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
CEO
Betty-Lou Souter
President
Vicky Rudachuk
1st Vice
Jeff Moriarty
2nd Vice
John Osczypko
Treasurer
Scott Plugers
Secretary
Poppy Gilliam
Directors
- Holly Mundula
- Steve Silverman
- Mario Lagrotteria
- Dave Upper
- Meaghan Rusnell
- Kevin Strooband
- Kithio Mwanzia
Advisory Board
- Marion Seymour Lichty
- Ruth Todd
- Judy Reid
- Tom Lucas
Our history
“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
And so, the organization that is known today as Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold began. The founding members included Judge John Campbell, Mrs. Campbell, Magistrate James Campbell and Mrs. Charles Taylor. Leone Taylor passed away in the early 1970’s at the age of 93, leaving behind an incredible legacy and the testimony of the power of one to impact the lives of many.
In 1953, United Way was formed, and Associated Charities, as Community Care was then known, was the first charity to be supported.
In January of 1956, 8 Centre Street was rented for $20 a month until the agency moved to a shed on Helliwell’s Lane.
In 1958, The May Court Club was started, in partnership with the agency, to distribute Christmas toys to parents of children in need.
1959
The agency moved to a store room in the Grantham Township Annex on King Street.
1961
A move to 2 Queenston Street, where Mrs. Alice Bryne became the first staff member hired – for 75 cents per hour.
1965
A short move to 31 Queenston Street, where the agency received it’s province of Ontario Charter as a registered charity in 1968. With their registration came the first official meeting of the Board. The agency moved to 44 St. Paul Crescent in 1971.
1973
The agency changed its name to Associated Services, reflecting the expansion of programs offered.
1984
An expansion to an additional location with food and clothing services being distributed out of the basement of Thorold City’s Hall (formerly L.G. Lorriman Central School) on Carlton Street. Form this location, these services moved to the current location of 19 Albert Street West in 2004.
1989
Location change to 125 Welland Avenue, where the agency changed it’s name to what we know today.
1998
Niagara Nutrition Partners program was introduced as a nutrition support program offering elementary and secondary schools assistance with providing healthy snacks for students in need.
1999
The agency moved once more to 264 Welland Avenue in 1994 before making it’s official home in 1999 at 12 North Street.
In 2001, the federally funded Housing Help Centre made it’s home in the building adjacent to Community Care at 4 North Street.
2005 brought a merger of the Housing Help Program and Community Care – this is the Program we offer today.
In 2011, Housing Help moved into the front side of 12 North Street, 129 Church Street, and remains there today.
2013
Our first delivery truck was donated in honour of our friend Mr. Chuck Smith, through the Wise Guys Charity Fund. T H A N K Y O U to these care champions!
2014
Community Care celebrated it’s 95th year in operation. At this time, the agency offered 17 programs to the community, moving to 19 programs in 2017.
2019 marked the 100th year of service for the agency – a milestone that would not be possible without the continued support of those in our community who are able to give back to those in need. Together, we continue to service those most vulnerable in our community.
2021 brought in new updated branding for the agency, the same look you see today.