Mission Statement
We proclaim the gospel vision of Jesus Christ
as our mission by serving the needs of individuals and families,
especially the poorest, and working with
Church and community for
justice, peace, and compassion in society.
Our History
Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge traces its history back to the oldest Catholic Charities in the nation. It has existed as an integral part of the Diocese of Baton Rouge since the inception of the Diocese in 1964. Both the Diocese of Baton Rouge and Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge grew out of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and its Catholic Charities agency was the first in the U.S., established in 1805. The Baton Rouge agency serves those most in need with an array of comprehensive programs that include direct assistance, disaster recovery, adoption, child-welfare services, and comprehensive supportive services for pregnant women, refugees, families in poverty, and ex-offenders. We are the area’s leading disaster recovery agency.
We serve people of all faiths in Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Pointe Coupée, St. Helena, St. James, Tangipahoa, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana parishes. We’re a member agency of Capital Area United Way.
Our Structure
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Inc., has a two-tiered governance structure. The Corporate Board of Directors is comprised of the Bishop and chancery leadership. Its reserved powers are limited to broad issues, such as appointing the Advisory Board members and disposition of corporate assets. The Advisory Board is responsible for all business not reserved for the Corporate Board, primarily assuring the Catholic Mission of the agency is represented in the management of the agency, its programs, budgets, and the operations of Catholic Charities. It exercises general oversight of the ordinary business affairs of Catholic Charities, such as approving and monitoring budgets and contracts, and adopting policies and procedures for the agency. Its membership is comprised of diverse representatives that both reflect the community served by Catholic Charities and bring critical areas of expertise important to operations. Catholic Charities also has a standing committee, the Programs and Services Committee. It is comprised of board members and community representatives. Its purpose is to review new programs and policies, changes to existing ones, and make recommendations to agency leadership and the Advisory Board. Membership on the board and committee is voluntary; members serve without compensation.
Click here for a copy of our most recent strategic plan.
