Whenever possible, we aim to pave the road toward empowerment, enabling those we serve to thrive. Our Story
Our goal is to stabilize the current situation and to work with clients to create a plan for a brighter future through the services we provide. Catholic Charities provides a comprehensive network of social services that serve individuals of all ages, families, and communities in need through
out Northwest Indiana. Mission
Catholic Charities provides and advocates for the physical, emotional, and social needs of the poor and vulnerable in Northwest Indiana, meeting them right where they are with the help they need, and creating hope for a brighter future regardless of their religious or ethnic background. History
Our Catholic Charities member agency was founded in 1937, with a mission to be a social service arm of the church, serving the poor and needy. In 1957, we expanded our programming and services to meet the changing needs of the people who live in the four Counties of the Diocese of Gary—Lake, Porter, La Porte, and Starke Counties. For 85 years, Catholic Charities has continued its original purpose and has broadened the base of programming and has shifted the emphasis of social services provided depending on the needs of the community. Today, Catholic Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service agency that provides help, creates hope, and serves all, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. Our comprehensive network of social services focusses on individuals and families who are at the edge between poverty and basic subsistence level, struggling financially, and those who are marginalized in Northwest Indiana. Through our two area offices located in Hammond and East Chicago, the central administrative office located in Gary, the two satellite locations in La Porte County as well as other various locations in Porter and Starke Counties, Catholic Charities reaches out to a population of approximately 803,000 persons with very diverse racial and ethnic characteristics, occupations, experiences, and income status. Often people in need are facing multiple challenges and need a helping hand to reach stability. Each year, nearly twenty thousand individuals and families who need support in order to move above their current situation are assisted with the services we provide. Our Community Outreach, Food Pantry, Women’s Care Center, ISAAC Program, Affordable Housing, and Financial Workshops programs allow Catholic Charities to reach out and embrace those that are struggling—to come alongside and walk with them—with the goal of helping them become as self-sufficient as possible. Programs and Services
Community Outreach - Our Community Outreach program provides financial assistance and support services to help resolve issues that may lead to financial instability and homelessness. We also offer various care packages during the year to help families with material assistance items so they can take steps towards self-sufficiency. The best way to reach us is via email: [email protected]. Food Pantry - Many families across Northwest Indiana are struggling with feeding their families on a consistent basis. Our Food Pantry program is a great place for them to turn to for assistance. This program offers families in need access to proper nutrition via healthy options through our Food Pantry Distribution Center, Mobile Food Pantry, Homebound Food Pantry Delivery, and various Pop-Up Food Pantry locations. For pantry times or for additional program information, please email: [email protected]. Women’s Care Center - Our Women’s Care Center program provides free and confidential counseling, support, and education to women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering support to women from pregnancy until their child is school age. Our center located in Hammond helps women feel that they are not alone as we provide free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, parenting classes, prenatal education, prenatal vitamins, and a goal setting program. Baby clothing, cribs, and supplies are also provided through the Crib Club (baby “store”). If you think you might be pregnant, you have questions or concerns, or you need someone to talk to the best way to reach us is via email: [email protected]. If you need to speak to someone right away, please call our Counseling Helpline at 219-554-1774 and a trained Women's Care Center program Counselor will speak with you. Our ISAAC Program Provides services to victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable individuals while assisting families with the reunification process and procedure of acquiring a U.S. permanent resident or citizenship status at significantly reduced costs. For many, becoming a U.S. permanent resident or a naturalized citizen is a long and costly process and ranges somewhere between $4,000 to $12,000. Our ISAAC program is recognized by the Department of Justice Office of Legal Access Programs and works in conjunction with the federal government to provide high-quality, low-cost citizenship assistance. Our services also help individuals to become contributing members of their community by connecting them with programs to learn English as a second language (ESL) and U.S. citizenship classes. We also provide employment services and other services to help with their future endeavors. To schedule an individualized consultation to answer questions and evaluate your eligibility for immigration benefits please email: [email protected]. Affordable Housing - Housing is often the greatest barrier to moving out of poverty and into self-sufficiency. The Tabor House is a single-family home located in Gary, Indiana that presents an opportunity for a family to work with a Catholic Charities housing manager with the goal of purchasing a Habitat for Humanity home. This program helps clients take a giant step towards building their financial capabilities and assets and achieving their goal of becoming a homeowner. The best way to reach us is via email: [email protected]. Financial Workshops - We offer classes to help clients on a path to self-sufficiency. Classes provide financial literacy and education training to help individuals increase their financial status and improve money management skills. Topics include budgeting, spending plans, credit rating, fair housing, landlord and tenant laws, and more. For dates, times, and locations, please email us at [email protected]. Locations:
940 Broadway, Gary, IN 46402 219-886-3549
6919 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN 46324 219-844-4883
3901 Fir St., East Chicago, IN 46312 219-397-5803
Women’s Care Center - 6919 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN 46324 219-554-1774
