catholic charities | A sampling of services

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown serves Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull counties. Four social service agencies and two housing programs serve those in need. This lists, in part, some of the services and programs offered.

Emergency financial assistance: Nancy Voitus, executive director of Catholic Charities Regional Agency serving Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, said this is “the busiest and largest” program. It provides help with utility shut-off notices, rent and housing issues, prescriptions, food and clothing. In 2009, the regional agency helped 5,632 people with utility payments; 4,545 people with food services; 1,355 people with emergency shelter (not including the domestic violence shelter); 1,081 with clothing; 1,026 with prescription medication and medical supplies; and 2,763 with holiday and special event assistance. Total number helped was 43,109.

First Step: Voitus said this program focuses on pregnancy, family support and adoption resources. It serves women and families with children from birth to 3 years old. The program helps families with practical supplies such as formula, clothing, cribs and strollers and emotional support through counseling. Voitus said the agency maintains its adoption license.

Housing counseling: “This is a growing area,” Voitus said, adding that foreclosure counseling, pre-purchase counseling and budgeting are the main topics. The agency works with Consumer Credit Counseling to help people with housing-related issues.

Senior support: This program is geared to those 55 and older, Voitus said. “It helps people stay in their homes with supportive services such as help with shopping and getting to doctor’s appointments,” she said. “This helps people remain independent.”

Family support: These counseling programs help with family dynamics, Voitus said, and address issues such as grief, stress and coping. There also is counseling for divorce mediation, family relationships and premarital assessment.

COACH: In 2009, Case Management Outreach and Advocacy for Our Community’s Homeless served 499 clients in Mahoning and Trumbull counties by helping them secure stable housing situations. It offers outreach to the homeless and limited funds for rent subsidy.

Christina House: The domestic violence shelter is located in Columbiana County and provides housing and support services for victims including legal advocacy, supervised visitation and counseling. Voitus said Christina House staff works with Legal Aid and the prosecutors’ offices. The average stay for mothers and children is about 30 days, though some are there longer, depending on circumstances.

Rapid Rehousing: This is offered in Ashtabula, Mahoning and Trumbull counties. Through a federal grant, Catholic Charities Housing Opportunities works with homeowners in danger of foreclosure, said Brian Corbin, executive director of Catholic Charities Services and Health Affairs. In collaboration with Humility of Mary Housing Inc., CCHO provides a low-income 154-unit apartment complex, Eastwood Village, on the city’s East Side. In Portage County, Catholic Charities operates a 20-unit low-income housing complex that features the Caritas Cafe on the first floor. Staffed by St. Vincent de Paul Society members, the coffee shop is comparable to a day center for the homeless.

Mahoning County: Catholic Charities Regional Agency, 2401 Belmont Ave., Youngstown; 330-744-3320.

Trumbull County: Catholic Charities, 175 Laird Ave., N.E., Warren; 330-393-4254.

Columbiana County: Catholic Charities Senior Center, 600 E. Fourth St., East Liverpool, 330-385-4732; Christina Center, 115 E. Washington St., Lisbon, 330-420-0845; and Christina House, domestic violence shelter, 330-420-0036.

Other contact information: Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County, 440- 992-2121; Catholic Charities of Portage County, 330-297-7745; Catholic Charities of Stark County, 330-491-0896; Immigrant Worker Project, 330-454-2220; and Diocese of Youngstown Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services, 866-901-3700.