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.
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
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).
Board Members
| Betty-Lou Souter | CEO |
| Lori Sather | President |
| Jeff Moriarty | Vice President |
| Jeff Moriarty | Second Vice President |
| Scott Plugers | Treasurer |
| Judy Reid | Secretary |
| Lori Sather | Past President |
| Marion Seymour-Lichty | Honorary Past President |
| Mario Lagrotteria Holly Mundula Poppy Gilliam John Osczypko Dave Upper Steve Silverman |
Directors |
| Shelley Dix Ruth Todd Marion Lichty |
Honorary Special Advisors |