Our Mission
Catholic Charities is a Christian response on the part of the Diocese of Gary to help meet the human needs of the people of Northwest Indiana.

History

Catholic Charities is a multi-program, private, not-for-profit social service agency serving the people of the four northwest counties of Indiana - Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and Starke. Through its six area offices, the St. Joseph Home for Boys, and the central administrative office, the agency reaches out to a population of about 735,000 persons with very diverse racial and ethnic characteristics, occupations, experiences and income status.

Established in 1937 as an official activity of the Diocese of Fort Wayne, Catholic Charities has continued as part of the Diocese of Gary since 1957. The original purpose was to serve the poor and needy through an agency that would meet the professional standards of Social Work. Through the early years the emphasis was on child welfare services.

Monsignor W. Edward Sweigart first organized the agency and served as Diocesan Director until his retirement. Monsignor Joseph Semancik began working with Catholic Charities as Executive Secretary in 1960, was appointed Diocesan Director in 1962, and served in that capacity for the next 36 years. After a transition period of two years, Kenneth M. Flanagan, Ph.D. was appointed and currently serves as Diocesan Director for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Gary.

During the past 69 years Catholic Charities continues to broaden its base of programming and shift its emphasis depending on the needs of the community. Counseling, volunteer programs, programs for the elderly and family life ministry have developed in recent years in addition to material aid to the poor.

The effectiveness of Catholic Charities is derived from the dedication of its staff, board members, volunteers and donors.