Frequently Asked Questions

What does Catholic Charities do?
Since its establishment in 1943 by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Catholic Charities has been a stabilizing force in the community, providing critical services to those in need. Catholic Charities is rooted in the principles, values and traditions of the Catholic Church and Catholic Social Teaching. 

Do you have to be Catholic to receive services from Catholic Charities?
No. At Catholic Charities, we serve people because of our faith not theirs. In the Bible, particularly Matthew 25:31-46, Christ calls us to care for our brothers and sisters regardless of their faith traditions.

Do you have to be Catholic to work for Catholic Charities?
No. However, regardless of our faiths, we share a common vision – to demonstrate God’s love to those in need by providing critical services.  The staff members who make up the Catholic Charities family come from all walks of life.  Many have left successful careers at corporations to use their talents to serve struggling families and individuals and make the world a better place one person at a time.

Who does Catholic Charities serve?
As an outreach of the Catholic Church, Catholic Charities serves families and individuals of all faiths in south central and southeast Kansas. In 2010, we served over 24,500 people. In 2011, with the current economy, we continue to see the numbers of those in need rise over previous years.

What programs do you offer?
At Catholic Charities our services are centered around strengthening families which in turn strengthens the community as a whole.  We do this through providing, keeping families together, preventing homelessness, empowering seniors and disabled adults, reuniting immigrant and refuge families, preventing domestic violence and providing adoption services and unplanned pregnancy counseling.

How is Catholic Charities related to the Diocese of Wichita?
Catholic Charities is the social service outreach arm of the Catholic Church and is structured as a separate 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation.  Catholic Charities works with the Bishop and the Diocese of Wichita to show God’s love to all people particularly to those in need. Each year, Catholic Charities receives a portion of its funding from the Diocese of Wichita.

Is Catholic Charities part of a national organization?
Catholic Charities Diocese of Wichita is a member and affiliate organization of Catholic Charities USA, one of the largest private networks of social service providers in the country. Each affiliate organization operates under its own mission statement and provides programs and services in response to the specific needs in its community.

Who is on your Board of Directors?
There are 19 members on the Catholic Charities Wichita Board of Directors. The Most Reverend Michael O. Jackels, Bishop of Wichita; Msgr. Robert Hemberger Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Wichita; and the Rev. Michael Nolan, Adjutant Judicial Vicar, Office of the Tribunal, Catholic Diocese of Wichita, all serve on the board of directors at Catholic Charities.

How is Catholic Charities funded?
The breakdown of how Catholic Charities was funded in 2010 can be found in the chart below:

 

Catholic Charities must raise a portion of its support through direct donations from individuals, corporations, and grants. Each year, about 25 percent of the budget is raised through events, donations, grants, and gifts.  

How much of every dollar donated goes to programs?
90 cents of every dollar goes directly to serve clients.  10 cents of every dollar funds administrative costs.

How can I get involved, other than donating funds?
The help of caring, dedicated volunteers is essential to meeting the needs in our community.  Along with our staff, our volunteers provide both physical and emotional support to those in need who come to Catholic Charities for help. Our volunteer office maintains an updated list of program volunteer needs – both short and long-term – that helps match volunteers’ skills, talents and abilities to each program.