About Us

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Providing Community Support since 1919

 Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold has been meeting the needs of the less advantaged in our community since 1919. The fundamental principles on which the agency was founded have not changed over time however, the community need has grown and to support the on-going aid required, our programs have increased to 20 total. These programs include food and shelter security, clothing security and emergency services – each providing support to our clients as they journey towards the independence and self-sufficiency. 

Although most programs are delivered within the communities of St. Catharines & Thorold, the Trustee and Niagara Nutrition Partners Programs are delivered regionally. 

Mission

We compassionately provide vital services and assistance to individuals and families that meet their basic needs and help bridge their journey to self-sufficiency.

Values

Accessibility • Commitment of Volunteers • Compassion • Diversity • Empowerment • Fairness • Flexibility • Fiscal Responsibility • Honesty • Respect • Responsiveness • Openness

Board Members

Betty-Lou Souter CEO
Vicky Rudachuk President
Jeff Moriarty 1st Vice
John Osczypko 2nd Vice
Scott Plugers Treasurer
Poppy Gilliam Secretary

Holly Mundula

Steve Silverman

Mario Lagrotteria

Dave Upper

Meaghan Rusnell

Kevin Strooband

Kithio Mwanzia

Directors

Marion Seymour Lichty

Ruth Todd

Shelley Dix

Lori Sather

Judy Reid

Active Advisory Board

 

History

Our Mission

“I used to cook soup on my stove all day and every day. There was no time when there wasn’t a pan of soup cooking, because I had 400 families to look after.”
Leone Taylor, Founder of Associated Charities

Timeline

1919
January 01

1919: And so it began…

The organization that is today known as Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold. The founding members included Judge John Campbell, Mrs. Campbell, Magistrate James Campbell and Mrs. Charles Taylor. Leone Taylor passed away after a very benevolent life in the early 1970s at the age of 93, leaving an incredible legacy and the testimony of the power of one.

1953
January 01

1953 to date

The United Way was organized and Associated Charities was one of the first agencies to be assisted.

1956
January 01

8 Centre St. was rented

for $20 a month until the agency moved to a shed on Helliwell’s Lane.

1958
January 01

The May Court Club

started to distribute Christmas toys, in partnership with the agency, to parents of children in need.

1959
January 01

Grantham Township Annex

Moved to a store room in the Grantham TownshAdd Newip Annex on King St.

1961
January 01

First staff member hired

Moved to 2 Queenston St. where Mrs. Alice Bryne was the first staff member hired for 75 cents/hour.

1965
January 01

Moved to 31 Queenston St.

1968
June 03

Became a registered charity

The agency received its Province of Ontario Charter as a Registered Charity.

July 01

First official board meeting

1971
January 01

Moved to 44 St. Paul Crescent

1973
January 01

Name changed to Associated Services

Name changed to Associated Services reflecting the expanded programs offered.

1984
January 02

Expanded to Thorold

Food and clothing was distributed in the basement of Thorold’s City Hall, formerly L.G. Lorriman Central School, on Carlton St. before moving to its current location at 19 Albert Street West in 2004. The adjacent Thrift Store opened on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2005.

1989
January 02

The agency moved to 125 Welland Ave.

1993
January 01

Name changed to Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold

Name changed to Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold, reflecting our partnership within the entire community.

1994
January 03

264 Welland Ave.

Community Care moved down the road to

1998
January 01

Niagara Nutrition Partners was established Region-wide

Niagara Nutrition Partners was established Region-wide, offering nutrition support programs in elementary and secondary schools and community-based program

1999
January 01

Moved from Welland Ave. to 12 North Street

15 semi-tractor trailers moved Community Care from Welland Ave. to 12 North Street. Community Care, Housing Help Centre and YMCA of Niagara (Employment Program) co-located to offer seamless service delivery to those in need. The YMCA Employment Program relocated to the upper level of the agency until its expansion forced it to relocate in 2011.

2001
January 01

The Housing Help Centre opened

The Housing Help Centre opened in the small building adjacent to Community Care at 14 North St. through federal funding.

2005
January 03

Housing Help merges with Community Care

Housing Help surrendered its charter and merged with Community Care.

2011
January 03

4 North St. location to 129 Church St.

Housing Help moved from its 14 North St. location to 129 Church St., enabling all of Community Care’s Programs to be under one roof (North St. and Church St. location are encompassed in one building).

2013
January 01

New delivery truck donated

A new delivery truck was donated in honour of our friend Mr. Chuck Smith through The Wise Guys Charity Fund.

2014
January 01

95th Year Anniversary

The 95th Year Anniversary Community Care presently offers 17 programs to those in need in our community.

2017
January 02

19 programs and services

Community Care delivers 19 programs and services to the community.

2019
January 01

100 years of service

Community Care celebrates 100 years of service.

2021
January 01

90th Anniversary

90th Anniversary introduces a new look.