Catherine's Family and Youth Services

Catherine’s Family and Youth Services (CFYS) is a non-profit organization that was established in the memory of the late, Catherine Matthews, grandmother to founders Shannon Morgan and Valarie Matthews.

The birth of CFYS from frequently thrifting at local clothing shops every Saturday and watching the countless donations, as well as selfless gestures their grandmother made. Catherine, affectionately known as “Ma-Ma,” prided herself on helping families and people with little to no income.

Catherine retired from working for the City of Baltimore in Community Outreach Services and Weatherization. She proceeded to work at the Young Women Christian Alliance (YWCA) shelter for women and children. Her years working in human services mirrored in her personal life. She showed this appreciation each and every Sunday by cooking a huge dinner. Family and friends would frequently visit her and knew they had a place to come when others refused to help. Her personality was magnetic and she was a gem. She hated to see someone doing wrong and she did everything in her power to turn their lives in the right direction.
 

CFYS programs are all based on areas that were near and dear to Catherine’s heart and tailored to help those living in Northwest Baltimore City, where Catherine spent the better half of her life. Catherine’s door was always open and CFYS vows to not turn anyone away from services or referral to resources that can aid in improving their quality of life. Regardless of her income or money woes, Catherine always looked the part and CFYS plans to incorporate this same attitude in its community, “We must make the best of life, regardless of our circumstances”. 
 

Catherine believed that no person shall go without food, clean clothing or the tools to live a better life and CFYS will continue this legacy.