Laura Ruddock

Catholic Social Services of Alberta

For nearly 60 years, Catholic Social Services has been providing help to the most vulnerable members of our community. Today, we work in three priority areas, serving individuals with disabilities, children and families, and newcomers to Canada. In 2018 alone, we served more than 20,000 vulnerable Albertan's through 90 programs, in 11 communities across Central Alberta. A sample of the work we do includes: - Providing counselling and other intervention services for families in crisis; - Facilitating kinship and foster care for vulnerable children; - Supporting adults and youth with disabilities; - Developing and delivering residential care programs for vulnerable individuals, including youth, those with chronic illness, and those challenged by addictions; - Providing shelter for women and children escaping family violence; - Assisting newcomers to Canada with ongoing settlement supports.