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Our Mission

Catholic Charities fulfills the Church's role in the mission of charity to anyone in need by providing compassionate, competent and professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities based on the value and dignity of human life.

Celebrating 100 Years of History

Did you know Catholic Charities was founded by business leaders? In 1917, Cardinal Mundelein went to corporate philanthropic leaders with the desire to create a consolidated resource for charitable support to parishes and the needy. Since then, we have supported all who turn to us for help through services touching almost every human service need. As an integral part of the fabric of Cook and Lake counties, we remain committed to the communities and people we serve. Help us celebrate Catholic Charities “Century of Hope” by sharing your stories and photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #ccofchicago100 and be sure to tag @CCofChicago. To see our journey since 1917 and contribute your story, visit www.ccofchicago100.net

Celebrating 100 Years of Community Partnerships

For 100 years, Catholic Charities has partnered with parishes, organizations, schools, and volunteers to meet the needs of Cook and Lake counties. Today, more than 400 community partners, 300 parish partners, and 15,000 volunteers help us provide the best and most cutting edge programming to answer the needs of the most under-resources communities. Thank you for helping us make a difference! Help us celebrate Catholic Charities “Century of Hope” by sharing your stories and photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #ccofchicago100 and be sure to tag @CCofChicago. To see our journey since 1917 and contribute your story, visit www.ccofchicago100.net.

Celebrating 100 Years of Adoption and Maternity Services

Did you know one of Catholic Charities first programs was Adoption and Maternity Services? Our legacy of services began during World War I, when we began feeding the hungry and caring for orphans and children of unwed mothers, as well as the mothers themselves. Today, our adoption and maternity services continue to provide services that span the full range of the “adoption circle,” attending to the needs of parents facing unplanned pregnancies and families seeking to adopt children. Help us celebrate Catholic Charities “Century of Hope” by sharing your stories and photos on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the hashtag #ccofchicago100 and be sure to tag @CCofChicago. To see our journey since 1917 and contribute your story, visit www.ccofchicago100.net.

First Annual Catholic Charities Board Meeting, April 1917
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