100 Years of History

Under the leadership of Rev. James Borer, Diocesan Catholic Charities is established in Omaha to serve as a vital link between Catholic and other relief agencies. In its earliest years, the mission is carried forward in close partnership with the Sisters of Mercy, whose compassion and service help shape the agency’s foundation.

Omaha hosts the National Conference of Catholic Charities (currently known as Catholic Charities USA), welcoming 1,500 delegates from 85 agencies. That same year, more than 5,000 people attend the dedication of a major addition to St. James Orphanage.

Rev. Floyd Fischer becomes executive director, beginning more than two decades of leadership—the longest tenure in agency history.

The agency surpasses $1 million in total funds distributed since its founding.

Catholic Charities grows to serve an average of 500 families each month, reflecting expanding community needs.

The agency opens its first branch office in North Omaha, expanding its reach into the community in the remodeled St. Benedict’s School.

Rev. Jim Schwertley, having spent nearly a decade closely studying addiction and alcohol treatment programs, convinces Father Mainelli and Archbishop Daniel Sheehan to incorporate an alcohol counseling program, marking a significant expansion into behavioral health services curriculum.

United Catholic Social Services (UCSS) opens the St. Raphael’s Transitional Living Facility for adult and young men recovering from chemical dependency.

A major capital campaign restores and reimagines the St. James Campus.

United Catholic Social Services (UCSS) opens the Juan Diego Center in South Omaha to assist with immigration counseling, bilingual counseling, housing assistance, and food pantry services for the community’s growing Hispanic population. The Juan Diego Center begins as a collaborative effort with Catholic Hispanic Ministries, which helped to staff the center.

In January, Scot Adams succeeds Rev. William Kelligar as executive director of UCSS, becoming the first lay person to lead the agency in its 68-year history. At the time, United Catholic Social Services (UCSS) employed 125 people and served 45,000 people throughout the 23 counties of the Omaha Archdiocese.

The Omaha Campus for Hope, a 36,000-square-foot detoxification and inpatient treatment center, opens on North 16th Street.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Catholic Charities mobilizes to provide assistance to people displaced by the storm. In addition to providing food and mental health counseling, the agency sent four truckloads of supplies to the New Orleans area and places evacuees in housing at St. James Manor.

At the onset of a global pandemic, Fr. Mike Eckley is appointed Executive Director. Catholic Charities purchases former West Telemarketing building at 9223 Bedford Avenue, envisioning a new hub for integrated services-the St. Teresa of Calcutta Campus.

Catholic Charities celebrates 100 years of service—honoring a legacy of hope for the lives we serve and a continued commitment to meeting the critical needs of our community with dignity.