History

In 1941, the women of the eight counties of the Diocese of Buffalo expanded the Women’s Volunteer Bureau of Catholic Charities by forming a local unit of Ladies of Charity patterned after the exiting groups in Saint Louis, Missouri, and several other cities across the United States. The intent was to coordinate efforts, increase communication, pool resources, and better serve the poor. Two thousand women were enrolled at the initial ceremony at Saint Joseph Cathedral; in 1962 enrollment peaked at 16,000. Members were encouraged to work not only within their parishes, but on projects on the Diocesan level, as well.

The first five original projects begun in 1941 have been expanded to include over twenty current undertakings. Some of the original programs remain; many others have been added or altered to keep pace with changing times. In the period between 1/1/06–12/31/06, records documented 69,450 individuals assisted through Ladies of Charity programs. Needy individuals and families are referred by social workers from various agencies in the Diocese, and no needy person is ever turned away.

It is the vision of Diocese of Buffalo LOC to provide programs and services to the needy at every life-stage. Nestled between the Layette Program for newborns, and Holiday Bags for Shut-ins at the end stages of life, are the Back-to-School Packs, Communion Vouchers, Christmas Gifts, and Language Enrichment Programs for children, Scholarship Incentives for teens, and Fresh Start Packages for families and individuals forced to set up housekeeping again. A newer program, Twinning in Nicaragua, represents progress toward becoming more divergent and world-minded. Revenue for all projects is generated through dues, direct contributions, bequests, fund raisers, and Lots of Clothes, the retail store in the inner city of Buffalo.

One of the biggest challenges facing Buffalo LOC is to boost membership which has dropped to under 1,400, at present. There is a need to expand Junior Units, and to promote racial diversity and understanding within the membership. In addition, there is an urgent need to become more effective advocates for social change in our communities, our nation, and in the world.

Past Presidents