A Century of Service

In 1923 CCC, then known as the Bureau of Catholic Charities, was founded, growing out of a need for the coordination and consolidation of the efforts of various charitable Catholic organizations in the Richmond area. Through incorporation, it became possible to serve even more individuals and families by developing and implementing professional standards and coordinated efforts to reduce confusion and duplication of efforts.

Now, 100 years later, CCC carries on that legacy of innovation and professionalism throughout much of the Commonwealth of Virginia—reaching from far southwest Virginia through central Virginia and into the eastern shore. Today, CCC impacts the lives of over 34,000 men, women, and children each year through over 30 unique programs and services.

The History of CCC

Vintage black and white photo of Richmond

1880s -1922

By the 1800s, the Diocese of Richmond had many outreach ministries, especially to the growing immigrant community. This tradition of concern for others was reflected in the good works of the St. Vincent DePaul Society which existed at many parishes in Richmond and beyond. Following a national trend after the first convening of the National Conference of Catholic Charities to consolidate Catholic Charitable efforts, the many St. Vincent DePaul Societies in the Richmond area came together to form the Bureau of Catholic Charities in 1922. The purpose of Catholic Charities was to develop and implement professional standards for Catholic social work, coordinate efforts of various parish-based efforts to reduce duplication and seek philanthropic support from communities served.

Black and white photo of Catherine Hanrahan

1923-1962

Led by Fathers Felix Kaup, rector of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and Walter Nott, the agency’s first Executive Director, Ms. Catherine Hanrahan, and Mrs. Mary O’Neil, Catholic Charities incorporated in 1923 and became a charter member of the Richmond Community Chest, forerunner of what is today the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg.

During these early years, the agency was focused on providing professional case work for children and their families, particularly pregnancy counseling and adoption services. A characteristic of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Richmond has been active cooperation with the community, reflected by an active partnership with the Juvenile Court of the State Board of Public Welfare from the agency’s earliest days.

In 1962 the Board of Directors voted to change the name of the agency to Catholic Family and Children’s Services of Richmond.

Vintage photo of woman cutting a man's hair

1967 - 1989

In 1967 Msgr. John McMahon spearheaded the establishment of Catholic Family and Children’s Services of the Roanoke Valley and Western Virginia. The agency served unmarried pregnant women and their babies.

In 1989, the Roanoke based agency changed its name to Catholic Charities of Southwestern Virginia and offered four ministries: Adoption Option (pregnancy counseling and domestic adoption), International Adoption, The Family Place (counseling services) and Full Circle Senior Services.

1985 - 1996

In 1985, Catholic Family and Children’s Services of Richmond changed its name to Catholic Charities of Richmond, reflecting a broadening range of services. The agency’s key ministries at the time were Pregnancy Counseling and Adoption and Family and Individual Counseling. Growing community need led Catholic Charities to establish a statewide Foster Care service, including one of the first Unaccompanied Refugee Minor foster care programs in the country.

Recognizing the opportunity to serve more children, families, and communities, Catholic Charities of Richmond and Catholic Charities of Southwestern Virginia established a partnership that led to the merger of the two organizations in 1996. The merged entity was named Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Since its inception, CCC has provided exceptional child welfare services across Virginia. In 1997, CCC established an office in the City of Norton in far southwest Virginia to serve the needs of vulnerable children through its therapeutic foster care, pregnancy counseling and adoption ministries.

Today, CCC remains one of the largest foster care providers in the region and the only provider of infant placement adoptions in far Southwest Virginia.

1997 - onward

Man kneeling to help a man who lives in a tent under a bridge

Today

Commonwealth Catholic Charities looks forward to another century of service to the Diocese of Richmond. A unique partnership of devoted friends, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, skilled staff, and communities living faith through service, CCC is equipped to face the future no matter what community needs arise.

Saint Vincent DePaul, the Patron of the Diocese of Richmond and of Catholic Charities, said “Love is inventive, even to infinity.” Living the Catholic and Vincentian tradition of loving service to the most vulnerable, CCC continues to develop new and innovative ways to care for the most vulnerable across the Diocese of Richmond.

Life in 1923

Historic Events

1923 Grocery Prices

Vintage photo of Theatrical District Richmond, Virginia,

Centennial Club Donors

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