A Letter from the President and CEO

Dear Friends of Catholic Charities of Central Florida,

The economic turmoil that the world, our nation and our communities have experienced has created many challenges for the people that Catholic Charities of Central Florida serves.

Everyone who comes to Catholic Charities of Central Florida has felt the full impact of the nation’s recession and turned to us for help. Fortunately, Catholic Charities of Central Florida has been able to respond by providing high-quality services for the recently homeless, unemployed or economically challenged families. The new immigrant or refugee citizen receives guidance and support as they navigate their new homeland. The senior citizen that has to make the unthinkable decision to buy food or pay for medication may receive financial assistance.  Catholic Charities of Central Florida is there to offer hope and help.

Catholic Charities of Central Florida’s core services provide basic necessities of life that care for, guide and point the way to a more stable future for those we serve. Clients may receive healthcare at one of our free medical clinics, or they may receive emergency financial assistance or Counseling Services, where emotional wounds are healed and the human dignity of each individual and family is restored.

This has been a challenging time.  While the need has grown and continues to grow at an alarming rate, we have watched our sources for funding our programs and services decline.  Yet, we are grateful for the continued support that we have received from so many individuals, churches, foundations, state and federal agencies.  The people who make up our communities and our nation have a compassion for the poor and struggling.  That compassion has kept our doors open.  I would like to thank you for your support.



Arne Nelson, Captain U.S. Navy (retired)
President and CEO, Catholic Charities of Central Florida