CCS Suspends Senior Nutrition Programs

Contacts
Elena Dwyre, CEO
elenad@ccs-soaz.org
(520) 670-0802

Tim Kromer, Executive Director of Philanthropy
timothyk@ccs-soaz.org
(520) 260-3032

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES TO SUSPEND SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAMS DUE TO STATE FUNDING CHANGES — COMMUNITY SUPPORT URGENTLY NEEDED

Tucson, AZ – May 29, 2025 – After decades of providing congregate meal services to seniors in Pima County, Catholic Community Services (CCS) must sadly announce the suspension of six congregate meal centers effective June 15, 2025, due to significant state-level funding cuts to senior nutrition programs in Pima County, in addition to COVID-era funding being discontinued. The affected centers in Tucson are the El Pueblo Activity Senior Center, Quincie Douglas Center, Ellie Towne Community Center, and Saguaro Christian Church. Congregate meals at Casa de Esperanza in Green Valley and the Ajo Community Center will also be suspended.

These changes will impact approximately 300 seniors across multiple communities in Pima County who rely on these services for both nutrition and social engagement. In addition, 24 staff members who work at these sites will be impacted. To ensure continued access to nutrition, CCS is working with Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) to transition older adults served at the Ajo site to home-delivered meals, providing consistent support in a remote area where no nearby congregate option exists. In Green Valley, we are hopeful that the current site host can continue offering in-person congregate meals, preserving both nutritional access and critical social connection for older adults in that community.

“Suspending these services is devastating to our senior community,” said Elena Dwyre, CEO of Catholic Community Services. “Our congregate meal centers provide more than just a meal—they serve as vital social hubs. For many of our seniors, this is their only opportunity for face-to-face interaction, which is essential for mental health and combating social isolation.” For many years, these meal centers have relied on stable state funding for meals and staffing. However, recent cuts to senior nutrition programs have made their continued operation unsustainable.

In addition to suspending the congregate meal sites, CCS also announces the suspension of its home-delivered meals program effective June 15, 2025, due to constrained funding levels from PCOA’s senior nutrition contracts. CCS shared that continuing these services without sufficient predictable funding from PCOA is no longer operationally viable. CCS and PCOA are working with other meal providers throughout the county to ensure there is no disruption of service in home delivered meals to seniors.

“PCOA remains committed to ensuring older adults in our community continue to have access to the nutrition and support they need,” said Robert Ojeda, President and CEO of Pima Council on Aging. “We are working closely with Catholic Community Services and other partners to bridge gaps in service and explore long-term solutions. We understand how critical these programs are, and we are doing all we can to minimize disruptions for those who depend on them. Our priority is to ensure that the most essential needs of older adults in Pima County continue to be met with dignity and care.”

"Halting these services was a last resort," said Dwyre. "But we can no longer afford to provide these meals without reliable funding. This pause in service is deeply felt by the community, and we are committed to working with our partners and supporters to seek new pathways forward.”

A Call to Action: Support Our Seniors

Catholic Community Services remains committed to serving vulnerable populations and will explore every possible avenue to help our seniors with community support.

CCS is calling on the community to help bridge the gap. Donations are urgently needed to support vulnerable seniors in our community. Every dollar helps ensure that no senior in our community feels forgotten.

To make a donation or learn more about how you can support this effort, please visit https://www.ccs-soaz.org/donate/form and choose “CCS Senior Services” or contact CCS directly at (520) 670-0854.

All gifts will help CCS continue its mission of Providing Help, Creating Hope, and Serving All.

For more information about Catholic Community Services and its programs, visit https://www.ccs-soaz.org/.

About Catholic Community Services:

Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona has been dedicated to Providing Help, Creating Hope, and Serving All since 1933. Each year, we impact over 100,000 lives throughout southern Arizona, ensuring safety, stability, and lifelong health. Rooted in Matthew 25:35-36, we address today’s challenges and work with a vision for tomorrow, empowering individuals to build resilience and break cycles of hardship. By answering the calls others may not hear, we provide immediate assistance while focusing on long-term prevention, helping people achieve self-sufficiency and stability. Regardless of background, we serve all, embodying the heartbeat of our mission. From our Great Depression roots to modern endeavors like the Medical Respite Center, Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona evolves while staying true to core values.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Tim Kromer
Executive Director of Philanthropy
850-496-0249
timothyk@ccs-soaz.org

Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona
268 W. Adams Street
Tucson, Arizona 85705
www.ccs-soaz.org.