Fr. Ochoa’s parish, St. Anthony, sits across the street from the old school and owns the property. Now, through their growing partnership with St. Anthony’s, Catholic Charities can call Casa Blanca Elementary School home. This new location is a tremendous opportunity to bring hope and help to the local community.
“We’ve only been here a few weeks, but it’s been a wonderful partnership between the parish and Catholic Charities,” said Belinda Marquez, Director of Family & Community Services for Catholic Charities in Riverside County. “We’re extremely blessed to be right here in the community.”
Catholic Charities’ new Riverside location includes several large classrooms and one bungalow. At least one of the large classrooms will be utilized as a food distribution center. Catholic Charities will be coordinating with St. Anthony’s to distribute food to local families and individuals in need. Their Riverside office distributes food to over 80 families weekly, and Catholic Charities hopes to expand those numbers soon.
Along with its existing programs, which include counseling services, services for low-income families, and immigration assistance, Catholic Charities is also planning to expand its facility to include afterschool programs, various classes and groups, and other family support activities.
“For 35 years, Catholic Charities has developed numerous partnerships with public agencies in our region to increase our services and access to struggling families,” said Ken F. Sawa, Catholic Charities’ Executive Director. “Our new partnership at St. Anthony’s in Riverside could well become a model for increased partnerships with other local parishes.
“In addition to St. Anthony’s, we have recently been provided space at Our Lady of Solitude in Palm Springs. It is wonderful when parishes and Catholic Charities join together to leverage their strengths to better serve those in need in the diocese.”
Although Catholic Charities’ doors are already open to the community, the Riverside office’s official grand opening will be October 1st at 3:30 pm. Sawa and Fr. Ochoa will be in attendance for the ribbon cutting. All are welcome to attend. To RSVP for this special ceremony, please call (951) 689-1803.
For more information on Catholic Charities services or to volunteer at our new location in Riverside, please call our Riverside office at (951) 689-1803. You can also visit the new Riverside location at 3020 Madison St. Riverside, CA 92504.