In 1918, Sister Vincent, Sister Aloysius, and Sister Margaret Mary came to Pensacola to assist Father Hartkoff in ministering to black and Creole families. In 1928, the Bureau of Catholic Charities opened and over the coming decades, the agency expanded across Florida's Panhandle.

Initially, the Bureau of Catholic Charities provided the poor with food, clothing, shelter, and education. Through the years, other services were added, such as counseling, adoption services, disaster relief, and immigration and refugee support.

Today, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida continues to help thousands of families and individuals of any race, religion, or national origin. in the Panhandle.

Written by Taylor Victoria Esco, Student, Pensacola Catholic High School, 2011.

Copyright Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, 2011.