Our Supporters

Join us on this quick look back at our activities in 2016!

On September 25, 2019, Catholic Social Services (CSS) hosted its 2019 Annual Public Meeting at the Edmonton Expo Centre to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and highlight goals and plans for the year to come.

CSS held its Annual Public Meeting Oct. 26. To view a recording of the event please follow the link.

In support of our annual Fall Sign of Hope Appeal, Catholic Social Services is launching 22 Days of Hope. Throughout October, this series will highlight the 20 ministries that count on the generous contributions to the Sign of Hope in order to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized within the central Alberta region.

Accessing therapeutic assistance can be limited for those outside of the Edmonton area. Thanks to the contributions through Sign of Hope, our Agency is able to continue expanding our ministries to towns and cities outside of the Edmonton area, offering Counselling Support services to areas including Lloydminster and Vermillion.

Ministries funded through our Sign of Hope helps provide a refreshing, new beginning for many individuals transitioning out of a difficult situation and into a new life. La Salle is one of our ministries that provide strength and courage to women looking for that new beginning.

A volunteer-based ministry, Welcome Home provides companionship to individuals and families making the transition from homelessness into a home. 

Our Calls for Assistance ministry provides support, resources, and a listening ear to those who are in crisis who might not otherwise receive help.

The main focus of our Elder Abuse Resource and Supports ministry is to support seniors who are victims of low- to medium-level abuse or neglect before police intervention is required.

Subsidized by the Sign of Hope, we provide therapeutic counselling to individuals, couples, and families in Wetaskiwin.

Angela didn’t start drinking until she was 37, but she learned the difficult way that addictions can start at any age.

Our Community Engagement team in Wetaskiwin is strong as they continue to collaborate with community members, the Sacred Heart Parish, and businesses to further raise awareness and additional funding for our local ministries through the Sign of Hope.

Mercy Counselling is a community-based, psychological counselling clinic for the greater Edmonton area. We provide psychological counselling and assessment services to children, youth, adults, couples, and families in English, French, and Spanish.

When George’s biological mother unexpectedly contacted him to say that he had been adopted, this 18-year-old needed our Family Intervention ministry to rebound from the drug and alcohol abuse that ensued.

Gianna Centre provides information, support, and advocacy to those who are facing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy.

“I came out of jail in November with nothing. I probably would have hit the street doing the same old thing. Now I have an opportunity. Catholic Social Services gave me a chance to be productive and start over again.”

Struggling with her son’s anger management issues and her husband’s depression, Jacquie – and her family – were able to establish a stronger unity through our counselling services in Red Deer.

In the 1500s, St. Peter Claver spent most of his life in Colombia welcoming people who were brought to that country in the horrific slave trade. St. Claver often took a small boat out to greet these, his fellow human beings, with food, water, and clothing while they were still chained on their ships. He would also spend time visiting leprosy patients in hospitals, and visiting prisoners. His message to all of these people was simple: You matter.

Through this ministry, women in our care have access to housing in a drug- and alcohol-free environment, with additional resources and support provided from on-site staff.

For over 50 years, our Agency has welcomed immigrants and refugees from all walks of life to Alberta, providing a vareity of resources to help newcomers build a bright future in their new home.

Coaching Families was formed to offer mentorship, advocacy, and support for families who have children affected, or suspected of being affected by, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Valeda House offers temporary supportive housing to women with children and pregnant women, struggling to find housing in a safe environment.

McDaniel Youth ministry provides one-on-one mentorship supports to youths who are struggling with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

The integration and involvement of our Agency in local communities like Red Deer helps us provide more opportunities for compassionate care to those who need additional assistance. Community Engagement is able to create these special relationships with community members in Red Deer through support of Sign of Hope.

Opened in 1987, Kairos House offers residential care and assistance to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, including (but not necessarily) palliative care.

300 people from across our Community Outreach and Disability Service gathered to celebrate at their annual Caring and Sharing Christmas party.

Click here to see a message from the Board of Directors of Catholic Social Services | Catholic Charities | Sign of Hope.

As supporters of Catholic Social Services, we encourage you to invite any families and individuals you know who are in need to join us for our Uplift Day of Mercy this fall. Have them come down to St. Alphonsus Parish and Eastwood Community League on October 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an afternoon of free services, games, activities, and live entertainment.

Donations are being accepted for the upcoming 25^th annual ATCO/Edmonton Sun Christmas Auction. Proceeds from the auction benefit four local charities: Catholic Social Services’ Sign of Hope, Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, Adopt-A-Teen, and the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. The auction is set to take place this fall.

From August 22 to 24, the Immigration and Settlement Service hosted its 4th annual Learn To Camp in Jasper National Park with 50 government-assisted refugees who have arrived in Canada within the last six months.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Wainwright Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, October 20th!

During his homily at our Mass of Thanksgiving in January, Archbishop Richard Smith of the Edmonton Archdiocese draws on the similarities between the house blessings our Agency has been conducting over the last several months and that of a rebirth through baptism.

Edmonton (February 23, 2023) – Catholic Social Services (CSS) is making an urgent appeal to Albertans for help. With hundreds of Ukrainians arriving in central and northern Alberta each week, alongside an influx of refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, and Syria, the agency needs to raise at least $100,000 to help meet the increased demand for services. 

The new home is the first of multiple projects for our Agency’s Project Building Hope initiative, a $10-million, five-year plan to renovations to existing group homes.

Pregnancy can be a precious time, but it often brings stress with it. Physical issues, financial concerns and emotional worries can make it difficult to focus on self-care.

Fortunately, Catholic Social Services’ Gianna Centre is available to provide information, support and advocacy for vulnerable pregnant women. It helps women find housing options and income support, and offers resources such as parenting classes, maternity clothes and baby items.
 

'I had nothing': South Sudanese refugee shares his story to help raise money for Sign of Hope campaign

Our Board of Directors have appointed an interim CEO for our Agency.

Domestic abuse has been referred to as COVID-19's "shadow pandemic." How has Catholic Social Services responded to the increased need for support? Watch Global's Trending to find out.

Catholic Social Services hosted The Big Thank You! event to celebrate our long-standing relationship with the Red Deer Community on Wednesday, August 31. The event was our way of saying thank-you to the city for their overwhelming support for the past 53 years.

A special farewell celebration was held at our West Office on Friday, July 14, to give thanks for his wonderful efforts and service as CEO to our Agency over the years.

Catholic Social Services’ staff face unprecedented demands for assistance as they face crises both locally and international. In just one area of the agency’s work, refugee resettlement, over the past year, CSS has resettled more than 800 Afghan refugees, and supported hundreds of Ukrainian Nationals across central Alberta. This is in addition to the agency’s typical refugee caseload, which involves resettling as many as 900 government assisted and privately sponsored refugees each year, from across the globe.  

Mass for Life to take place on May 13

Troy Davies to Lead Catholic Social Services.

"I’ve always appreciated the words of Holy Father Pope Francis when he refers to the Church as a 'hospital on the battlefield' offering urgent care to those who are wounded -- materially and spiritually."

A recent article by The Catholic Register related a lecture presented by Troy Davies, CEO of Catholic Social Services, at St. Mary's University Nov. 23. 

Peace be with you and welcome to our new website! We’re glad you’re here and hope that you will find your time with us to be inspirational, informative and helpful.

"I am grateful to each of you for your willingness to share your talents with our Agency and with the people in our care. "

From a new Agency logo to events past and present, CSS CEO Stephen Carattini tackled a couple of topics during his speech at our annual Fall Celebration on Thursday, September 22.

We are offering an in person couples counseling group session in Red Deer and surrounding communities. The in person group will consist of one session per week for three consecutive weeks, starting on March 14.

We are offering a virtual couples counseling group session in Red Deer and surrounding communities. The virtual group will consist of one session per week for four consecutive weeks, starting on February 24.

Catholic Social Services is partnering with Dwayne Lesas to host his 2 day intensive Cree Language introduction. Registrations now open.

Catholic Social Services was one of a handful of recipients to be awarded the Senate of Canada’s 150^th Commemorative Medal in a ceremony that was held at Government House in Edmonton on Monday, May 14.

A graduation ceremony was held to celebrate nine youth-in-care who earned their high school diplomas, thanks to a partnership between Catholic Social Services and Edmonton Catholic Schools Alternative Education.

Catholic Social Services is pleased to announce the release of “Our Neighbour’s Keeper,” a biography honoring the agency’s founder, Father Bill Irwin. The biography was commissioned in celebration of the agency’s 60th anniversary, and was co-authored by Graham Hicks and Jeananne Kathol Kirwin. 

Our Agency’s Immigration and Settlement Services office in Edmonton hosted Alberta Labour Minister Christina Gray on Friday, October 20, as she announced changes to the province’s immigrant nominee program.

Sign of Hope, the charitable fundraising arm of CSS, provides funding for multiple programs each year, many of which are solely funded through donations. From September 21 to December 31, 2023, CSS runs its annual Sign of Hope fundraising campaign. Our goal is to raise $2.7 million to help meet the needs of vulnerable Albertans.

Like everyone who calls Edmonton home, Catholic Social Services (CSS) was shocked and appalled by the attack on our peace officer and citizens.

On September 24, 2020, Catholic Social Services hosted the 2019/20 Annual Public Meeting virtually. Watch the full meeting recording here.

Staff in our four Edmonton-based Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ministries hosted a Family Day Carnival that formed a stronger community with the people we serve. 

The visit was part of the Director General's cross-Canada Settlement Network office tour of all IRCC partners.

Construction on our newest residential home is slated to be completed by the late spring/early summer.

This Giving Tuesday, donate to Sign of Hope’s ‘Fill a Fridge’ campaign and help Alberta families facing food insecurity.

House blessing and renaming ceremonies have continued into 2017, with a focus on Community Outreach and Disability Service homes in Edmonton.

The public open house was an opportunity for staff and Agency's supports to tour the new space and learn more about the services offered at Immigration and Settlement Service.

The service was recognized for leadership in preventing and responding to family violence.

An important message from Catholic Social Services CEO, Dr. Troy Davies, regarding the Agency's response to COVID-19. 

We are greatly saddened by the news of the death of Sister Annata Brockman.

We are grateful for the overwhelming support shown by members of this wonderful community here in Wetaskiwin. Thanks to all who joined us for our inaugural event!

Every year on September 9, we observe International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.

Six-Week In-Person Group starts September 20, 2023. Click Through for More Info!

Catholic Social Services is holding a five-week group to help children ages 9-12 and their parent(s)/guardian(s) learn how to manage their child’s anger and angry behaviours.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA – Catholic Social Services has launched a new fund that will help rejuvenate and develop our Agency’s residences now and in the future.

Catholic Social Services mourn the passing of our Archbishop Emeritus, Joseph MacNeil. He was 93.

These renaming ceremonies are part of our Agency’s on-going effort to more accurately express the identity of our ministries through our names.

Happy National Volunteer Week!

“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” – Kofi Annan

From April 7 to 13, Catholic Social Services (CSS) will join thousands of other not-for-profits across Canada to celebrate the tremendous contributions and impact of volunteers during National Volunteer Week.

Hedeliza began her journey with CSS as a client, and years later, now gives back to her community through volunteering. 

Join us for National Volunteer Week April 18 - 24, as we celebrate the efforts of some of our agency's incredible volunteers!

Today we celebrate the contributions of yegSpark, whose members have brought brought joy to those we serve throughout the past year.

Today we celebrate the contributions of Yuk Ching, who has been volunteering with Catholic Social Services since 2019!

Archbishop Richard Smith from the Archdiocese of Edmonton joined us on Monday,  May 1 to celebrate the opening of our St. Joseph's ministry.

The new home, based in Edmonton, serves the terminally ill homeless.

We have launched a new section of our website, called Our Supporters, which offers recognition to those who have supported our ministries and have made a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Sign of Hope raises $2.4 million to support vulnerable Albertans

Man shares how CSS helped him remain housed and connected throughout the pandemic

Our CEO Stephen Carattini sat down with Jeff Lewis from the Globe and Mail, to reflect on our Agency’s overall experience welcoming these refugees to Alberta since December 2015.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Boston Hope Party in Wetaskiwin on Thursday, October 20^th!

An ambassador from the Vatican visited our Agency on Friday, March 3, reaffirming our mission to help society’s most vulnerable, blessing three of our ministries, and leading Mass for staff.

Catholic Social Services offers our deepest condolences to the family of Norman Sande, who passed away on August 21, 2017.

Joan, an avid dog-lover and former Pediatric Nurse, spent much of her career gaining fulfillment through helping sick children. When her health began to decline and it became clear she would have to sacrifice the career she loved to take care of her physical well-being, she was desperate to find a way to still uplift children in need. This was the moment where a friend mentioned an organization she was volunteering with – Catholic Social Services (CSS) – and suggested Joan reach out about Pet Therapy.

With the recent onboarding of a new CEO, Catholic Social Services has come to another junction on its journey of serving the community consistently with its unique mission. 

As the New Year begins, we hope and pray that the peace and joy wished upon family members and friends and that the love and affection shown them during this season will endure throughout the year and beyond.

A friend prompted me into this reflection when he recently asked me “What is your Faith to you?”

In our tradition, Christmas is an essential liturgical marker on our spiritual journey. It is a powerful reminder, in the calendar year, that God truly inhabits our human condition.

Redirecting us onto the road... spiritually speaking, is the purpose of Advent, and ultimately of the entire year’s liturgical itinerary.

The disciples had experienced the fullness and perfection of Christ's humanity, yet only now -- through the bestowing of the “tongues of fire” (the Holy Spirit) -- could they begin to understand the fullness of his divinity.

For some Christians, an incongruity is apparent between the modern explorations, discoveries and lessons of science on the one hand, and some of the tenets of our Faith tradition on the other (evolution set against literal creationism).

Once again we engage in the Easter Triduum, these three days leading to the celebration of Christendom’s central, defining event.