow and thrive. Mom’s Empowerment serves families from pregnancy through the child’s first year. We also provide adoption services as a full service, licensed and accredited child place agency in Missouri.
Housing and Veterans
Senior and disabled housing needs vary. Coordinators will help find affordable living options, answer questions about insurance, medical bills, and benefits. Our Veteran Services program focus on finding safe, permanent housing first. Then, our case managers workone-on-one to set a plan to enable — and empower — a successful transition to productive and healthy civilian living.

Students in a lecture with one woman looking up in college
Employment
A decent job is vital to maintaining a healthy, stable life. Basic job skill training, resume creation and development, interview skills, actual one-on-one employer interviews, plus, job retention strategies, comprises the services we offer to those seeking the dignity of work. Employment Services teaches tools and resources necessary to help unemployed, under-employed, and vulnerable people (ex-offenders, those struggling with poverty, seniors, discouraged workers, etc.) find and keep work.
In the news
Social-Emotional Development and becoming a “Social Butterfly” June Newsletter 2022
We are happy to announce that in July 2022, Catholic Charities Kansas City- St. Joseph will be rolling out a new social-emotional program....
Hope and Help Hits the Road: Cameron Distribution Center & Mobile Outreach Opens- June Newsletter 2022
Two themes motivate the staff at Catholic Charities on a daily basis: the pandemic has increased the number of people in need (our...
Living in the Context of Togetherness-June Newsletter 2022
The work of the Deaf and Disability Ministries within Catholic Charities Kansas City- Saint Joseph benefits all with disabilities whether...