1926
Catholic Charities Founded
In early 1926, under the director of Rev. James Borer, a Catholic charitable and welfare organization is created to serve as a point of contact between Catholic and other relief agencies. This organization became Catholic Charities, and the agency in those days was located at 25th and Cass Streets on the first floor of the chancery.
1930
St. James Orphanage
March 1930: Bishop Rummel makes radio appeal for a new St. James Orphanage; ground is broken in 1931 and dedicated that fall
1943
Coming Together
With World War II underway, Monsignor Floyd Fischer helps merge Catholic Charities with the Catholic Committee for Child Welfare; Fischer becomes director of St. James Orphanage.
1947
A Full House
There were 145 children at St. James Orphanage, and the agency would reach a “maximum” of 149 children in 1949.
1956
Monsignor Fischer
Monsignor Fischer served two terms as president of the National Conference of Catholic Charities in 1956 and 1957
1960
Expansion
St. James Orphanage adds a conference building, which includes a private interview space for children.
1965
Relocation
In the early 1960s, Fischer and the organization makes plans to relocate. Ultimately, Catholic Charities will move to 2132 South 42nd Street. Archbishop Gerald Bergan will bless the new building on March 24, 1965.
1969
Agency Name Change
In 1969, the agency’s name changes to United Catholic Social Services (UCSS). That same year, St. James Orphanage adds a day care center to its offerings.
1975
Monsignor William Kelligar
Monsignor William Kelligar becomes executive director of UCSS
1978
Shelter Opened and Additional Areas of Focus
A shelter is opened for abused women and children in 1978.
Father Jim Schwertley suggests that the agency focus increasingly on working with alcoholics and victims of drug addiction; Monsignor Kelligar himself took a three-month leave of absence in 1975 to work through his own addiction issues.
By the late 1970s, UCSS would become the state’s number one alcoholism services provider.
1980
Expansion and Change
Services expand statewide as the Family Services Center opens in Norfolk and Columbus in 1980.
On September 1, 1980, St. James Orphanage closes.
Rev. Mel Merwald becomes the new executive director of UCSS in 1984.
1994
First Lay Leader
Dr. Scot L. Adams becomes the first layperson to serve as executive director of UCSS.
1995
Renaming
In 1995, UCSS officially changes its name back to “Catholic Charities”.
1999
Renovation for the Future
A $1 million renovation began at St. James Manor.
2000
Omaha Campus for Hope
2001
Major Milestone
In 2001, Catholic Charities celebrates its 75th anniversary.
2002
Leader in Domestic Violence Services
In the early 2000s, Catholic Charities was widely viewed as a leader in domestic violence services, disaster relief, poverty reduction, and food support through the pantry.