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Celebrating 60 Years of Giving Help and Hope

CATHOLIC CHARITIES: THEN AND NOW

The year was 1956. Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler, Monsignor John Horvat and Thomas Daly
met to discuss the establishment of a new organization within the Archdiocese. Its sole focus
would be on the management of “Catholic charitable activities,” especially the adoption of
children into Catholic homes. On October 23rd of that year, a non-profit named Catholic
Charities of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was formed.

Today, the organization continues to be a thriving ministry of the Archdiocese, but operates under
the name of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Early on, it was known as a “safety net” agency,
providing for immediate needs such as food, clothing and shelter. In recent years, it has expanded
from stabilizing to strengthening families through more than 20 programs and services impacting
every stage of life.

“We continue to match newborn babies with their ‘forever families’ through adoption and counsel
those faced with an unexpected pregnancy. We also resettle refugees forced to flee their country
out of fear of death or persecution; offer in-home support to the elderly who need assistance with
personal care, homemaking activities and errands; and provide compassionate, hospice care to
those at the end of life’s journey,” says Ken Williams, President and CEO.

Williams adds that Catholic Charities will always give help to those who need food and other basics
to survive. “Now, we’re working to make families stronger long-term, and moving them forward
towards self-sufficiency,” he says. “We’re giving them hope.”

Visit the Media Center page for more information about Catholic Charities’ programs, services and activities.


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We help our neighbors in need move from a place of needing help to one of having hope.

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas serves the most vulnerable men, women and children of all faiths across 21 counties. We provide innovative programs and solutions that stabilize and strengthen individuals and families to have hope for the future. Follow us to stay up to date.

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