It is the mission of Ladies of Charity to provide programs and services to help 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 the desire to become more divergent and world-minded.

Description:
The first five projects begun in 1941 by Ladies of Charity 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, our records show that 69,450 individuals received aid through Ladies of Charity programs.
Needy individuals and families are referred by social workers from various agencies; no needy person is ever turned away. 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. Every program is possible because of the volunteer efforts of 1,200 members. Women of all faiths are welcome to membership; several parishes have active junior programs for girls ages 11-18.

History:
Ladies of Charity, begun in France in 1617, is one of the he oldest volunteer organizations in existence. In 1941, the women of the eight counties of the Diocese of Buffalo expanded the Women’s Volunteer Bureau of Catholic Charities to form a local unit of Ladies of Charity. Women are invited to pursue volunteer opportunities within their parishes, their communities, and in the larger world community. Opportunities to meet with other members are provided, and several social functions are offered each year. Attendance at these events is optional. Members choose their level of dues beginning at $15 per year.

Contact person: Eileen Nowak, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: 716-895-2144

Address:

1122 Broadway Buffalo, NY 14212 (See a map)

Directions:

The LOC Center is located at 1122 Broadway, in Buffalo, between Bailey and Fillmore, 5 blocks from the Broadway Market. There is limited parking across the street and in a nearby plaza. There is a bus stop directly. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Broadway and Sweet St, 1 minute walk