Giving Back: Catholic Community Services’ Legacy of Compassion
Established in 1938 during the Great Depression as a parish ministry of Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Parish, Catholic Community Services (CCS) began by providing food, clothing, and employment support to struggling families. This focus on employment remains central to their mission today, 81 years later.
The organization’s mission reflects its Christian values of faith, hope, and kinship, evident across its numerous programs and initiatives. Josh Graves, a leader at CCS, emphasizes, “Our core values of love, justice, truth, and freedom guide everything we do. But these values are rooted in integrity. For us, that means truly knowing ourselves and the people we serve.”
To ensure these values resonate with the community, CCS’s Board Ownership Linkage Committee regularly holds listening sessions with educators, families, and law enforcement. These discussions provide essential insights into the needs of Oregonians and help ensure services are delivered with integrity.
CCS operates a diverse range of programs, primarily focusing on children, youth, and families. Eight out of ten of its programs cater specifically to this demographic, providing vital resources to those in need. Additionally, CCS offers services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through 15 group homes and an integrated services network, assisting over 540 individuals across several counties. Affordable housing is another key focus. The CCS Foundation manages 280 affordable housing units for low-income families and provides supported permanent housing with essential services, helping residents stabilize their living situations. Altogether, CCS impacts around 5,000 people annually, supported by a workforce of 250 employees and a $27 million annual budget.
Maintaining a nonprofit of this scale requires balancing mission fulfillment and financial sustainability. Graves explains that while profit isn’t their goal, the organization must avoid operating at a loss. “It’s crucial that we do not operate at a loss,” he says. The organization emphasizes maintaining a cash reserve to cover essential expenses, such as payroll and administrative costs, ensuring the continuity of support services without risking financial instability. This reserve is particularly challenging for nonprofits, which are not expected to accumulate large reserves.
One of the organization’s recent successes involved a father living in his truck with his three sons. Through their Fostering Hope initiative and coordination with the McKinney Vento program, CCS helped place the family in affordable housing while offering comprehensive support services, including employment assistance, parenting classes, and health coverage. “We worked to build trust and support them without judgment, emphasizing that we walk alongside people on their journey to help them with dignity,” Graves said. Today, the father is employed, his sons are in school, and the family is thriving. The story underscores the organization’s mission of love and active goodwill, highlighting its ability to provide effective support without judgment.
Graves and the CCS team believe that building relationships is the foundation for identifying and meeting the needs of the communities they serve. Their focus on promoting self-determination and fostering an outward mindset has helped them create effective, low-cost programs that significantly impact individuals and families throughout the region. Their work ensures that the 81-year-old institution will continue to meet the needs of the Salem community for many years to come.
Those wishing to support their work can visit the organization’s website to donate or learn about their annual events. In addition to online donations, they also accept checks and cash. Each contribution helps Catholic Community Services fulfill its mission of serving the community and transforming lives through compassion and care.