General Facts & Info

Catholic Charities first opened in Orlando in 1962. A perusal of the cases as listed in the daybook, shows that the initial focus of services involved the placement of infants with adoptive parents. This also involved pregnancy counseling and foster care services. Most of the referrals were from the Catholic churches in the area.

The Orlando office was only open 4 months when an office in Brevard County was added to the responsibilities. From 1964 to 1968, Catholic Charities operated a home for unwed mothers. By the late 60’s, Catholic Charities offered family counseling, adoptions, foster home care, services for the aged, migrants, and unwed parents and other services to the poor and needy.

Besides the offices in Orlando and Cocoa offices opened in Daytona Beach and Lakeland and Winter Haven was opened in 1976. In 1977 an office was opened in Ocala. The 70’s also saw a large influx of refugees to the Diocese. In 1975 Catholic Charities took formal charge of the resettlement program. In 1978 the Agency began hosting monthly forum for social service agencies in Orlando.

A similar service was extended to Seminole County several years later. At this time, professional counseling programs were set up in all the offices. Licensed counselors provide individual, marriage, and family counseling. The counselors also provide Post Annulment Evaluations and Pre-Marital Evaluations to the Tribunal and parishes. The counseling department also provides supervision for students earning advanced degrees in counseling.

In 1980 the Agency had 42 employees. The Agency continued to grow adding a Food Bank, St. Francis Shelter and Senior Services in Lakeland. The agency also has the responsibility of disaster response both on a local level as well as statewide in conjunction with other Catholic Charities throughout Florida. We have provided disaster assistance to thousands of people.

The agency currently has over 100 employees with the expansion of existing programs and the addition of the Office of Criminal Justice and the ThinkSmart program. In conjunction with the diocesan SYNOD we have held meetings with parish representatives from across the diocese to explore the social services needs and create a plan to meet those needs. Catholic Charities of Central Florida will continue to meet today’s community needs as well as preparing to meet the challenges of tomorrow throughout the Diocese of Orlando.