Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach celebrated on November 16, 2012, the Dedication of its newest location – Catholic Charities St. Francis Center. Located in the former St. Francis Catholic School in Riviera Beach, Catholic Charities St. Francis Center underwent a two million dollar renovation to become the new office space for 15 of Catholic Charities ministries and outreach programs. These programs help the needy and vulnerable in the community, without regard to religion. This dedication reestablishes a Catholic Charities location in the City of Riviera Beach.
The Dedication included a blessing of the facility by the Most Reverend Gerald M. Barbarito, Bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach. Guest speakers at the event included Reverend Arthur Obin, OMI, pastor of St. Francis Catholic Church; Eugene Pollingue, board chair of Catholic Charities; and Mayor Thomas Masters of the City of Riviera Beach who spoke about the partnership between Catholic Charities and the city to help those in need. The event was attended by local dignitaries, collaborating community agencies, local community leaders, donors, and parishioners of the Diocese of Palm Beach.
Annually, Catholic Charities provides services to more than 17,400 unduplicated clients through 15 programs and ministries. Many of the Catholic Charities’ programs located at St. Francis Center also operate at additional sites through the five counties of the Diocese of Palm Beach. In all, Catholic Charities programs operate at 11 different sites.
