When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Catholic Community Services of Utah
Why Catholic Community Services of Utah is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Catholic Community Services of Utah (CCS) stands as a beacon of hope and compassion in the Salt Lake City and Ogden areas, serving those facing homelessness, food insecurity, and challenges related to immigration and refugee resettlement. Founded in 1945 by the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, CCS began with a small office and a mission to assist the poor, expanding today to operate four sites along the Wasatch Front and Northern Utah. This organization delivers a wide array of social services including adoption, foster care, family counseling, and direct aid such as food distribution and hot meals. Its mission emphasizes gospel values like love, compassion, and hope, and CCS partners with other social service agencies to maximize its impact. Offering support to over 29,000 clients annually, with thousands helped through refugee resettlement, food distribution, and homelessness services, CCS fosters a strong community spirit. Its commitment to diversity and respect for individual needs, regardless of background, makes it an inclusive place for community members to meet, support each other, and contribute to meaningful social change.
Here's what people think of Catholic Community Services of Utah
As of recent, Catholic Community Services of Utah holds a 4.2-star rating based on 201 reviews.
User reviews of Catholic Community Services of Utah reveal a generally positive perception of the organization's mission and community impact. Many reviewers appreciate the meaningful work CCS does in supporting vulnerable populations, with particular praise for its flexible approach to addressing urgent community needs like immigration and homelessness. Positive feedback frequently mentions the friendly and supportive work environment, highlighting the compassionate culture toward clients and staff alike. However, some reviews point out areas for improvement, notably criticisms regarding management and compensation, with a few employees feeling undervalued and citing challenges in leadership awareness and pay scales. Despite these issues, the commitment to serving those in need and the supportive culture among coworkers are consistently noted as strengths. Overall, reviews suggest that while internal management aspects could be enhanced, Catholic Community Services of Utah remains an impactful and valued organization within the community it serves.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Adam Sagor
This place does not deserve one star Their supervisor doesnot show any respect to the clients. Imagine their attorney didn't reply to my emails and text messages for like over eight months trying to do citizenship application it was just a waste time
Farah Faruque
Went to this place to drop off some items from a recent donation drive. Very neat place with friendly and helpful staff. Thank you for all the wonderful work you guys do!
Paulett VR
Really bad communication and really poor clarity about your case, they will say something and the next few days decide a different things without letting you know in avance. They don’t respect your hours and would not respect your personal circumstances.
Emerance Rugaba
Well they do hard work to support people,for l could not succeed without them or be who l'm right, thank you for every my caseworker and everyone takes time to care about me.
Alice Liu
It was my first time at this place. People were friendly, the representative who helped me was so nice and friendly.
How to reach Catholic Community Services of Utah
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Website: None
Why Catholic Community Services of Utah may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Catholic Community Services of Utah with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Catholic Community Services (CCS) of Utah offers a unique opportunity to come together not just for socializing but to engage in meaningful, community-focused activities. With a solid 4.2-star rating from over 200 reviews, CCS holds a respected place within the Salt Lake City community, known for its compassionate outreach and tangible impact on vulnerable populations. Rallying here goes beyond a typical meetup; it becomes an experience centered on giving back, learning, and connecting with others who share a collective spirit of service and hope. Your group can witness firsthand how your time and presence help empower refugees, assist families experiencing homelessness, and support those striving for self-sufficiency. This shared mission fosters deeper bonds among friends as you collaborate in activities aimed at making a real difference in lives right in your neighborhood. Moreover, CCS welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs, making it a warm and inclusive environment where your group can find purpose and joy in community engagement together.
What kinds of activities can groups do at Catholic Community Services of Utah?
At Catholic Community Services of Utah, groups can engage in a variety of impactful volunteer activities tailored to diverse interests and skills. One popular option is helping at the Weigand Homeless Resource Center, which serves as a daytime shelter providing food, clothing, and case management to those experiencing homelessness. Volunteers assist with meal preparation and serving at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall, an activity that easily accommodates groups looking to work side by side while supporting individuals in need. For those interested in supporting refugee families, volunteering opportunities include helping with refugee job development, tutoring refugee youth, or mentoring young refugees, creating a powerful platform for connection and empowerment. Other group activities involve sorting and organizing donations at the Sharehouse or warehouse, where teamwork ensures refugees and clients receive essentials upon arrival. CCS also encourages groups to participate in transit orientation sessions to help newcomers navigate local transportation systems. Each activity emphasizes collaboration, making it perfect for friends or family wanting to contribute collectively while learning about the challenges faced by Utah’s most vulnerable.
Why is Catholic Community Services of Utah ideal for hosting group meetups?
Catholic Community Services of Utah offers an ideal space for group meetups because it combines meaningful community service with accessibility and structured volunteer options suited for all ages and group sizes. The organization operates in central Salt Lake City with facilities like the Weigand Homeless Resource Center, which caters specifically to clients during daytime hours, allowing groups to fit their volunteering around other plans easily. With diverse programs from refugee resettlement to homelessness support, CCS provides varied and enriching experiences that cater to different interests, ensuring everyone in your group can find a role they feel passionate about. The staff is well-trained and welcoming, offering clear guidance and support for first-time volunteers or groups unfamiliar with community service. This thoughtful coordination reduces barriers, making hosting at CCS not only rewarding but also seamless and well-organized. Additionally, volunteering in a group setting here encourages social interaction and shared purpose, helping deepen friendships and create lasting memories centered around compassion and hope.
How does volunteering together at CCS strengthen relationships and community ties?
Volunteering together at Catholic Community Services of Utah strengthens relationships by fostering empathy, teamwork, and a shared sense of accomplishment. When a group experiences the realities of homelessness, refugee resettlement, or family assistance side by side, it provides a powerful perspective shift and mutual understanding that goes beyond casual socializing. Working collaboratively to prepare meals, organize aid, or mentor refugees encourages communication, problem-solving, and kindness, qualities that enrich any relationship. Furthermore, the shared emotional experience of serving vulnerable populations helps create bonds rooted in values of service and social responsibility. On a larger scale, these group efforts contribute to stronger community ties by visibly supporting vulnerable neighbors and bridging cultural divides. Engaging with CCS’s clients and staff also opens dialogue and educational opportunities about social justice and immigration, turning volunteer time into a catalyst for broader community awareness. This deepened connection not only benefits your friends but also nurtures hope and solidarity within Salt Lake City itself.
What special programs or services can groups participate in at Catholic Community Services?
Catholic Community Services of Utah offers several specialized programs that groups can engage with, enriching the volunteer experience. Among the standout offerings is the Refugee Resettlement Program, where volunteers can assist refugees arriving to Utah by helping them settle, learn local transit, and find employment opportunities. Groups can choose to mentor refugee youth or tutor children, providing vital educational support that aids long-term integration. Another significant program is the Homeless Services program through the Weigand Homeless Resource Center, where volunteers assist with case management, food service, and resource distribution to those experiencing housing insecurity. The Sharehouse program is another unique opportunity, where groups help prepare and furnish homes for refugees and families starting anew. Each program is designed not only to provide practical aid but also to foster dignity, hope, and pathways toward self-sufficiency for clients. Participating in these specialized services as a group strengthens your impact and offers a well-rounded volunteering experience, combining direct service with moments of learning and personal growth.
How accessible and welcoming is Catholic Community Services of Utah for all volunteers?
Catholic Community Services of Utah is known for its accessibility and inclusive approach, ensuring that volunteers from all walks of life feel welcome and valued. The organization's facilities are wheelchair accessible, and they accommodate volunteers with various abilities and backgrounds, making it easy for groups to participate regardless of age or physical condition. CCS embraces diversity and welcomes people of all religious beliefs, races, and personal circumstances, creating a respectful and open environment for everyone involved. Staff provide orientation and training for volunteers, ensuring that even those new to community service can contribute confidently and meaningfully. This commitment to inclusivity extends to language services, with assistance available in English and Spanish, and specialized volunteers aiding refugees who may face language barriers. Such thoughtful attention to volunteer needs fosters a comfortable atmosphere where groups can focus on their mission and enjoy their shared service experience fully.
What impact will a group meetup at Catholic Community Services have on the community?
A group meetup at Catholic Community Services of Utah creates a tangible positive impact on the local community by channeling collective effort toward vital social services. Your group’s time, energy, and skills directly support over thousands of individuals each year who face homelessness, displacement, or immigration challenges. Volunteers help distribute food and clothing, provide legal consultations, assist with housing resources, and mentor youth, activities that collectively enhance clients’ chances of achieving stability and self-sufficiency. The presence of groups also helps amplify awareness about community needs, inspiring further involvement from others and building a broader culture of care in Salt Lake City. Beyond immediate assistance, your group contributes to stronger social bonds and reduces isolation for vulnerable populations, reinforcing the community’s fabric. CCS's longstanding history since 1945 demonstrates the sustained benefits such collective action brings, turning volunteer hours into hope and resilience that reverberates throughout the Wasatch Front.
How can groups best prepare to volunteer at Catholic Community Services?
To maximize the experience of volunteering as a group at Catholic Community Services of Utah, preparation is key. First, reaching out to CCS’s volunteer coordinator ahead of time ensures your group can be matched with suitable activities that match your group size, interests, and schedule. Understanding the organization’s mission and the specific services offered helps your group approach volunteering with the right mindset and expectations. It’s helpful to dress comfortably and wear clothes suitable for physical tasks like sorting donations or meal prep. Groups should be prepared for varying emotional experiences, given the sensitive nature of assisting vulnerable individuals. Coordinators often provide training or orientation sessions, especially for roles involving clients directly, which your group should take advantage of to ensure respectful and effective interaction. Bringing a positive, open attitude and readiness to collaborate will enable your group to get the most out of their time at CCS and foster meaningful connections with both clients and fellow volunteers.
What are some testimonials or community feedback about Catholic Community Services?
Community feedback consistently highlights Catholic Community Services of Utah as a compassionate, effective, and well-organized organization. With an average rating of 4.2 stars from over 200 reviews, clients and volunteers alike praise the agency for its impactful programs and respectful treatment of those in need. Volunteers often share stories of personal growth and fulfillment gained from working with refugees and homeless individuals. Many express admiration for the professionalism and kindness of CCS staff who ensure every client interaction is dignified and supportive. Clients report life-changing assistance, from legal representation that secures immigration status to job placement and housing support that offers new beginnings. The welcoming environment and clear communication create a supportive experience for everyone involved, making CCS not just a service provider but a valued community partner. These testimonials underscore why CCS thrives as a place where groups can rally to do meaningful work and leave a lasting, positive mark on their community.