History

Catholic Charities of Central Florida: 

Celebrating 50 Years of Social Service 1962-2012

Catholic Charities of Central Florida began in 1962 under its original name, Catholic Social Services. Although the organization’s name has changed several times during the intervening years, devotion to its mission to care for those who are in need regardless of creed, color or sex has never wavered.

Under the compassionate and caring leadership of dedicated men such as Father Patrick Joseph Sheedy, Thomas Aglio, Jerry Richardville, Bishop Thomas Grady and Bishop Norbert Dorsey, Catholic Charities began to grow and develop programs that would serve the needs of the community.  

In July 2005, Bishop Thomas Wenski appointed Arne Nelson, Captain U.S. Navy (retired), to take the helm of the $5M agency. Under his leadership Catholic Charities of Central Florida grew and expanded their core services. The agency has grown to a $12M social service agency that today provides services from five regional offices throughout nine counties of Central Florida.

In 2012, Bishop John Noonan appointed Joseph Buranosky the fourth Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Central Florida. 

Catholic Charities is proud to offer a compendium of care with services including:

• Pregnancy and Adoption Services
• Agape Food Bank and six food pantries
• Disaster preparation and relief services
• Emergency financial services
• Senior low-income housing complexes
• Mental health counseling
• Immigration and refugee services
• Medical clinics
• Self-sufficiency transitional services for the at-risk or homeless

Catholic Charities of Central Florida celebrated their 50th anniversary on October 8, 2012.   The employees, staff and Board of Directors are filled with gratitude for the financial, volunteer, and prayer support that has positioned Catholic Charities as one of the leading social service agencies in the state of Florida to serve the poor and most vulnerable. Most of all, we are thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ for the privilege to care for His people. Jesus told his disciples that when we care for the least of these people in need, his brothers and sisters, we show our love for Our Lord.