Giving Back – NVCSS
Q&A WITH Lee Karp, Northern Valley Catholic Social Service…
What is Northern Valley Catholic Social Service all about? Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS) is a community-focused nonprofit dedicated to inspiring hope and transforming lives across the North State. We support children, families and individuals through programs that promote stability, healing and long-term wellbeing. From housing and mental health services to food security, immigration support09 and family strengthening programs, our mission is to walk alongside those facing hardship and help them build a brighter future.
How long has NVCSS been serving our North State communities? We have been supporting the North State for nearly four decades, and we are proudly celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2026.
What areas does your organization reach? We serve communities across six Northern California counties: Shasta, Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Trinity, and Siskiyou. Our programs are intentionally designed to meet the unique needs of both rural and urban communities throughout the region.
What are some of the main programs or services you offer? NVCSS provides more than 60 programs, but some of our core areas include housing and homelessness services, mental health and wellness, child and family support, immigration legal services, food security and nutrition education, and disaster services.
Roughly how many people are you able to help each year? Each year, NVCSS serves more than 84,500 individuals across the North State, including children, teens, adults and seniors who turn to us for support, stability, and hope.
What are your biggest goals for the year ahead? Looking forward, NVCSS is focused on bold, meaningful goals that strengthen the fabric of our North State communities. As we approach our 40th anniversary in 2026, we are honored to reflect on four decades of service and celebrate this milestone in the communities we serve. Our work continues with expanding affordable housing and deepening the support systems that help individuals and families stabilize after homelessness or disaster. We plan to grow our mental health and wellness services, with a special focus on youth and families needing accessible, compassionate care. We are also investing in better data and storytelling, because our donors and community deserve to see the impact their generosity creates. Strengthening volunteer engagement remains a key priority, from CASA advocates to parish and community partners who walk beside us in this mission. And through strategic fundraising and our Community Impact Maker initiative, we are building long-term sustainability so we can continue inspiring hope and transforming lives for decades to come.
How can community members get involved and be part of your mission? There are so many ways to be part of the NVCSS mission. Volunteer as a CASA advocate, support events, or lend a hand in one of our programs. Make a donation and help a family move toward stability. Sponsor an event or program and create impact right in your own community. Attend our events like the Magic of Christmas or Gear Up and Go and join the momentum. Share our story and help others discover the services and hope we provide.
Stay connected by following us on social media and visiting NVCSS.org. Every action moves our mission forward, and together we can transform lives across the North State.
NVCSS.org
