CEO Update: Fall 2025

Dear Friends,

September always brings the hopeful energy of new beginnings. As children return to school, we’re reminded that learning, growth, and renewal are possible at every stage of life — especially for those we serve.

At a recent community event in downtown San Jose, many people shared with me their appreciation for Catholic Charities. One community leader, who previously worked at the agency, shared that she learned the foundations of how to serve the community while there. Another family told me they had been in a difficult place, and that connecting with services at the Educare site in the Santee neighborhood — especially accessing food distribution — made all the difference in helping them move out of poverty.

At the agency, we have begun to move forward with the development of our updated strategic plan, centered on disrupting poverty for each person we come in contact with. It builds on our current Footsteps plan, which launched integrated care, service guidance, and a deeper approach to addressing the many paths that can lead to poverty. Our updated plan will also include our ongoing commitment to our service lines, our technology roadmap, and staff development initiatives. I look forward to gathering more input and sharing the new plan in the coming year. We’re excited to engage so many in this strategic planning process.

In these times of uncertainty and significant change for so many in our community, the consistency and commitment of Catholic Charities to those in need is more important than ever. Grounded in Catholic social teaching, we are called to serve all who need us — and we believe that through our efforts, we are impacting every life for good. We invite you to be part of this mission — by volunteering, advocating, or donating, you help bring hope and opportunity to our neighbors across Santa Clara County.

In community,

Don Taylor, CEO Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County