Mission, Beliefs & Values

Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services of Western Washington are prophetic voices for justice, recognizing the sacredness and dignity of every human person. Rooted in the Gospel message of hope, we will continue to be leaders, advocates, providers and partners serving poor and vulnerable people.

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Mission Statement

Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching and the Gospel imperative, Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services are outreaches of the Catholic Church in Western Washington, under the leadership of the Archbishop of Seattle and the Boards of Trustees.

CCS and CHS answer the Gospel call to loving and compassionate service with particular concern for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death and the dignity of the human person. 

Our employees and volunteers come from many faith traditions to serve and support poor and vulnerable people through the provision of quality, integrated services and housing. 

Our focus is on those individuals, children, families, and communities struggling with poverty and the effects of intolerance and racism. We actively join with others to work for justice.

Core Values

Compassion

 Providing care, understanding and concern for those we serve in order to honor the God-given life and sacredness of each person at every stage and condition of life.

Diversity

Welcoming the differences of race, culture, faith, and thought with a strong commitment to naming and combating institutional racism and discrimination.

Excellence

Providing high quality, professionally competent services with integrity, using best practices.

Justice

Defending and advocating for the rights of poor and vulnerable people while working toward the common good.

Stewardship

Prudently developing and using the gifts and talents of employees and volunteers and the financial resources needed to live out our mission.

Accountability

Openly and actively maintaining sound fiscal, business, safety, and treatment practices, and complying with all legal, contractual and agency policies and regulations.

Safety

Taking into account the personal safety of clients, residents, staff, and volunteers, in all we do and in each and every service environment.

Equal Access

Catholic Community Services provides equal access to services to individuals without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, families with children, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, veteran or military status, or the presence of a physical, sensory, or medical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a disabled person.

We Believe

 

…in every child growing up in a safe, loving and nurturing environment.

…in elders living in security and dignity.

…in healthy family life being affirmed and supported in our communities.

…in every person having the right to a safe, affordable place to call home.

…in compassion, love and respect for all people, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.

…in joining with others to change the systems which oppress, discriminate or otherwise cause human suffering.

…in employees and volunteers working in an environment which offers respect, teamwork and excellence.

…in all these things for all people, whatever their color, whatever language they speak or however they worship.

Code of Ethics

Catholic Community Services (CCS) and Catholic Housing Services (CHS) are an integral part of the mission of the Catholic Church, called to faithfully live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world. Employees of CCS/CHS will adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct when engaged in responsibilities or situations in which they represent the agency.

Ethical conduct requires employees to behave with honesty, integrity, sound judgment, competence and due care, confidentiality and professionalism. In all policies, procedures and practices, CCS/CHS employees will be faithful to Gospel values, Catholic Social Teaching, and the CCS/CHS Core Values which include acting with compassion, welcoming diversity, providing excellent service, working for justice, practicing stewardship of resources, and being accountable.

Employees will uphold the ethical standards of the agency as communicated by policies, laws, training, and the guidance and direction of programs and supervisors. Finally, CCS/CHS will function faithfully within the mission and structures of the Catholic Church as articulated and established by the Most Rev. Paul D. Etienne, Archbishop of Seattle.