About

Catholic Charities Diocese of Winona service area

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona is a not-for-profit corporation of the State of Minnesota. Incorporated in 1947, Catholic Charities enjoys tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Catholic Charities is the social service arm of the Diocese of Winona, which is comprised of the twenty southernmost counties of Minnesota. The counties include Winona, Wabasha, Olmsted, Dodge, Steele, Waseca, Blue Earth, Watonwan, Cottonwood, Murray, Pipestone, Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Faribault, Martin, Freeborn, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston. Our Catholic social service agency employs community and social service specialists to help people throughout the diocese. In fiscal year 2010, 9.3% of the agency’s funding came from the Diocese of Winona Annual Appeal.

Bishop John M. Quinn is the President of the corporation. Robert L. Tereba, as Executive Director, is the corporation’s Secretary. The corporation’s Board of Directors, appointed by Bishop Quinn, represent all geographic areas of the Diocese. The Board meets five times a year. Directors are appointed for a three year term and their terms can be renewed for one additional three year period.

Each year the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities help children, families in crisis, vulnerable adults and seniors, immigrants, refugees, the poor, and the unborn – regardless of race, age, gender, or faith tradition. In fiscal year 2010, Catholic Charities served over 4,400 persons living in over 2,000 households. Of those households where the annual income was known, fully 63% of them had incomes at or below $25,000.

The programs of Catholic Charities provide help and create hope for thousands of people throughout the diocese. Its programs include Marriage, Family, and Individual Counseling; Pregnancy, Parenting and Adoption; Guardian and Conservartor Program; Adopted Adult and Birthparent Searches; Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); Parish Social Ministry; Immigration Legal Services and Refugee Resettlement. In order to carry out this work efficiently and effectively, Catholic Charities employs licensed social workers, licensed psychologists, caseworkers, and other human service professionals. It employs about 36 staff with an operating budget of approximately $2.2 million.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Winona conducts its programs in accord with the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which affirm the sanctity of human life and the dignity of each individual person as a child of God.

It is a member agency of Catholic Charities USA, United Way of Olmsted County, United Way of Dodge County, United Way of Freeborn County, United Way of Mower County, United Way of Steele County, United Way of the Greater Winona Area, Worthington Area United Way, and Greater Mankato Area United Way.