 Catholic Charities began helping individuals and families in crisis
after World War I. Services were offered throughout Chicago
and in Will, Grundy, Kankakee and DuPage counties. When the
Diocese of Joliet
was officially created in 1949, Catholic Charities programs and
services continued to operate under the direction of the Chicago
Archdiocese. However, in 1962, Catholic Charities, Diocese of
Joliet, was officially incorporated and licensed as a child welfare
agency in the State of Illinois. The areas served include
Will, Grundy, DuPage, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford and Iroquois counties.
In the early years, Catholic Charities operated with
no more than 40 staff and a budget of less than one million dollars.
Today, the agency employs over 350 persons and operates on a budget
of about 20 million dollars.
Catholic Charities is a diocesan agency and
maintains close contact with the Bishop of Joliet. Catholic
Charities is also governed by a Board
of Directors.
The agency has grown tremendously in the past 50
years. But the dedication of serving needy and vulnerable
members of the community that was present 50 years ago is still
present today and can be witnessed in any of the
programs and services offered at Catholic
Charities. |
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