A Grateful History of Service: Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada

For over 80 years, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada has served our community in as many ways as we can. Not only are we grateful for those we are able to help, but we’re also grateful to those who first started our organization here in Las Vegas. Since we started, our goal has always been to provide services needed in our community and inspire God’s love in others. With compassion at the forefront of each of Catholic Charities services, we invite you to learn more about our organization and see how you can make a difference this holiday season. 

The Beginning of Catholic Charities Services

Our services in Nevada began in 1941 as the Nevada Catholic Welfare Bureau, headed by Father Thomas F. Collins on assignment from Bishop Thomas K. Gorman. After receiving non-profit status in the 1940s, services expanded to include a thrift store, child care services, and the St. Vincent Dining Facility. As the population of Southern Nevada increased in the 70s and 80s, so did our services. We began programs to help senior citizens, homeless men, refugees, immigrants, and people seeking emergency shelter or employment assistance. Through these programs, we began to grow our community reach even further, showing love and compassion for anyone going through struggles. 

In 1995, we officially changed our name to Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada as a reflection of our true service area reaching beyond Las Vegas city limits. As one of many charities in Las Vegas, we set ourselves apart through our range of services and our decades long dedication to the community we serve. 

This November we want to thank our donors, volunteers, supporters, and staff for their incredible efforts to support the Catholic Charities mission. 

Our Service Programs Now

Over the years, we’ve been able to add and optimize programs based on the needs of our community to make sure we serve them as best we can. Learn about our current programs and how you can get involved below.

Meals on Wheels

Our Meals on Wheels program goes beyond Las Vegas and serves seniors across the southern part of the state. We started this service at Catholic Charities in 1975 and have since grown to serve approximately 2,450 clients every week of the year. Meals on Wheels Las Vegas and beyond is a truly great way for us to meet people where they are and show them God’s love. 

Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry

The Hands of Hope Community Food Pantry is another one of our food services that helps a different group of people than our Meals on Wheels program. Our food pantry has diverse options for fresh produce, non perishable items, and other essential items to men, women, and families who stop by. 

Free Classes for English, Citizenship, & High School Equivalency

Among our services for immigrants and refugees, we offer multiple types of classes to help people get on their feet. We provide free English language classes for multiple learning levels, a citizenship class for those studying to pass a citizenship test, and a high school equivalency course. These Catholic Charities community services are meant to enable people in our community to regain some independence through applicable knowledge. 

Demonstrate Your Gratitude With Giving

At Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, we show our gratitude to the community and donors with a Hearts of Hope Luncheon each May. This holiday season, we invite you to show gratitude for your community by getting involved through volunteering or donating.