Catholic Charities Celebrates 83 Years Serving Southern Nevada and Asks for Community Support to Further Program Efforts

Amidst economic trends pointing to high rates of vulnerability

among Southern Nevadans, Catholic Charities spreads joy with Annual ‘Feed Vegas’ celebratory meal.
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LAS VEGAS (April 16, 2024) – Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada(CCSN) celebrates its 83^rd year of serving the Las Vegas Valley since originally opening its doors on April 16, 1941. The nonprofit continues to serve its community with several vital social services, including several different food and nutrition programs: Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels Program and the St. Vincent Lied Dining Facility.

Are cent assessment of service outcomes indicates Catholic Charities continues to be effective in providing food and nutrition service to those in need due to issues being faced across the nation, including increasing food costs, inflation rates and rising housing and rent costs, displacing many.

·       Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry. Amid rising inflation, Catholic Charities has continued to offer grocery items for clients. In 2022,the organization distributed more than 2.2 million pounds of food to around47,082 people in need.

·       Meals on Wheels. The nonprofit steadily serves more than 2,400homebound seniors daily through its Meals on Wheels program in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. Last year alone, CCSN delivered over 807,100 meals to 2,445 homebound seniors at no cost to the clients. The organization focuses on the sustainability of serving the current number of recipients for the program, while looking at the future infrastructure for growth.

·       St. Vincent Lied Dining Facility. On average CCSN serves nearly 435 community members a day for its free community meal. The daily meal is served at 10 a.m. and offers a hot, nutritious food to those in need. 12 festive celebratory feats were served throughout the year across various holiday celebrations. On April 16, CCSN will host its special annual “Feed Vegas” community meal to coincide with its anniversary. The annual ‘Feed Vegas’ meal seeks to gather volunteers, staff, and guests alike to enjoy a celebratory meal. All are welcome to enjoy a hearty meal of barbeque short ribs, grilled chicken breast, potato augratin, and roasted lemon pepper asparagus.

“Every year, since 1941, we see more fruit from the seeds of hope that we have planted amongst our vulnerable community members,” said Deacon Tom Roberts, CEO, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. “It is an honor to continue to serve and brighten up the lives of those who need hope in the form of food, housing, and other services. It is all thanks in part to our wonderful staff, volunteers, and donors who believe in the power of hope.”

Asa community resource, CCSN depends on their hundreds of volunteers and donors to further the organization’s mission. In 2023, nearly 20,000 hours of service was provided by their 3,048 volunteers across eight different services including: serving at the daily Community Meals and Hands of Hope Food Pantry, and volunteering remotely to build hygiene and baby kits that are distributed to community members in need.

CCSN accepts monetary and food donations to support its ongoing efforts. Currently top five needed items are canned protein (Tuna, Chicken, Spam, Canned Ham),canned fruit, canned vegetables, boxed cereal, and breakfast items such as oatmeal and peanut butter and jelly. To learn more about how to donate to CCSN or volunteer service to one of its many social programs, visit catholiccharities.com/donate.

About Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada
Since 1941, the mission of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has been to serve those in need — the most vulnerable —regardless of race, religion or creed.  This leading community resource offers help and hope with dignity as it strives to meet the diverse needs of men, women and children in Southern Nevada.  Through the generosity of foundations, grants, organizations and individual donors, Catholic Charities operates 16 programs providing support to more than 4,500 people daily and encompassing four core areas: Family Services, Food Services, Immigration and Refugee Services and Homeless and Housing Services.  Catholic Charities also operates the largest Meals on Wheels program and Emergency Shelter Services in Southern Nevada.  For additional information, pleasevisit CatholicCharities.com

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