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.

Programs range from food and shelter security to emergency services and support that lead to the independence clients strive to achieve.

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

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

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

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