When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Catholic Charities Washtenaw County
Why Catholic Charities Washtenaw County is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Catholic Charities Washtenaw County (CCWC) is a well-established nonprofit organization dedicated to serving vulnerable populations throughout Washtenaw County. With roots dating back over 65 years, CCWC offers a wide range of services designed to support individuals and families at every stage of life, from infants to seniors. This organization is known for its compassionate approach to community care and its commitment to promoting dignity and independence among those it serves. One of the prominent areas that makes CCWC an excellent place to connect and receive support is its Senior Services department. This department provides community-based programs that help older adults live meaningful and independent lives by offering services such as home maintenance and safety assistance, caregiver respite, Medicare/Medicaid guidance, and resource advocacy. Additionally, the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program supports relatives who are primary caregivers for children, providing them with education and emotional support. CCWC also collaborates closely with volunteers, community parishes, and other organizations to broaden its reach and effectiveness. Its comprehensive approach and the variety of programs make it a trusted and invaluable resource for social support and assistance in Washtenaw County, providing a welcoming environment for people to meet and connect with others in similar life circumstances.
Here's what people think of Catholic Charities Washtenaw County
As of recent, Catholic Charities Washtenaw County holds a 3.8-star rating based on 32 reviews.
User reviews for Catholic Charities Washtenaw County reflect a mix of appreciation and constructive criticism. Many users praise the organization's dedicated and caring staff, who show genuine passion for serving the community, particularly in areas such as tax preparation, senior care, foster care, and adoption services. Reviewers often highlight the teamwork and the thoughtful, compassionate approach toward clients, describing the work as purposeful and meaningful to the community. Positive feedback also notes the organization's flexibility in providing services and the variety of programs catering to different age groups and needs. However, some negative reviews point to internal challenges, particularly regarding pay and management practices. Former employees have mentioned that compensation is lower than other nonprofits in the area and that management can be inflexible, such as mandating full-time office returns without sufficient flexibility or removing floating holidays. These workplace concerns, however, do not detract significantly from the overall view of the agency's community impact. In conclusion, while Catholic Charities Washtenaw County may have room for improvement in its employee relations, it remains a vital and trusted resource within the community, appreciated for its diverse programs and the positive difference it makes in many lives.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
renee
I adopted both of my children as infants through Catholic Social Services and have referred several of my family and friends who were considering adoption to the agency as well. Some things you should know whether you are a birth parent or potential adoptive parent: 1. This agency promotes open adoption which means they encourage a relationship between you and the birth parent, as well as the child and the birth parent even after the adoption is final. The agency honors the birth parent and educates the prospective adoptive parents about the open adoption process and why it is beneficial for all involved. Prospective adoptive parents attend classes about the benefits of the process and in my case, I heard from children of closed adoptions and open adoptions. It was extremely beneficial to hear from all sides and learn how the process works and the effect it can have on the children placed for adoption. 2. Although the agency works with both birth parents and adoptive parents, there are separate case workers for each and very little interaction between the two until the birth parent has made the decision to place the child with birth parents. This is to ensure that the birth parents do not feel pressure to place the child with a family and have an opportunity to explore all possibilities with regard to parenting the child themselves. 3. The staff/caseworkers are wonderful and work with the adoptive parents to maximize their visibility to birth parents. I have not specifically worked with the birth parent caseworkers, but have received nothing but good reports from those who do. Overall, I have nothing but praise for the work this agency did for me. They respect and provide support for both the birth parents and adoptive parents. They have helped me build my family and I forever will be grateful.
Kristina Masters
We had a wonderful experience with CSS assisting with the adoption of our son. Our case worker, Elly, was amazing! They provided lots of education and emotional support which made a difficult process much easier. We used a different agency for the adoption of our older child and were left feeling as though they only cared about our money. This was far from the case with Catholic Social Services. They continue to send educational emails and check in from time to time.
Sharene Rumohr
I can not explain how wonderful Catholic Social Services is. They were with us through the whole adoption experience. What I love most about them is they care for everyone in the adoption process. They take care of the adoptive parents(which we were) but they also give great counseling to the birth mothers. Our experience was wonderful. I am so glad CSS recommends open adoptions, because we not only have a wonderful baby but we have a good relationship with the birth parents. Also Elly is fabulous! She was definitely the reason we chose CSS.
Michelle Heikka
Over six years we adopted our three children through Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County and we couldn't be happier. Before we entered the adoption pool, the entire process was explained to us. We knew exactly what to expect throughout the entire adoption process. They also supported us while we were in the adoption pool - three times! Whenever I had a question or just felt anxious, I knew I could call them and would get the answers and the sounding board I needed. And now that our family is complete, and our "baby" is six years old, I still call for adoption support and advice. They helped us build our family, supported us through the process, and continue to support us as our family grows. They will get you through this process with compassion and understanding. Also important to me, they treated our children's birth mothers with the same compassion and understanding both during the pregnancy and after they placed their children with us. And just like they continue to support us, they continue to support our children's birth mothers almost eleven years later. They do what's best for birth mothers, for children, and adoptive families.
Amanda Thomas
We had an overwhelmingly positive adoption experience with CSS. As an adult adoptee, I was searching for an agency that treated ALL members of the adoption triad with empathy and respect. CSS goes above and beyond to ensure that women facing unplanned pregnancies receive counseling and guidance regarding ALL of their pregnancy options. Women who choose to make an adoption plan are supported through every step of the process and can return for counseling post-placement. Women who choose to parent are also supported! We were able to develop a trusting relationship with our son's first mother and we have a healthy open adoption. We consider CSS the gold-standard in adoption!
How to reach Catholic Charities Washtenaw County
None
Website: None
Why Catholic Charities Washtenaw County may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Catholic Charities Washtenaw County with your friends? This organization is a vibrant and community-centered hub that offers a unique opportunity for groups seeking a meaningful meetup experience. Unlike traditional social venues, Catholic Charities Washtenaw County (CCWC) invites friends and family to engage with a place dedicated to service, compassion, and support for diverse community needs. Gathering here means more than just socializing—it’s about coming together to contribute, learn, and grow alongside others who value community welfare. With a moderate rating of 3.8 based on 32 reviews, CCWC holds a reputation as a reliable and impactful organization, attracting those who want to make an authentic difference through collective effort. Friends who meet at Catholic Charities can immerse themselves in a variety of programs that support seniors, families, and individuals facing challenges, all while reinforcing bonds through shared purposeful activities. This venue provides a space to rally around compassion and service, making it ideal for groups looking to connect on a deeper level while enjoying the fulfillment of supporting meaningful causes.
What activities are available at Catholic Charities Washtenaw County for groups? The organization offers a rich portfolio of community-based programs that are perfect for group involvement. For older adults and their caregivers, there is the Senior Services department which runs programs such as Home Maintenance and Safety Services, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Volunteer Caregiver Respite, Medicare/Medicaid Assistance, and Resource Advocacy. Groups can volunteer together to assist in small home repairs or provide social visits to seniors who may be homebound. These activities foster teamwork and compassion while addressing real needs in the community. For families and children, CCWC provides counseling services, domestic violence intervention, substance abuse treatment, and child advocacy programs, giving groups a chance to participate in awareness and support initiatives. Through collaborative volunteering or simply touring the facility to learn about its services, friends can have a meaningful meetup that combines education, community engagement, and social impact.
Why is Catholic Charities Washtenaw County a perfect place for a group meetup? Firstly, its atmosphere is welcoming, non-commercial, and deeply rooted in community values, which provides a unique alternative to typical social venues. Friends and families seeking connection can enjoy an environment that emphasizes dignity, respect, and service for all people. The diverse range of programs encourages inclusive participation from people of all ages and backgrounds, making it easy for groups to find roles or activities aligned with their interests and skills. Furthermore, the organization's extensive Senior Resource Connect program includes over 500 local resources and offers accessible information and support, creating opportunities for groups to learn collaboratively about community needs. Whether supporting the elderly through companionship or helping caregivers find respite, the work done here nurtures empathy and strengthens community ties, enriching social meetups with purpose and heart.
How can groups engage with CCWC’s Senior Services programs? The Senior Services at Catholic Charities Washtenaw County are comprehensive and actively encourage volunteer involvement. Group participants can take part in the Home Maintenance and Safety Services, where they help older adults maintain independence by assisting with minor home repairs, safety device installations, snow removal, and lawn care. This hands-on work provides a tangible way to bond through shared goals and community service. In addition, the Volunteer Caregiver Respite program allows groups to support caregivers by offering temporary relief through companionship and social visits to seniors, providing valuable emotional support while creating meaningful relationships. The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren program offers informational sessions and emotional support to relatives caring for young family members, and groups can participate in workshops or advocacy events. Through these opportunities, friends or family meetups at CCWC become platforms for social good and personal fulfillment.
What educational and advocacy activities can groups explore at Catholic Charities Washtenaw County? CCWC is deeply involved in education and advocacy related to elder abuse, substance use, and mental health, which offers groups unique learning experiences. The Resource Advocacy program helps seniors and caregivers navigate complicated paperwork, access community resources, and receive screenings for elder and substance abuse. Groups can join presentations or community outreach efforts led by CCWC staff on these critical topics. The “It’s Never Too Late” Photovoice Exhibit is an example of how CCWC uses artistic and narrative approaches to change perceptions about substance use in later life, giving visitors an opportunity to engage with real stories and reflections from older adults and caregivers. These educational pursuits provide stimulating material for group discussions, increasing awareness and empathy while encouraging proactive community involvement.
What makes Catholic Charities Washtenaw County stand out as a community-oriented meetup destination? Catholic Charities Washtenaw County stands out because it operates at the intersection of service, community care, and inclusion. It is not just a place where you meet friends; it’s a place where friendships are deepened through shared contributions to social welfare. Its long-standing presence and partnership with local parishes, Food Gatherers, and other community organizations demonstrate a collaborative spirit that enhances the impact of collective efforts. The availability of extensive resources such as tax assistance for seniors, neighborhood senior services, and health insurance counseling further solidifies CCWC as a hub where meeting up involves learning, helping, and growing. This multi-dimensional service approach creates a dynamic environment where group meetups become both enjoyable and meaningful, anchored by values of respect and dignity for every person served.
How accessible and convenient is Catholic Charities Washtenaw County for hosting group activities? Located at 4925 Packard Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan, CCWC is easily accessible from many parts of Washtenaw County, making it convenient for friends and families to gather. The office hours are generous, operating Monday through Thursday until 9:00 PM, Fridays until 5:00 PM, and Saturdays with limited hours, which provides flexibility for scheduling group visits or volunteer sessions. This accommodates various lifestyles and commitments, enhancing the feasibility of meetups outside of typical work hours. The staff is experienced and welcoming, ready to assist groups in finding suitable activities or programs to participate in. Whether planning a daytime educational session, an evening volunteer activity, or a weekend group tour, CCWC’s accessibility supports a smooth and productive meetup experience.
What lasting impact can group meetups at Catholic Charities Washtenaw County have? Meeting at Catholic Charities Washtenaw County offers more than short-term enjoyment; it fosters sustained personal growth and community impact. Groups who engage in service here often discover new perspectives on aging, caregiving, social justice, and community resilience. These experiences can strengthen bonds among friends and family as they collaborate to make positive change. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of local needs and resources, often inspiring continued engagement beyond the meetup itself. By rallying at this community-focused location, groups not only enjoy quality time together but also contribute to building a more compassionate, supportive, and connected Washtenaw County, creating ripples of lasting change in the lives of the people served.