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Catholic Community Services of Western Washington 

Description

For over 90 years CCS has served the poorest and most vulnerable people in communities throughout Western Washington. As a Church-sponsored, community-based organization, we're the largest private provider of social services in the Washington State. We not only provide services to those in need but are a catalyst for change communities we serve, working with elected officials, government agencies and others for social justice and equity for marginalized populations of Western Washington.

Mission Statement
CCS staff/volunteers from many faith traditions serve/support poor and vulnerable people regardless of race or religion, providing quality, integrated services and housing, focusing on individuals, children, families and communities struggling with poverty and the effects of intolerance and racism.
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Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
100 23rd Ave S 
Seattle 
WA
98144-2302 
(206) 328-5697 

Michael Reichart 
President 

Programs

Catholic Community Services of Western Washington Programs

Family Centers
CCS's 12 Western Washington Family Centers provide crisis intervention for families and individuals in need. Programs serving children and youth have been a cornerstone of our agency for more than 90 years and today we serve children, youth, adults and elders of all ages. We offer case management, information and referral, emergency services, mental health and chemical dependency services, Volunteer Chore Services, a Foster Grandparent program and more. Our Family Preservation System also provides an array of mental health services and social supports to families with serious family conflict and complex needs.

Preventing Homelessness and Providing Food and Shelter for Those Most Vulnerable
We provide a warm, safe refuge from the streets through Day Centers, Food Programs, Overnight Shelters and Transitional Housing Programs. CCS offers a wide range of case management, eviction and foreclosure prevention, and rent and utility assistance to keep people in their homes. We also provide housing for male veterans with onsite case management.

Helping Seniors and People with Disabilities Stay in their Homes
The CCS Long Term Care System provides in-home personal care, outreach and case management, senior centers, caregiver training, senior meal sites and “Meals on Wheels” for homebound seniors and people with disabilities. Our programs help seniors remain in their homes.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Recent Success
Elena was a teen when she found herself homeless and alone. An outreach worker for CCS’ Groundwork Project found Elena in a shelter and helped her work collaboratively with staff and community partners to build a wraparound team. Her team helped Elena rebuild her confidence, creating a plan that met her complex, holistic needs, such as gaining access to supportive services, finding safe housing and returning to school. Elena moved into her own apartment with supportive roommates and returned to school. She shared, “I can do anything I want if I make my mind up. I now know it is okay to talk about myself and ask for what I need. That is how my Groundwork team helped me find ME.”

Current Needs
The economic crisis has caused a dramatic increase in the number of low-income, working poor people losing their homes and/or jobs, creating barriers for individuals and families in finding food and shelter. At the same time, we face substantial budget cuts to programs that serve the most vulnerable. With more resources, CCS can increase the availability of intensive case management, stabilization services, eviction and foreclosure prevention, and rent and utility assistance to keep people in their homes, and build a safe and stable foundation for self-sufficiency, breaking the cycle of extreme poverty, addiction and homelessness.

Evaluation


Catholic Community Services of King County (CCS) programs are designed to help people help themselves; to help them help each other through professional and volunteer services; and to change the systems which cause human suffering.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
They strive to stay relevant through ongoing strategic planning, customer/client feedback and a quality improvement program. Their programs are high quality, culturally relevant and comprehensive.

Collaboration
In early 2009 CCS integrated the programs of Archdiocesan Housing Authority serving homeless individuals in downtown Seattle, including permanent and the transitional housing, shelters, day centers and other services.

Use of Best Practices
King County programs are sharing more services and expertise across programs that are resulting in better outcomes for vulnerable people in King County.

Sustainability
They are currently engaged in a major fundraising initiative trying to raise $7.5 million through the Gift of Hope Challenge. This is an effort to increase long-term support from major donors over the next two years.

Leadership
They play a leadership role across the state for legislative advocacy addressing endemic poverty and disproportionally impacted communities.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
12/10/2007 $75,000.00support general operating expenses.
6/16/2005 $70,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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