Our Stories
These are people in your community being helped by programs and services we provide. With the light of Christ, may we continue to ignite hope, build resilience and transform lives; weaving love, whispering grace and building bridges of compassion.
Enhanced Support for Foster Parents
Foster parents truly make a difference in the lives of the children in their care. That is why Catholic Community Services is investing in a new model called Enhanced Support for Foster Parents. This model creates a network of array homes that all have access to an...
CCS Spotlight – Marilee Darby
When it comes to a serious diagnosis like cancer, you never think it's going to happen to you, or to the people you love, until it does.Marilee went in for a routine mammogram when her doctor found two suspicious lumps. Her doctor then sent her in for an ultrasound to...
15th Annual St. Joseph the Worker Dinner
CCS, St. Mary Parish and the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel will be hosting the 15th Annual St. Joseph the Worker Fundraising Dinner on Sunday, May 5 at 5:00pm at the St. Mary Parish Center in Mount Angel. Guests will enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live...
$1 Million Gift Launches New Family Resource and Child Development Center
Together with community partners, CCS has developed a vision to build a new Family Resource and Child Development Center at the site of the former St. Vincent de Paul building on the main CCS Campus on Portland Road. The Center will help children and families flourish...
Strong Families, Resilient Neighborhoods
Dave Hafner, Josh Graves, Senator Jackie Winters and Dick Withnell met recently to discuss the Strong Families, Resilient Neighborhoods (SFRN) community mobilization movement. Eight core Fostering Hope Initiative nonprofit partners: CASA of Marion County, CCS,...
$1 Million Gift Launches New Family Resource and Child Development Center
With a lead gift of $1 million from local developer and philanthropist Larry Tokarski, development has begun on the new Family Resource and Child Development Center scheduled to open this fall. Together with partners such as the Early Learning Hub, Salem Keizer Public...
Villa Esperanza Opens Doors
CCSF recently opened the doors of a new affordable housing complex in Woodburn. Named by the community, Villa Esperanza or Hope Villa, the new complex offers 16 new affordable units and one manager's unit. CCS and CCSF are committed to integrating affordable housing...
ILP Gift Making
Last year, the CCS Independent Living Program (ILP) helped 136 youth who have been in foster care develop life skills on their way to becoming responsible, independent adults.ILP hosted their 8th annual Christmas craft night in December at the Kroc Center where youth...
80th Anniversary Mass Celebration
On December 2, CCS celebrated our 80th Anniversary with a special mass at St. Edward Catholic Church in Keizer. Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Kenneth Steiner was a main celebrant for the Mass along with concelebrants Rev. Monsignor Richard Hunegar, Fr. Tim Mockaitis, Fr....
Mt. Angel Community Reaches Out to Neighbors in Need
This year set a new record for community outreach for St. Joseph Family Shelter and Mission Benedict. The Mission collected enough food for 158 Christmas food boxes for families in need. Fr. Philip Waibel blessed the boxes before they were distributed to the families...
A Tribute to Larry Epping
During this month of Thanksgiving and of honoring our veterans, CCS would like to pay tribute to the late Larry Epping, known throughout the community for his incredible generosity and service to others. We were honored to count him among the strongest supporters of...
Christi’s Story
When Christi lost the love of her life, she also lost her will to live. It was difficult for her to get out of bed to care for her children. Her friend referred her to Safe Families for Children staff who connected her with a host family. Together with her host...