Founded March 13, 2015, Catherine's Family and Youth Services is excited to celebrate our 8th Anniversary. Our #CFYSISGR8T campaign will focus on all of the reasons that makes us a gr8t organization. It is because of dedicated volunteers, donors, sponsors and supporters who allow us to effectively accomplish our mission, vision, and efforts in our community. Last year, thanks to donations, we were able to purchase a cargo van to assist with our food pantry, diaper hub, and deliveries. This year we hope to find a permanent home that will be able to house all of our growing programs and services under one roof. In addition, we plan to purchase a passenger van that will allow us to transport the youth participating in our mentoring,  after-school and summer programs. 

Our Youth Programs and Food Pantry are two programs that are important to neighbors in our community. They are vital programs and they are keeping hope alive in our neighborhoods, one family at a time. With your support, we can continue to serve children and families that are facing life's most troubling challenges. It costs approximately $8 per child per day for snacks and two donations of $8 ($16) per child per day to provide a meal and snacks during their time at our after-school and summer programs. 

Make a difference today, give back or volunteer. There is no amount of time or dollar value that is too small

Help us make year eight gr8t and donate today!

OUR MISSION

The mission of Catherine’s Family and Youth Services (CFYS) organization is to help improve the quality of life for all residents living in Northwest Baltimore City and surrounding areas. CFYS is dedicated to serving low to no income families, the LGBTIA+ community, and youth within our target area with services that will help improve the quality of life and family.

OUR VISION

To provide tools necessary to educate and empower the residents of Northwest Baltimore City with improving their quality of life and social well-being.

OUR PROGRAMS

#CFYSISGR8T because of our free Afterschool and Summer Programs for Youth ages 4-17, young adult workforce development for ages 14-21 during summer months.

Our Free Youth programs serve between 20-35 youth and focuses on character and social skill development, homework help/tutoring, small group and 1:1 mentorship, enrichment programs like step, dance, acting, 3D printing, cooking and creative writing clubs, exposure field trips that include cultural, social, recreational, educational and philanthropic experiences and so much more. During the summer months, our youth enjoy horse back riding and golf, we had the opportunity to do both this past summer in partnership with a local farmer and Five Iron Golf. These are just a few experiences that really shape our program. Here are few of our greatest needs for our youth programs:

-Transportation and admission cost for field trips (15 passenger van is needed)

-Additional Staffing (Youth Interns and Part Time Staff) during After-school Program Hours

-Dinner and Snacks for after-school and summer programs

#CFYSISGR8T because our Food Pantry and Diaper Hub provides access to fresh food, resources and baby essentials to neighbors and families experiencing food insecurity.

 Our Free Food Pantry and Diaper Hub started in 2020 during the start of the pandemic as a call to action to serve our community. We started serving 100 people weekly to a growing 300-500 people per week, providing them with hot meals and/or fresh produce in partnership with Grace Fellowship Church, Sharebaby MD, and World Central Kitchen.  Our Food Pantry offers a wide selection of items like dry foods, fresh produce, meats and household toiletries. In Spring 2023 we will be launching our Fresh Food Vending Machine that will offer low cost, healthy food options when our food pantry is closed. Here are a few of our greatest needs for our Food Pantry and Diaper Hub:

- Fresh Food and Nonperishables to keep pantry stocked

- Baby Formula, Pullups, Incontinence Supplies

- Pet Food and Household Toiletry Items

- Additional Staffing (Youth Interns and Part time staff) during pantry days to pick up sort donations, serve and deliver food

#CFYSiSGR8T because of our Free Programs and Services for the Community: 

-Community Outreach Events 

- Holiday Outreach Programs (Thanksgiving and Christmas)

-Catherine's Closet (clothing giveaway)

-Community Food Giveaways

-Annual Back to School Event 

-Annual Harvest Festival 

-Outreach to disadvantaged populations (e.g., older adults, LGBTIAQ+, homeless, etc.)

We are a 501c3 non-profit , tax exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible. EIN- 47-3335842

With Gratitude and Appreciation,

Catherine's Family and Youth Services