Our History

Milestones of Catholic Charities of Idaho:

Catholic Charities of Idaho (CCI) is among the newest Catholic Charities agency in the country. With the leadership from Bishop Michael Driscoll, CCI became a reality in July of 2000. Within a short period of time, services began with the hiring of an executive director and two social workers in July of 2001. Catholic Charities of Idaho is now a statewide multiservice organization creating hope, providing help and promoting justice throughout Idaho.

2000: Michael P. Driscoll, MSW, DD, newly installed Bishop of Idaho, files Articles of Incorporation for the new corporation; Boise office established.

2001: A statewide needs assessment commences to gather input from Catholics and the broader community as to the unmet needs in order to begin a strategic plan for the new agency.

2003—2005: Offices and services are established in Nampa, Coeur d'Alene, Blackfoot, Jerome, Homedale and Idaho Falls. CCI takes its place among the national network of Catholic Charities agencies which comprise the largest faith-based service delivery system in the United States.

2005—2006: Marie D. Hoff, PhD, first Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Idaho, retires; and Rosio Gonzalez, LMSW is hired to continue the pursuit of the mission and vision of Catholic Charities.

2006—2007: CCI works to establish sustainable enhancement and expansion of social services statewide with a special emphasis on rural and remote areas of Idaho.

2007-2008 A statewide network of Family Strengthening Centers anchors CCI's efforts to strengthen families, reduce poverty and build communities in Idaho.

2008-2009 Today, CCI has served over 25,000 individuals, engaged over 1,000 volunteers, and established numerous community partners across the state.

Catholic Charities of Idaho receives support from the generosity of donors, parishes, annual Diocesan Catholic Appeal, grants, foundations, fund-raising efforts, and a small percentage of United Way funding to support its Family Strengthening Centers and other programs.

Catholic Charities of Idaho has adopted the Annie E. Casey Foundation family strengthening approach as "a deliberate process of giving parents the necessary opportunities, relationships, networks, and supports to raise their children successfully, which includes involving parents as decision-makers in how their communities meet family needs."

The family strengthening approach is bigger than a particular program, strategy, or service – it is a framework for helping families succeed. There are three key parts to this framework:

1. Family Economic Success – Helping families improve self sufficiency through expanded opportunities to work and earn a living wage that provides for the basic needs of the family, and build assets that grow with the family over time, such as home ownership and retirement accounts.
2. Family Support Systems – Building appropriate and adequate systems of support for healthy family development that encompass health care, child care, education, and other essential components of strong families.
3. Thriving and Nurturing Communities – Building a nurturing and supportive environment in which healthy families can pursue long term goals. Components for family success include access to affordable housing, strong neighborhood institutions, safe streets, supportive social networks, and an environment that promotes community and strengthens bonds between families.

Furthermore, the approach recognizes the strengths of families and communities and builds on them.

In contrast to more traditional social service approaches, the family strengthening approach offers assistance in meeting basic needs and securing special services, is flexible in the delivery of services, responds quickly and flexibly to family and community needs, and builds on family and community strengths.