Welcome from the Executive Director

It is with great pride that I welcome you to the website of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria.  On behalf of everyone connected to us, we are pleased to be able to tell you who we are and what we do.  Our mission statement says it all: “Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria, inspired by Christ, respects and defends the dignity of each person; empowers individuals, families and communities; advocates for a just and compassionate society; and encourages all people to join us in fulfilling our mission.”

Rooted in the gospel, for over 100 years we have dedicated ourselves to provide an array of human services for families and individuals in all life’s stages from the unborn to the elderly.  Every year, the helping hands of our 450 staff and over 1,700 volunteers serve more than 30,000 of the vulnerable, the hurting and the lonely.  Our programs cover 26 counties in central Illinois and are open to anyone in need, regardless of faith, income, age, or ethnicity.

The best way we can share our story is to show you how we have provided help to create hope.  Here are just a few examples:

Our helping hands have a way of protecting and nurturing children, as we did for young Charlie, who came into foster care as a one year old. When his parents’ rights were terminated, we placed Charlie with a foster family who eventually adopted him into their loving home. 

We have joined many hands to help strengthen families, like we did for Leroy and Delores who took part in our Caring Companions Senior Service program, which helps seniors to remain living independent in their home. Our Volunteers offer companionship to seniors and allow the primary caregiver the opportunity to have time to run errands or take much needed breaks - without the anxiety of leaving their loved one in an unfamiliar place.

Our helping hands are there for those who are in crisis, like the Jim and Jen, whose teenage daughter continued to runaway until one of our trained counselors intervened and helped to get the young woman back on track keeping her out of the juvenile justice system.

These are just a few examples of the many ways we have offered help to those in need, and in doing so, individuals, families and communities have been able to resolve problems and reach their full potential with renewed hope    Please take a moment to browse through our site.  You will find information about services that you, or someone you know, may need, as well as many opportunities to join us in our work.

We are grateful for your interest and support.  Thank you for visiting our site!
Many Blessings,


Peggy Arizzi
Executive Director
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Peoria