Thanks to a $35,000 grant from an anonymous foundation, Catholic Charities St. Francis Center will receive much needed security enhancements to the building. St. Francis Center, located in Riviera Beach, is the main hub for Catholic Charities program services to the needy. At this location, Catholic Charities serves human trafficking victims, refugees, immigrants, vulnerable elderly, people with mental health concerns, and people seeking rental assistance due to financial struggles. Carol Rodriguez, Catholic Charities Agent in Charge says, "Through our work to serve people in need and create hope, it is so important that our vulnerable client population feel safe when visiting the St. Francis Center. Once they feel safe, only then can they begin to rebuild their lives. We are so thankful for the generosity of our supporters" The security enhancement project is scheduled to begin this June and will include an updated camera system, among other things.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach was established in 1984 as the social service arm of the Palm Beach Diocese. The agency serves on average each year more than 7,500 clients throughout the Palm Beach Diocese which includes the counties of Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee. Catholic Charities currently provides services through 13 programs and ministries.