2024 Impact Report
Transforming Lives Across Fairfield County
đź“„ Download Full Report (PDF)A Message from Our Executive Director
In 2024, your generosity brought hope across Fairfield County by supporting soup kitchens, food pantries, counseling, and housing programs. Thanks to you, Catholic Charities of Fairfield County grew both in the number of people we serve and the depth of our care.
This was also the first full year of the NEW Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport, where co-located services—from meals and food pantries to health screenings and immigration support—made holistic care more accessible. Looking ahead, we’re working to replicate this model in Stamford, Danbury, and Norwalk, bringing comprehensive support to even more communities.
- Mike Donoghue, Executive Director
Nemia’s Triumph: Rebuilding After Injury
Originally from the Philippines, Nemia worked as a nurse before a workplace injury in 2018 ended her career. After two spine surgeries, she turned to Catholic Charities’ Norwalk office in early 2023.
“Her support was like someone pulling me out of quicksand,” Nemia shared. The Community Advocacy Program helped her with disability paperwork, and Immigration Services assisted her on the path to citizenship.
Our Mission
To help the needy and most vulnerable of all faiths to permanently improve their lives through supportive services that enable families to rise out of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency.
Our Vision
A Fairfield County where all individuals have food, shelter, and support to reach their full potential.
How We Help
- Food & Nutrition: Soup kitchens, pantries, and SNAP outreach.
- Housing: Outreach, case management, and transitional housing.
- Mental Health: Counseling, wellness recovery, and trauma support.
- Immigration Legal Services
- Education: Room to Grow Preschool
- Community Programs: Loans, financial literacy, parenting support.
- Adoption & Pregnancy Counseling
2024 Highlights by the Numbers
20,000+ individuals served
1.5+ million meals provided
8,000 households educated about SNAP
505 immigration consultations
86 individuals became U.S. citizens
2,500+ volunteers donated 50,000+ hours
70+ homeless individuals moved into safe housing
$100,000+ in rental assistance provided
Key Initiatives
- Opening the new Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport
- Planning regional Family Centers in Stamford, Danbury, and Norwalk
- Expanding New Outlook Counseling & New Heights programs
- Growing financial education and employment support services
Financial Overview (FY 2024)
Total Revenue: $15.54 million
- Government Grants – 36.4%
- Contributions & Bequests – 25%
- Special Events – 11.9%
- Program Service Revenue – 9.5%
- Non-governmental Grants – 8.8%
- In-Kind Contributions – 5.2%
- Annual Bishop’s Appeal – 3.2%
Get Involved
Volunteer
Help prepare meals, mentor youth, or deliver furniture. Your time makes a difference.
Donate
Monthly gifts and one-time donations support our mission. Check for employer match programs.
Attend Events
Support through fundraising events and share our mission with friends and family.
Leave a Legacy Gift
Join the Bell Tower Circle. Include Catholic Charities in your will or estate plan to create lasting change.
Contact Us
Catholic Charities of Fairfield County
238 Jewett Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06606
(203) 416-1503
[email protected]
www.ccfairfield.org
Planned Giving Inquiries:
Shaye Anne McCormick, Senior Development Officer
[email protected]
475-225-6371