Our Mission
Catholic Charities Community Services is deeply committed to enhancing and strengthening the independence, inclusion, and individuality of persons with disabilities as well as those who are living with HIV/AIDS.
We integrate service delivery, advocacy, and education to foster individual and community empowerment. In conjunction with those we serve, we promote the self worth of all individuals to live with dignity as people of God.
Our History
Catholic Charities has a long and rich history of service to those in greatest need in the United States. Catholic Charities Community Services is no exception.
| 1917 | The bishops of New York State establish the legal structure of Catholic Charities in the state. |
| 1975 | A New York State Court agreement, The Willowbrook Decree, set about improving the placement of residents of state residential institutions for the disabled. Smaller homes, run by the state and private agencies, were established. |
| 1978 | The US Bishops issue a Pastoral Statement concerning persons with disabilities. |
| 1979 | Matthew H. Clark, the newly appointed bishop of Rochester, NY, identifies persons with disabilities as a group underserved in the Diocese of Rochester. |
| 1980 | The precursor to Catholic Charities Community Services is established. The Catholic Charities Residential Program is established in the Diocese of Rochester with the opening of a group home for twelve persons with disabilities in Lyons, NY. It now has eleven certified residential sites housing 87 people and serves an additional 270+ living independently in the community. (2010)
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| 1992 | The AIDS Services Program begins with the blessing of Bishop Clark who, in his letter, "The Lord Himself Has Taught Me to Have Compassion", told his flock to care for those in greatest need. AIDS Services begins with a residence for women with AIDS and has evolved into a program supporting 230 persons with HIV/AIDS disease and their families. (2010) |
| 1997 | Catholic Charities Community Services, called Catholic Charities Community and Residential Services at the time, is asked by New York State to establish a program for persons living with traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic Brain Injury Services now serves 83 persons with brain injuries living independently in the community. (2010) |
| 2009 | Catholic Charities Community Services begins offering support services under the New York State Department of Health Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver to persons with disabilities who are seeking an alternative to nursing home living. It currently serves 9 people. (2010)  |
All services are provided to all people without regard to race, religion,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, ability, gender or ability to pay.
