Volunteer in Catholic Charities West Virginia

The office of Catholic Charities was established in 1931 by Bishop John J. Swint.  Our doors and hearts are open to all regardless of their religious, social, ethnic or economic backgrounds. We aim to alleviate the languishing effects of poverty; responding to people’s basic human needs of food, shelter, clothing; and offering opportunities to improve an individual’s or family’s circumstances.  Through compassionate care we engender hope in those we serve and those who join us in serving. Over the eighty years since, Catholic Charities West Virginia has become one of the largest social service providers in the state, serving tens of thousands each year with outreach programs and services. Through collaboration with parishes, community organizations, The WV Department of Health and Human Resources, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Catholic Charities West Virginia serves people state-wide whether they are in rural or populated communities.  Our seven regional offices are managed by professional staff, supported by volunteers, and guided by regional councils who live in the communities they serve.

Our mission is to alleviate poverty, distress, and injustice by providing comprehensive social services to the poor and vulnerable, advocating for social justice, and calling all people of good will to serve. The Central Region serves families/individuals in Barbour, Preston, Taylor, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison and Doddridge counties who are low to moderate income at 150% of the poverty level. Our pantries serve those with non-specific diets as well as those with chronic health conditions that require special needs food through our WellnessWorks pantry.  Catholic Charities food pantries have seen over a 20% increase in the number of individuals served each year since 2007. Within the last year 42% of the households served are new families who have not accessed the food pantry previously. With cuts in the Food Stamp program, we anticipate seeing more households use food pantries as families struggle to simply meet the basic needs for household members. The Catholic Charities W.Va. WellnessWorks food pantry has been screening all individuals requesting food for chronic health conditions which may require special needs food. Data gathered in our region in 2013 indicates that 72% of people coming to our pantries have at least 1 chronic health condition requiring special needs foods. We purchase foods such as low/no fat foods, low/no sodium foods, low/no sugar foods and sugar alternatives, whole wheat grain foods, liquid nutrition supplements, fruit and lean meats.