First capital campaign establishes new headquarters, expands services, and invests in holistic solutions for urgent community needs
PITTSBURGH, PA — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh today announced the successful conclusion of its $14-million capital campaign, the Campaign for Compassion Corner. This milestone effort has transformed the agency’s ability to serve individuals and families throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Thanks to the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations who recognized the urgent need for expanded, unduplicated services, Catholic Charities has purchased and renovated a new headquarters in Downtown Pittsburgh and launched several new initiatives that directly address today’s most pressing challenges.
With campaign support, Catholic Charities has:
- Established Compassion Corner, a renovated, centralized headquarters that offers a welcoming and accessible space for those seeking help.
- Launched the Gismondi Job Training Program, preparing adults for careers in broadband telecommunications with opportunities for family-sustaining wages.
- Created Early Intervention Mental Health Services to provide support before issues escalate into crises.
- Launched Crisis Case Management, ensuring individuals and families facing homelessness receive coordinated assistance.
- Created an indoor dining facility to invite Red Door Ministry clients in off the street, providing meals in a safe, dignified environment and connecting them to Criris Case
- Management and other supportive services
- Enhanced and expanded the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center, offering accessible free medical and dental services to people who otherwise go without.
“The Campaign for Compassion Corner was built on the recognition that this moment in our region’s history demanded more from us,” said Susan Rauscher, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities. “From mental health to job training, from health care to meals served with dignity, our community needs services that meet people where they are and helps them move forward. This campaign has made that possible and will impact generations to come.”
The campaign’s impact is already visible in lives like Ben. He was intrigued by the idea of participating in the Gismondi Job Training Program but knew without shelter or stability, it would be difficult to commit. He connected with a Catholic Charities case worker who encouraged him to enroll and helped him find safe shelter in the agency’s residence for men without homes. Through agency assistance, he also received urgent dental care and began the process of healing from emotional trauma that had long diminished his self-esteem.
“Catholic Charities helped me through every stage,” Ben said. “They didn’t just give me one piece of help—they walked with me until I was ready to move forward on my own. Now I can see a future working a job I like and having my own apartment.”
The campaign was not only a financial success but also a demonstration of community solidarity.
“This campaign was about more than bricks and mortar—it was about ensuring Catholic Charities can meet the challenges of people today while preparing them for tomorrow,” said Rauscher. “We are deeply grateful to every donor and partner who made this vision a reality.”
As Catholic Charities begins a new chapter at Compassion Corner, the agency remains dedicated to advancing its mission of bringing light, hope, and healing to the most vulnerable across Southwestern Pennsylvania.
For more information about Catholic Charities and its services, visit http://www.ccpgh.org.
