Catholic Charities Community Maternity Services celebrates 50 years of service

This year, Catholic Charities Community Maternity Services celebrates 50 years of service to children and families throughout the Albany Diocese.

Community Maternity Services was founded in 1971 by then-Executive Director Sister Maureen Joyce as the “Maternity Center”, a residential program serving pregnant teens in our diocese. Under Sister Maureen’s leadership, the agency grew its programs and services to meet the changing needs of the community. Over the years, Community Maternity Services – informally known as “CMS” – has provided foster care, adoption services, residential care, and outreach to young women and their children.

Today, CMS offers a wide array of services to mothers and mothers-to-be. Through its rural outreach services, caseworkers help young families access prenatal and pediatric medical care, childcare, benefits and community supports. Services include counseling and parent education classes.

The Farano Center, named for the late Father Michael Farano, serves children with mental health, behavioral or emotional needs who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These children have all experienced trauma in their short lives and the Farano Center offers a warm and welcoming environment where they can feel safe and cared for.

At the Heery Center for Young Families, adolescent mothers and their children receive residential and transitional services. Our staff work with the girls to get them on their feet and fully independent.

Since its inception, CMS has focused on respecting life by providing quality care, support and outreach for the children and families they serve. With the support of many generous friends, a caring and dedicated staff and a strong commitment to Mission, countless vulnerable youth have been helped throughout the years and the agency’s impact has been profound.

Catholic Charities is proud to offer a wide array of services, including family therapy, parent education, case management and even community education to young families across our Diocese. To learn more about the work of Catholic Charities Community Maternity Services, including available programs and supports, visit us online today.