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The Service Center of Catholic Social Services
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The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has left the Service Center partly damaged yet in full swing trying to help those in need. We have been designated as the receiver of donated goods, especially clothing. With the limited space here at the Center, we have located another building to store and sort all the donations. For this task we need volunteers. Already we have received truck loads of clothing, some of which have been distributed. It will be a mammoth task, but we do desire to give these items to those most in need. If you are interested in volunteering please call 434-1510.
Donations of money or gift certificates would be welcome. This would help evacuees to start over and to feel a sense of wellness.
Mandated by the Gospel, the Church has always been challenged to assist those in need. Individuals have done this in a variety of ways. In Mobile, on the Diocesan level, groups such as the Ladies of Charity, St. Vincent de Paul and The Missionary Servants of the Blessed Trinity, gave untold volunteer hours to this ministry.
In the 1950's Bishop Toolen invited the Sisters of Verona from Italy to take over outreach to the needy of the area. The sisters went into poor neighborhoods with cars loaded with food and clothing. In 1960 a central location for operations was opened on Dauphin St. and moved to 571 Dauphin St. in 1964. At that time it was called The Catholic Welfare Office. The name was changed to The Service Center of Catholic Social Services in 1973.
Over the years the growing staff created a need for more space and the Service Center gradually expanded into occupancy of several adjacent store fronts. Along with growth in staff and expansion in the physical plant came a steady increase in budget.
The Service Center has been the birthing place of several present day social service agencies in the city including; Loaves and Fish, The Bay Area Food Bank, and The Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy.
The Church is called to continue the mission of Jesus. The gospels clearly demonstrate that the mission of Jesus includes concern for people's physical as well as spiritual needs. The Service Center enables the "People of God" to fulfill this part of the mission of Jesus. Through generous donations, the hungry are fed, the sick have access to needed medicine and medical supplies, the poor are clothed and housed. "As often as you did it for one of my least, you did it for me." Mt. 25:40
The Service Center of Catholic Social Services provides emergency assistance for basic survival needs in times of crises. Any family or individual can get help at The Service Center regardless of race, creed, age, or gender. However assistance can be limited, due to available resources and the client's ability to document need.
The Center primarily provides emergency assistance for families and individuals in times of crises. This can include food, clothing, personal hygiene items, used furniture, appliances or household articles and financial assistance for medicines, utilities, housing and transportation. We also screen people for eligibility for assistance from the Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy.
Trained caseworkers challenge our clients to address the issues that have contributed to the emergency. They provide information, make referrals and when necessary advocate to obtain further assistance. Sometimes the greatest help provided is in the form of a listening ear.
We try to discourage client dependency. However there are certain vulnerable folks who do become "regulars". Among these are the "Payee" clients. Due to mental illness or retardation, illiteracy, age or physical disability some individuals are unable to manage their own money. Their checks come to the Service Center. We pay their bills and provide them with a weekly stipend for food and personal needs.
Any person seeking assistance needs to bring.
The Service Center is located in downtown Mobile at 555 Dauphin St. between Warren and Cedar Streets. Clients sign in at the front desk and are assigned to a caseworker. Office Hours are from 9-12 and 1-4 Monday through Friday. Sign-In begins at 8:50 and is limited to the number of clients that can be seen during the morning session. Sign-In is reopened at 12:45 and again limited to the number of persons that can be seen during the afternoon. At certain times of the year the wait to see a worker can exceed 2 hours. Long waits to see a caseworker can be avoided by making an appointment. Call 434-1500.
The Service Center is supported through donations from individuals and groups: Catholic Charities, other Faith Communities, The Ladies of Charity, the United Way, the Alabama Business Charitable Trust and several government programs including the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
CURIOSITY SHOP
The Curiosity Shop and Thrift Store located at Cottage 65 Plaza sells almost new and used items. All the proceeds go to the Service Center of Catholic Social Services. The store is opened Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Donations and volunteers are welcome. If interested call 471-3030
You can participate in this important work by: