History: Grand Valley Catholic Outreach began as a back door operation more than thirty five years ago as teaching sisters offered bag lunches to persons who were homeless and hungry and knocked at their back door. As needs grew, so did the services. In 1988 the four Catholic Parishes (St. Joseph, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sacred Heart and St. Ann) entered into a collaborative agreement to pool their resources to better meet the needs in the community. Recognizing one's right to food, clothing and shelter, they established Grand Valley Catholic Outreach as their social justice outreach to the community. During the years that followed, more than thirty churches of varying denominations have joined in this effort. Today, the work of this ecumenical agency is supported by numerous individuals, civic groups, churches, businesses and foundations.

Volunteers and Donors: Catholic Outreach provides its services with the help of more than 400 volunteers who provide services through the Soup Kitchen, Outreach headquarters, and the Day Center. They and generous donors make Catholic Outreach possible.