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 Highlights
of Agency History
Prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Allentown, the social services for this part of the Archdiocese were conducted from the Philadelphia Catholic Children's Bureau (now Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia). 1941--A Catholic Children's Bureau office was established in Shenandoah, Schuylkill County under the auspice of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to serve three Counties. 1953-Sacred Heart Home for Children, an Expectant Mothers Program and Adoption Program began in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. A Cenacle for Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity was established in Reading with sisters providing social services. 1954-Mercy Special Learning Center was founded in Allentown. 1955-St. Joseph Center for Special Learning was founded in Pottsville. 1961-The Diocese of Allentown was established and Catholic Social Agency was incorporated. 1975-After the fall of Saigon, a reception and placement program was established for Vietnamese refugees. 1982-John Paul II Center for Special Learning was founded in Reading. The Ecumenical Kitchen opened in Allentown. 1985 Slate Belt Pregnancy Crisis Center was founded. 1988 -The Board of Directors was established with Msgr. Joseph E. Kurtz (now Archbishop of Louisville, KY) as first President. 1994 -Catholic Social Agency became an affiliate of the Statewide Adoption Network. 1998-With the appointment of Bishop Edward P. Cullen as the third Bishop of Allentown, a secretariat structure was established in the Diocese of Allentown. 1999-Msgr. Walter T. Scheaffer was appointed President of the Board of Directors. 2000-The Aquinas Program for Children with Learning Disabilities was founded. The Parish Outreach Program was created. 2003-Holy Family Adult Day
Care was transferred from Holy Family Manor to Catholic Social Agency. 2004--Services
for Older Adults was developed. 2005-Hope VI Housing Program started in
Allentown. Accreditation received through the Council on Accreditation for Children
and Family Services. Catholic Social Agency became Catholic Charities, Diocese
of Allentown. 2006-Special Learning Centers were transferred to the Secretariat
for Catholic Education; Ministry for Persons with Disabilities was transferred
to the Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization. 2008
- First Annual Catholic Charities Gala honors Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen,
D.D. upon his 10th Anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown.  Post Office Box F • Allentown, PA • 18105-1538 Copyright
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