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Caritas of Waco is a nonprofit charitable agency chartered by the state of Texas. Caritas was founded in 1967 by the Austin Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church and became an independent agency in 1979.
The mission of Caritas is “to provide urgent support to people in need in our community.”
Caritas is governed by a twenty-one member multi-ethnic, interfaith board of directors. The agency's staff is composed of 30 full-time and part-time employees plus over 250 volunteers monthly from the RSVP program, Baylor work-study students, high school students, and various other organizational groups.
Caritas' monthly expenditures average approximately $93,000.
Over 98% of every dollar given to Caritas comes from "public support". Approximately 86% of all contributions go into providing direct assistance. The accounting of Caritas’ funds is done by the Business Services Department of Jaynes, Reitmeier, Boyd and Therrell. Caritas is audited annually by George Dethlefsen, CPA.
Caritas is supported by the community through various faith, civic and service organizations, social clubs, charitable foundations, area businesses and individuals. Caritas receives only limited funding from governmental grants. The annual Feast of Caring is the prime fund-raising event. Caritas is also a United Way Agency and received $64,000 in 2012 in their annual United Way drive.
Caritas is a 501 (C)(3) agency and all contributions are tax-deductible.
Caritas helps anyone who has emergency needs regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity. The majority of recipients are residents of McLennan County. Food, clothing, household items, travel, and emergency lodging are open to anyone in need, regardless of geography. All recipients are interviewed to determine their emergency needs. Many of our recipients are referred by other social service agencies or area churches.
Caritas offers assistance through two programs: Emergency Assistance - providing assistance with food, prescription drugs, clothing, household items, utilities, and two Thrift Stores operating in the Waco area. Both thrift stores are self-sustaining with revenues that exceed expenses going to support Caritas emergency services. The thrift stores provide clothing, household items, and other items free of charge upon referral from Caritas Emergency Assistance staff.
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