Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc.
Our mission is to provide vital social services to people in need, regardless of their religious, social or economic background, to improve lives of individuals, families and the community. Our vision is to create a more capable and connected social service agency focused on meeting today's community needs and positioned to meet the challenges of tomorrow throughout the Diocese of Orlando.

SERVICES
Women, Children and Family Services

• Case Management
• Mental Health Counseling
  • Licensed therapists
  • Ages 2 to 102
  • Individuals, couples, families and groups
  • Variety of mental health issues and relationship concerns
  • Sliding fee basis
  • Insurance filed
• Family Counseling
• Crisis Pregnancy Counseling
  • Free to the expectant parents and immediate family members who may have difficulty coping with an unplanned pregnancy
  • Confidential, non-judgmental, caring
  • Emotional support is available before and after the baby is born
  • Services are available to all persons regardless of race, religion or gender
  • For more information, contact Leesa Elliot, MS, LMHC, Pregnancy and Adoption Counselor, 863-686-7153 x18 or 888-658-2828.
• Adoption and Foster Care Services
  • Domestic and International home studies
  • Preparation classes
  • Post placement visits
  • Reunion services
• Think Smart Abstinence Education
• Think Smart Character Development
• Life Skill Training
• Referral Services
• Homeless and Self-Sufficiency Transitional Housing
  • Assists women and children at risk of homelessness as a result of domestic violence, eviction and loss of income
  • Counseling
  • Case management to assist with:
    • Job preparation skills/GED
    • Money Management/budgeting
    • Medical referrals
    • Daycare
    • Financial assistance

Emergency Services

• Case Worker
• Emergency Assistance
  • Food and financial assistance for rent/mortgage payments and utility bills
  • An average of 14,000 pounds of food each month and more than $100,000 financial assistance provided each year.
  • Case management to assist with money management/budgeting
• Food Pantry
• Agape Food Bank
  • A food distribution warehouse serving more than 200 not-for-profit agencies within Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties.
  • Agape Food Bank is a partner of the Feeding America network as well as the USDA provider for Polk County.
  • More than 3 million pounds of food are distributed each year to the hungry.
• Disaster Preparation and Recovery

Immigration and Refugee Services

• Refugee Services
• Immigration Services
• Refugee Employment

Senior Services

• Lake Morton Senior Center
  • Helps seniors maintain independence through social, physical, psychosocial activities and educational workshops
  • Social activities: BINGO, cards, sing-alongs, crafts, line dancing and ballroom dancing
  • Computer classes
  • Armchair exercise classes and yoga
  • Fellowship dining
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group
  • Support group for issues on aging
  • Thrift Shop
• St. Joseph's Garden Courts

Healthcare Services

• Lazarus Free Medical Clinic
• St. Thomas Aquinas Medical Clinic

Criminal Justice Services

CONTACT
Brenda C. Reddout, Ph.D
Director, Western Region
Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc.
Phone: 863-683-9775 Fax: 863-683-5515
Address: 1801 E. Memorial Hwy.
Lakeland, FL 33801 Katrina Pelham
Director, Agape Food Bank
Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc.
Phone: 863-665-7074
Address: 625 McCue Road
Lakeland, FL 33815 Jerry Kondolf
Director, Lake Morton Senior Center
Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Inc.
Phone: 863-687-2988 (Reception)
Address: 803 E. Palmetto Street
Lakeland, FL 33801