Catholic Family Services of Hamilton closing end of April after 74 years
Social services agency 'dedicated to minimizing disruptions of service to our clients'
Catholic Family Services of Hamilton (CFS) is shutting down on April 30 because of "concerns about the ongoing viability" of the organization.
A notice on the social services agency's website said while the organization is closing, it is also "dedicated to minimizing disruptions of service to our clients."
"We are also working diligently with the various ministries that fund our programs to ensure suitable arrangements can be made with other agencies to provide quality service to our clients after the closure," read the notice.
"CFS will continue to pay employees and vendors in the ordinary course ... we are very proud of the work we have accomplished over the years, and the contribution we have been able to make to the Hamilton community."
CFS has been in the community for 74 years, opening in 1949 as the Catholic Welfare Bureau.
Its website states CFS locations include St. Martin's Manor on Mohawk Road West on Hamilton Mountain and St. Joseph's Villa on Governors Road. CFS rented space in the Villa, but moved out in August, so it isn't impacted, according to St. Joe's.
The social services agency has a range of services, including some for people seeking counselling, violence intervention programs and those living with developmental disabilities.
CBC Hamilton has contacted CFS for more details, but executive director Fivel Flavour declined to do a phone interview.
'I'm really disappointed,' says parent
Ulanda Gough, 30, said she was gutted when she heard CFS was closing.
She has known some staff at the St. Martin's Manor, a residence for young, single and pregnant individuals, for almost half her life.
"When I was 18, I got pregnant and I went there and got my high school [diploma], I've also lived there and I've used their daycare ... my mom went [there]," she said. "This place is very important to me."
Gough said the organization helped her get into college and find a place to live.
She also said she may take her child out of daycare if St. Martin's Manor closes.
"I'm really disappointed ... I can't imagine future moms not having that help."