Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
About Us

who we are
Serving Northeast Kansas for Over 65 Years
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas serves the most vulnerable men, women and children of all faiths across 21 counties. A ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, we provide innovative programs and solutions that stabilize and strengthen individuals and families, moving them from a place of needing help to one of having hope.
We offer more than 30 programs across 21 counties of Northeast Kansas. Our work is founded on three pillars: Family Stabilization, Family Strengthening and Respect Life Services.
History
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.
A year later, Monsignor Horvat was appointed to work full-time as Catholic Charities’ Archdiocesan Director. With the hiring of two social workers who had backgrounds in family and children services, he set up a formal office in Wyandotte County. Initially, he and his staff focused their energies on a single program, adoption. By the time his successor, Fr. Finnerty, took over, people were coming to Catholic Charities for food, clothing and financial assistance. Unable to afford a larger staff to help him with these things, he began recruiting volunteers. With their help, the first Family Support Center (FSC), formerly known as an emergency assistance center (EAC), became a reality in 1965.
Today, the organization continues to be a thriving ministry of the Archdiocese, but operates under the name of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Assistance is provided to struggling individuals and families of all faiths throughout a 21-county service area. Staff has grown from just a couple of employees, to over 200. Volunteers remain crucial to our work – assisting in food pantries, sorting clothing, participating in mobile food distributions, tutoring refugees, serving as financial mentors and more.
The number of programs has expanded to over 30. The agency continues to match newborn babies with their ‘forever families’ through adoption and counsel those faced with an unexpected pregnancy. The number of FSCs has grown to locations in Atchison, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Olathe, Overland Park and Topeka. All feature a mini-mart style, self shopping food pantry. In addition, there is a large food distribution warehouse, Hope Distribution Center, which also features a food pantry. We go beyond addressing only immediate needs. Case managers at each FSC work with those we serve to develop a practical plan that will lead to self-sufficiency. For those living in outlying areas, services are brought to them through a Resource Bus stocked with food, and a case manager on board to provide assistance with unpaid utility bills, housing, medical prescriptions and more.
Since 1975, Catholic Charities has welcomed and resettled refugees from across the world forced to flee their country due to religious or ethnic persecution. We offer English language classes, citizen preparation, case management, employment support and more. Our New Roots farm training program empowers immigrants, refugees and English language learners. In 2010, we began offering professional immigration legal services to low-income, foreign-born individuals and their families through our La Luz Immigration Clinic.
In 2008, Catholic Charities assumed operation of Shalom House, a shelter for 24 unhoused men. In 2022, Catholic Charities began a major undertaking renovating the former Sanctuary of Hope in an effort to fight poverty and serve more men experiencing homelessness. Today, the Shalom House Men’s Transitional Living Program can serve up to 60 men providing not only food and shelter, but long-term programming that will change the trajectory of their lives.
Catholic Charities has evolved over the last 60+ years to better serve and provide solutions for the struggles and barriers of our neighbors. We have developed more strengthening programs that focus on education, job placement and financial basics. Throughout all our growth, the founding mission remains at the heart of our organization, to strengthen individuals and families and move them forward by providing help and giving hope.
Serve With Us
Our mission would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers, generous donors and talented staff. Join us today to combat poverty and make a difference in Northeast Kansas.
More About Us

Mission & Values
We serve our neighbors, of all faiths, through Help, Hope and Hospitality. Learn more about our mission and what inspires us to service.

Catholic Identity Statement
Founded by the Roman Catholic Church to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas looks to Sacred Scripture and the traditions and teachings of the Church to guide its mission.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Statement
At Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (for staff, volunteers, board, customers and those we serve) is foundational to our Catholic Identity and belief in God’s unconditional love for every human person.

Our Impact
Every year, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas animates the Gospel by putting love into action. See our impact over the past fiscal year and the difference we are making in our community.
Related Organizations

Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas
We are a ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, and our service area aligns with the 21 counties of the Archdiocese.
Please visit the Archdiocesean website for a list of parishes and ministries.

Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is part of Catholic Charities USA, a member of the international Caritas organization.
Visit CCUSA to find other Catholic Charities locations across the United States.

Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph
The greater Kansas City metro area and its outlying counties cover both Kansas and Missouri. Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph serves the Northeastern Missouri area.
If you reside in Missouri, please visit CCKCSJ for services.
Called to Love
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas is answering the call to animate the Gospel by putting love into action. We are grateful for your generous support of time, talent and treasure.
Follow Us
@catholiccharitiesks is grateful for The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Foundation’s recent grant support for the Shalom House Men’s Transitional Living Program in Kansas City, Kansas. The Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Foundation & @catholiccharitiesks – like-minded partners in service to our neighbors.
Nov 28

@mykclive recently interviewed Kendra Dudasko, Outreach Coordinator at @catholiccharitiesks! In the interview, Kendra detailed the pressing need for assistance and how @catholiccharitiesks is stepping up to the challenge.
Dudasko explained how our agency’s 30+ programs assist the most vulnerable in our communities and shared ways for others to #GetInvolved in our mission and #GiveBack to others, ensuring this holiday season is memorable for those in need!
Paste this link into your web browser to watch the full interview: https://ow.ly/fVEA50QbH8g.
Nov 27

We have incredible news to share! 3,080 turkeys will have been donated to families in need this Thanksgiving holiday, thanks to many generous donors, including @creativeplanning_llc, @harvesters, @jackstackbbq, local parishes and more.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated turkeys and holiday meal kit items. We are also extremely thankful for the volunteers who have assisted with distributing these items. We are so blessed to have such thoughtful and giving individuals contribute to our agency!
Pictured are volunteers from our recent Leavenworth and Topeka Family Support Center turkey drives.
Nov 23

Here’s a little-known #SnowBall fact for you! 💌❤️❄️
For the first 43 years, every invitation was hand-addressed, stuffed and sealed by dedicated volunteers. It was a labor of love, often accompanied by coffee and pastries. Even as the event grew, we kept this tradition alive.
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers over the years!
#SnowBall50 #SnowBallMemories
Nov 22
