Topeka Family Support Center

Case Management Meetings

Our on-site case managers utilize strength-based and trauma-informed strategies to meet an individual’s and family’s holistic needs. They assess, plan, evaluate and advocate for resources and services offered by Catholic Charities and community partners.

Housing & Utility Assistance

We provide housing assistance to those who may be, or who are at risk for, experiencing homelessness. We provide rapid rehousing and homeless prevention services, directing others to community partners for transitional housing. We also provide direct financial assistance for past due rent and utility payments to those eligible.

Food Assistance Programs

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas helps local families connect to SNAP and additional programs such as Kansas WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), TEFAP (Emergency Food Assistance Program), and CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors). Not all programs are available in all Family Support Center locations; please contact your local Family Support Center for more details.

Kids Summer Food Program

Free summer meals for kids and teens are no hassle! No application, no sign-up—just stop by and enjoy! Stopping by a summer meal site with your family saves time and money spent grocery shopping and meal prepping, and promotes healthy access to food for all children in our community.

Hygiene Products

Our neighbors in need who visit one of our food pantries can also receive some basic hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, and more.

Nutrition Education

Good nutrition builds healthy communities. Our Food and Nutrition programming empowers families to become comfortable preparing more nutritious and affordable meals. Our focus is on how to cook, shop, grow and prepare healthy meals on a budget.

Food Pantry

Each of our seven Family Support Centers and our Hope Distribution Center offer a food pantry. Our client-choice food pantry gives those we serve the opportunity to select items appropriate for their families’ dietary and cultural needs. Every 30 days, shoppers choose from a variety of high-quality perishable and non-perishable foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. We offer free bread every day to those in need of food. There is also a limited selection of personal care hygiene items and diapers available.

Mobile Food Distribution

Mobile Food Distribution is an excellent way for families to supplement their household’s food and stretch their budget. The drive-up events distribute bulk food in collaboration with local food banks. Any individual or family can come; no identification is required and you can reside in any of our 21 counties or outside of our service area and still receive food. Mobile Food Distributions are held monthly at two locations in Kansas City, Kansas and Olathe.

Corita’s Corner Sandwich Ministry

Our Topeka Family Support Center hosts Corita’s Corner Sandwich Ministry, which offers free sandwiches to any neighbors in need facing hunger.

Financial Education Classes

Understanding and managing personal finances is key for regaining economic stability. Financial coaching and Asset Development classes are available to clients of our Family Support Centers.

Kansas Loan Pool Project

The Kansas Loan Pool Project (KLPP) is designed to help eliminate high-interest title or payday loans by issuing participants a new, low-interest loan in addition to financial coaching.

Family Financial Transformations

Family Financial Transformations is a one-year program that includes case management and financial coaching for the whole family, children to adult.

Job Readiness Classes

Job-seeking individuals may receive job placement assistance or sharpen their job readiness skills through our Job Seeker workshop series, part of our Employment Support Workforce program.

Employment Placement

We share job opportunities, assist with job searches and help with access to transportation. Participants in our Employment Support programs may also receive referrals and opportunities to sharpen their skills. We also offer interview tips and guidance about how to dress for success.

St. Rita Program

Our St. Rita skills training program assists individuals in overcoming barriers to education and career advancement. We provide intensive, wraparound case management, connections to resources and essential skills training. Our Workforce Specialists help program graduates land jobs in high-demand, high-earning career tracks.

Adoption

Our Adoption program works closely with birth parents and adoptive couples to match newborn babies with forever families. We provide non-judgmental support to birth parents who are actively considering adoption over parenting. We understand that it’s not an easy journey.

Pregnancy Counseling

Our Pregnancy Maintenance Initiative (PMI) helps expectant mothers through education and case management. We provide support both during pregnancy and while beginning the parenting journey.

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Images of Corita’s Corner by Topeka-Capitol Journal

Corita's Corner Offers Sandwich Ministry

Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Topeka Family Support Center is home to Corita’s Corner. It is named after Sister Corita, a beloved Topeka nun and principal of Assumption parish school, who passed away in 2013.

Those seeking a free sack lunch knock on the window and a volunteer opens a sliding window, handing out a brown paper bag that contains a bologna-and-cheese sandwich, bag of chips and a few cookies.

Corita’s Corner is located on the east side of our Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas Topeka Family Support Center office at 234 S. Kansas Ave.