by Katie Patrick
As a nonprofit organization, it can be tempting to gauge our success solely by quantitative measures—how many diapers are distributed, how much rental assistance given, how many pounds of food provided—especially given the requirements of our funders and grants.
However, at CSS, we strive to balance these metrics with a commitment to quality over quantity, ensuring that each individual we serve receives the attention and care he or she deserves.
A recent moment at CSS reemphasized this philosophy for me. 
Last week, shortly before the Fourth of July, the children of our onsite “Little Blessings” daycare marched throughout the Lincoln office, singing a patriotic song for staff, volunteers, and clients, including our clients experiencing homelessness. The scene was a powerful reminder. The joy on the faces of both the children and our clients, who clapped and cheered in the café section of our front lobby, exemplified the impact of our work. It’s moments like these that define our mission at CSS—to deliver services with compassion and dignity.
As my day continued, I witnessed various instances that reinforced our commitment to individual care. In our chapel, I noticed a client peacefully praying. Meanwhile, our team in the food market prepared pulled-pork sandwiches from a unique donation that we received. We also brought in produce from our garden that morning, to be given to families shopping in our client choice food market later that afternoon. In another meeting room, multiple CSS staff collaborated with a client re-entering society after nearly 20 years of incarceration, addressing his complex needs for housing, employment and immigration, with empathy and practical support.
These encounters highlight the spirit of Catholic Social Services: not the volume of people served, but the meaningful connections and transformations that occur daily within our walls. Each encounter, whether it’s a volunteer stepping up to help with yard work on our property, or a refugee finding new beginnings, embodies our mission to perform the Works of Mercy in response to the call of God.
So, to those who have supported CSS through donations in the past, thank you so much! Your generosity sustains our vital work. For those reading who haven’t yet contributed or are considering another donation, I invite you to reflect on the impact of our mission. Your support enables us to continue fostering these encounters and it is my prayer that you will join us on this journey so that together, we can ensure that CSS remains a source of hope and support for all who walk through our doors. Your partnership makes a difference. Thank you for considering how you can support our mission today and in the future. May God bless you!
