About Us
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: 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 to date
The United Way was organized and Associated Charities was one of the first agencies to be assisted.
8 Centre St. was rented
for $20 a month until the agency moved to a shed on Helliwell’s Lane.
The May Court Club
started to distribute Christmas toys, in partnership with the agency, to parents of children in need.
Grantham Township Annex
Moved to a store room in the Grantham TownshAdd Newip Annex on King St.
First staff member hired
Moved to 2 Queenston St. where Mrs. Alice Bryne was the first staff member hired for 75 cents/hour.
Moved to 31 Queenston St.
Became a registered charity
The agency received its Province of Ontario Charter as a Registered Charity.
First official board meeting
Moved to 44 St. Paul Crescent
Name changed to Associated Services
Name changed to Associated Services reflecting the expanded programs offered.
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.
The agency moved to 125 Welland Ave.
Name changed to Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold
Name changed to Community Care, St. Catharines & Thorold, reflecting our partnership within the entire community.
264 Welland Ave.
Community Care moved down the road to
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
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.
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.
Housing Help merges with Community Care
Housing Help surrendered its charter and merged with Community Care.
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).
New delivery truck donated
A new delivery truck was donated in honour of our friend Mr. Chuck Smith through The Wise Guys Charity Fund.
95th Year Anniversary
The 95th Year Anniversary Community Care presently offers 17 programs to those in need in our community.
19 programs and services
Community Care delivers 19 programs and services to the community.
100 years of service
Community Care celebrates 100 years of service.
90th Anniversary
90th Anniversary introduces a new look.