A Brief History of Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois

Founded in 1947, Catholic Social Services (CSS), an agency of the Diocese of Belleville, provides comprehensive adoption services, traditional and treatment foster care, the Don Bosco Children’s Center, individual, family and school counseling, senior employment services, and referral services throughout the 28 counties of Southern Illinois.

Since its establishment in 1887, the Diocese of Belleville has actively sought to meet the needs of the community. Initially, services consisted of family support for Catholic immigrants that settled in the diocese, particularly the Belleville area. In 1945, Monsignor Albert Zuroweste built upon these humble beginnings and established Catholic Charities. In 1968, Catholic Charities became incorporated as Catholic Social Services.

What began as a small organization with one office has grown to include 4 regional offices within the 28 counties of Southern Illinois. The initial office opened in East St. Louis and later moved to Belleville. In 1980, Catholic Social Services responded to an increasing need for family services and opened the Marion, Mt. Carmel and Breese offices. The Marion office later combined services with the Carbondale office when it opened in 1995. In continuing to meet community needs, Catholic Social Services began offering services for families and children at the Mt. Vernon office in 1989.

Also, in 1992, the Don Bosco Children’s Center (in Belleville) opened its doors. The Children’s Center serves 6 to 12 year old abused or neglected children, through a 24-hour emergency shelter and short term treatment program. Children placed at the Center are in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or are placed there at the direction of DCFS.

Catholic Social Services is currently financed by several income sources. The largest portion of the budget comes from state funds from the Department of Children and Family Services. The Catholic Diocese of Belleville provides the next largest amount of support. United Way also provides a significant annual allocation. In addition, corporate and foundation grants, fundraising events, and individual contributions account for the remainder of our funding.