Our History
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History of Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc.Providing Help. Creating Hope. Serving All.
Catholic Charities is a multi-program, non-profit social service agency serving the Diocese of Corpus Christi, the City of Corpus Christi, and the surrounding counties of Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, and San Patricio. With a population of approximately 535,000 individuals and services provided to around 100,000 people of diverse backgrounds, Catholic Charities embodies its mission through its wide-reaching initiatives.
Established on September 2, 1965, Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi continues to represent the charitable work of the Diocese of Corpus Christi. From its inception, the agency has focused on addressing homelessness and hunger, advocating for social justice, fair housing, and support for the disabled. Its flexible policies ensure that programs evolve to meet the community's changing needs.
For 58 years, Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi, Inc. has been an essential pillar of support for Coastal Bend families, continually expanding its services to meet evolving community needs. From Emergency Aid to Counseling and Disaster Response Services, the agency's programs reflect its dedication to enriching lives. This impact is made possible through the collective effort of dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, and donors, who tirelessly work towards realizing the agency's mission.
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TimelineClick the tabs below to learn more.
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Catholic Charities was established on September 2, 1965, under the guidance of His Excellency, Most Reverend Thomas J. Drury, D.D., LL.D., who organized the agency's inaugural Board of Directors with himself as president. Monsignor William C. Kinlough initiated efforts to develop programs aimed at serving the poor.
During this formative period, several crucial programs were established, including the Emergency Aid & Disaster Assistance Department (1968), the Representative Payee Program (1971), and the Rural Outreach Department (1971), all of which continue to serve communities today. Father Robert Freeman assumed the role of director, overseeing the agency's operations.
In addition to these developments, Catholic Charities initiated the tradition of distributing Christmas Food Baskets. When Hurricanes Beulah (1967) and Celia (1970) struck, Catholic Charities demonstrated its commitment to the community by actively supporting recovery efforts. Father Robert Freeman and a dedicated team of Catholic volunteers responded to the devastation of Hurricane Celia, providing vital assistance to numerous families in need.
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During this period, Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi underwent significant expansion. The organization introduced English as a Second Language program and extended its services to assist Cuban, Cambodian, and Indochinese refugees.
When Hurricane Allen struck in 1980, Catholic Charities swiftly responded to aid the victims. In 1982, the agency initiated the distribution of daily sack lunches to support the homeless and unemployed. Additionally, in 1983, the Ministry & Life Enrichment for Persons with Disabilities was established, further enhancing Catholic Charities' commitment to serving diverse populations within the community.
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Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi expanded its services during this period by establishing the Immigration & Refugee Services Department in 1985 and the Family & Individual Counseling Department in 1986. The organization's growth trajectory continued, marked by significant milestones.
In 1987, under the guidance of Father Robert Freeman, Catholic Charities relocated its offices from 1650 South Brownlee to the Monastery building at 1322 Comanche Street, providing a more centralized and accessible location for its operations. In 1989, Catholic Charities forged a longstanding partnership with the US Marine Corps, C Company Toys for Tots Campaign, symbolizing its ongoing commitment to supporting children and families in need during the holiday season.
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Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi expanded to serve all 12 counties within the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
In 2001, the organization commemorated its 35th anniversary with its inaugural fundraising event, marking a milestone in its journey of service. The following year, in 2002, the Housing Counseling Department was established, earning approval from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Addressing the pressing issue of homelessness in the city, Catholic Charities opened the Mother Teresa Shelter in 2003, providing crucial support and resources to those in need.
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During a period marked by various challenges facing our communities, Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi established four new programs to address emerging needs: First Call - Connecting People & Resources (2008), Community Wellness & Family Outreach (2009), Mother Teresa Transitional Housing for Men (2012), and Catholic Charities - Flour Bluff (2016).
In 2011, the Mother Teresa Multi-purpose Activity and Therapeutic Center was inaugurated, providing a hub for diverse services and support. A significant milestone was reached on September 16, 2015, as Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi celebrated its 50th Anniversary, commemorating decades of dedicated service to the community. In April 2016, we relocated to our current site at 615 Oliver Ct. In June 2016, the Mother Teresa Multi-purpose Activity and Therapueutic Center was named in honor of Joseph P. Mueller. Additionally, the relocation of the Memorial Rose Garden to our courtyard and the inaugural Celebration of Charity event in November 2016 highlighted our dedication to fostering community spirit.
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Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi has experienced ongoing growth in its mission to serve the community.
In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey's devastating impact affected five counties in our service area. Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi swiftly mobilized to provide aid and continues to support hurricane victims through our Disaster Response Services. Despite challenges, including building construction in 2018 to enhance accessibility, we remained steadfast in our mission.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 necessitated adjustments to our services, but we remained operational, ensuring continuous support for those in need.
Circles of the Coastal Bend, introduced in 2023, is a new initiative designed to enhance our financial literacy program.
As we continue to move forward, Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi remains committed to listening to and responding to the community's evolving needs.
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