Catholic Charities

Connect. Heal. Empower.

Since 1910, Catholic Charities has been dedicated to helping neighbors across the region connect to resources, heal their bodies and minds, and empower themselves toward self-sufficiency. Regardless of religious affiliation, Catholic Charities is dedicated to championing the dignity of families and individuals as they work to improve their quality of life.

By providing basic needs services, counseling, free health care, job training, housing assistance, refugee programs, senior services, and more, Catholic Charities uplifts people in need throughout Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Greene, Lawrence, and Washington counties.

Mission

Inspired by Jesus' teachings and focused on lasting solutions, we serve our communities' critical needs with compassion, healing, and hope.

Vision

Relying on God’s providence and embracing the call of the gospel and the social teachings of the Church, Catholic Charities is dedicated to championing the dignity of the person, improving the quality of life, and advocating for the social good of the human family, so that the poor and vulnerable, always welcomed and loved, embrace opportunities necessary to realize their potential. 

Guiding Principals

In all works, Catholic Charities will

  • Be guided by the gospel values and social teachings of the Catholic Church
  • Provide services and foster communications that respect each person with a preferential option for those who are poor, marginalized and/or vulnerable
  • Provide programs and services that assist with immediate needs while empowering individuals and families to greater stability
  • Promote and protect life from the moment of conception until natural death
  • Welcome and provide service to all in need regardless of religious affiliation
  • Operate with integrity and the highest ethical and professional standards 
  • Be good stewards of resources utilizing gifts of time, talent and treasure in a transparent and accountable manner
  • Foster effective partnerships, including mobilizing the resources of the parishes of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, other area churches, other providers, and the wider community
  • Develop a service delivery system to allow clients comprehensive access to a wide range of coordinated services
  • Strive to be a trendsetting agency among health and human service providers

Leadership

Staff

Susan Rauscher, Executive Director
Jill Krauza, Deputy Executive Director
Vince Kane, Human Resources Director
Marion Ahlers, Director of Marketing and Communications
Noelle Taucher, Director of Finance and Controller
Angie Hill, Chief Development Officer
Marissa Barr, Director of Counseling Services
Laila Carlo, Administrator, St. Joseph House of Hospitality
Amy Cervone, Administrator, Challenges: Options in Aging

Amber Crowe, North Region Administrator
Kathy Echement, Director of Facilities and Executive Assistant
Kathleen Emro, Director of Operations, Free Health Care Center
Dr. Dennis Gabos, Medical Director, Free Health Care Center
Dr. Frank Parise, Dental Director, Free Health Care Center
Eden Safar, South Region Administrator
Bethany Young, Key Strategies Specialist

Board of Directors

John M. Hagan, President
Christopher Scoletti, Immediate Past President
Victoria Bechtold Kush, Vice President
Paul G. Malone, Secretary
Lauren E. Weddell, Treasurer
Judge Maureen Lally-Green, Nominating and Governance Committee Chair
Anna B. Torrance, Diocesan Liaison

Board Members

Dorothy M. Alke
Jonathan D. Buck, CPA, MBA
Dr. Susan Challinor
Susan Cruz
Shannon McHugh Cully
 

Colleen Darragh
Samuel J. Dippold
Shanicka L. Kennedy, Esq.
James E. Kinville
Eric W. Lani
 

Jennifer M. Mondi
Madelyn A. Reilly
Joseph Rockey
Joni Mangino Selep
Michael C. Turzai

Ex-Officio

Shannon McHugh Cully – Representing the Emerging Leaders Council
Dr. Susan Challinor – Representing the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center
Joseph Rockey – Representing St. Joseph House of Hospitality
Anna Torrance – Diocesan Liaison

Honorary Board of Directors

Rachel Lorey Allen
Steve Blanco, Sr.
Michael J. Clark
Judge Joy Flowers Conti
Daniel Darragh
Ruth Darragh
Edward R. Friel

John D. Goetz
John Hartzell
Katie Larsen
Scott Lammie
Mary Lou McLaughlin
Cynthia Meegan

Paolo Montemaggi
Dan Onorato
Paul Michael “Mickey” Pohl
Arthur Scully
Mark D. Shepard
Neal Shipley

Member Board

Most Reverend David A. Zubik, DD, MSEd, Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Chair
Reverend Monsignor Lawrence A. DiNardo, VG, JCL, Vicar General / General Secretary
Anna B. Torrance, Esq., Chancellor / Catholic Charities’ Diocesan Liaison

Reverend Frank D. Almade, PhD
Reverend Nicholas J. Argentieri
Reverend Joseph A. Carr, MDiv
Reverend J. Francis Frazer, MDiv
Reverend Michael J. Stumpf
Reverend Paul J. Zywan, MDiv

Financials

Catholic Charities is incorporated as a nonprofit entity and takes great pride in ensuring that our funds are used in accordance with IRS regulations as well as donor intent. We engage an independent audit firm to conduct an annual audit, we submit an annual 990 report to the IRS, we adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights. Our audits and 990 filings are available to anyone who wishes to make an appointment to visit our downtown location to view them.