Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich

Who We Are
For over 100 years, Catholic Charities has continued to love the most vulnerable of every faith and background in New London, Middlesex, Windham, and Tolland counties. Our rich history of ministering to our neighbors during their time of crisis is the foundation of our daily work. That love remains the clearest evidence of God’s grace in our lives. After so many years, people certainly know Catholic Charities well enough that it may sometimes go unnoticed. Yet people are also surprised when they learn exactly how much Catholic Charities does for our communities.

Pope Francis has said, “It is not enough to offer someone a sandwich unless it is accompanied by the possibility of learning how to stand on one’s own two feet. Charity that leaves the poor person as he is, is not sufficient. True mercy, the mercy God gives to us and teaches us, demands justice, it demands that the poor find the way to be poor no longer.”

Catholic Charities Case Management/Basic Needs Program helps clients with self-sustainability, by offering long-term wrap-around services. While Catholic Charities will always provide emergency assistance, food, and more, we also provide hope to those in crisis. This long-term approach will move people from crisis situations to sustainability for the future. We realize and understand the true power of hope and what it means to those who we serve.

Last year, Catholic Charities served more than 10,200 men, women, and children throughout the four community-based offices in the four counties in Eastern Connecticut regardless of race, religion, or national origin.

62% of our clients were female /38% of our clients were male
11% of our clients were under the age of 18
65% of our clients were non-Catholic
211 Thanksgiving baskets distributed to families in need
139 families were helped through “A Very Giving Christmas”
Case Management/Basic Needs provided assistance with food, transportation assistance, rental, utility, fuel, and prescription assistance, budgeting and financial skills education, job readiness to include obtaining and maintaining employment, pregnancy and parenting support groups, toddler needs, and adoption searches. Through the Emergency Basic Needs component of our Case Management Program, we disbursed more than $260,294.00 of direct relief to those in need.

Our Mission
The mission of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich, Inc. is to respond to Christ's call to care for those of all faiths, who are in need. Catholic Charities will provide compassionate social services for individuals and families living in the Diocese of Norwich. These services shall be provided in a fiscally responsible manner with an emphasis on quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, with special attention to people who are poor or disadvantaged.