Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, Inc.

10/12/2026

The clock is ticking! We are officially just DAYS away from Tucson’s most epic culinary battle.

Our mouths are watering just looking at the delicious items on the menu! Our elite senior living chefs are bringing unmatched flavor, creativity, and skill to the plate for this year's Silver Chef competition. Your tastebuds are absolutely not ready for this.

But this isn't just the most delicious night of the season—it's a mission. Every bite, ticket, and auction bid directly funds safe, dignified care for vulnerable, low-income elders through St. Luke's in the Desert.

Tickets are selling out fast and time is running out. Lock in your seat at the table right now before sales close! https://stlukeshometucson.org/silver-chef-tickets/

10/10/2026

On World Mental Health Day, we are reminded that healing grows in spaces of safety, understanding, and care.

Rooted in the belief that every person is made in God’s image and possesses inherent dignity, Catholic Community Services is committed to walking alongside our neighbors who carry the heavy weight of anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. You are never alone, and asking for support is a sign of strength, not a lack of faith.

Whether through professional counseling, community outreach, or simply offering a listening ear, we are here to help foster hope where it is needed most.

“Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life.” — Matthew 11:28

If you or someone you know is in need of support today, reach out to our team or connect with local mental health resources.

10/09/2026

The heat is on! We are thrilled to introduce the 4th competing chef in this year's lineup for the St. Luke's in the Desert Silver Chef event—Chef Jake Barba!

A Tucson native with over 15 years of culinary experience, Chef Barba's cooking is deeply shaped by his Greek and Italian roots. Inspired by the bold, vibrant flavors of Sonoran cuisine, he masterfully blends tradition with modern technique. Every dish he creates honors his rich heritage while celebrating the unique spirit of the Southwest, reflecting a deep respect for ingredients, culture, and community.

When he’s not turning fresh ingredients into culinary art in the kitchen, Jake loves spending quality time with his family—the true foundation and inspiration behind his lifelong passion for food.

Get your tickets today and support a great tradition of community care! https://stlukeshometucson.org/silver-chef-tickets/

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

Meet Chef Nathan Reed, one of the incredible culinary talents competing in this year’s St. Luke's in the Desert Silver Chef competition!

Currently showcasing his talents at Splendido, Chef Nathan brings over a decade of professional kitchen experience to Tucson. His cooking is deeply rooted in classical French technique but beautifully inspired by the bold, vibrant flavors of the American Southwest. Every plate he creates reflects strict discipline, genuine hospitality, and a deep commitment to thoughtful, ingredient-driven dishes.

Come see how Chef Nathan blends French elegance with desert heat—all for an amazing cause!

Get your tickets today and support a great tradition of community care! https://stlukeshometucson.org/silver-chef-tickets/

10/07/2026

Meet the charities behind Yuma’s very first Giving Machine!

This holiday season, you have an exciting opportunity to give back right here in our Yuma community at Yuma Palms Mall!

From November 17–30, you can visit the Giving Machine and choose items that are needed by individuals and families in our community. Your gift can support:

Amberly's Place
Safe House Yuma
United Way of Yuma County
Yuma Community Food Bank

And here’s what makes the Giving Machine so special: 100% of your donation goes directly to the charity you choose.

You can also choose to support a global charity, with 100% of your donation going toward the organization and cause you select.

Come give. Come serve. Come .

Yuma Palms Mall, near Harkins Theatre
November 17–30

Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us make Yuma’s first Giving Machine a celebration of generosity and love!

10/07/2026

Chef Crystal Vargas is officially competing in this year’s St. Luke's in the Desert Silver Chef competition, proudly representing the talented culinary team at Via Elegante Assisted Living & Memory Care! As a dedicated chef and passionate pâtissier, Crystal brings creativity, precision, and immense heart to every dish. Her culinary journey is rooted in a lifelong love of food, which she channeled into rigorous training at Cochise College Culinary Arts, graduating on the Dean’s List and earning induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for academic excellence. For Crystal, cooking is far more than a profession—it is an artistry, a discipline, and a beautiful way to connect with people, tell stories, and create memorable experiences. Outside the kitchen, she is a proud mother of four and has spent 16 wonderful years with her incredible husband, whose unwavering love and support fuel her journey. Shaped by resilience, determination, and an endless desire to learn, she believes in the power of food to bring people together. "Each plate I prepare is an opportunity to share a piece of who I am—a chef, a pâtissier, a mother, and a woman who believes in creating unforgettable moments."

Get your tickets at https://stlukeshometucson.org/silver-chef-tickets/

10/06/2026

We are thrilled to introduce Chef Michael Lopez, representing St. Luke’s in the Desert in this year's Silver Chef competition!

With a diverse 35-year career in food and beverage operations, Michael brings an incredible wealth of experience and passion to our community. A Marine Corps veteran, Michael is a dual graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and Arizona State University. He rose through the ranks with premier hospitality and management leaders like Hilton, Marriott, and Aramark, serving as an Executive Chef, Food & Beverage Director, and regional leader. His extensive background spans resorts, healthcare, senior living, and non-profits.

Michael is deeply passionate about creating exceptional dining experiences and building personal connections with senior living members and their families.

When he isn’t in the kitchen, Michael is a pillar of the Southern Arizona community. He serves as an industry advisor and guest instructor for Pima County JTED, and he oversees 13 leagues as the Director of Baseball for District 5 Little League. He is also an avid reader, a huge sports fan, and loves spending time with his wife of 13 years, their four children, and two grandchildren.

Cheer on Chef Michael live! Get your tickets now to secure your spot at the Silver Chef competition today at: https://stlukeshometucson.org/silver-chef-tickets/

10/06/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Peter DeMangus to our Board!

With 30+ years of leadership in senior living, hospitality, and operations—including founding Eudoxia Companies and serving in executive roles at Solterra Companies—Peter brings a wealth of strategic growth and community-focused experience.

A proud alumnus of the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona, Peter also has a deep background in civic leadership and community service.

Please join us in welcoming Peter to the team!

10/05/2026

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is "Celebrating Value and Talent."

At Catholic Community Services, we believe that work brings dignity, purpose, and vital connection. Inclusive workplaces are stronger, kinder, and more innovative.
This month, we celebrate the skills, leadership, and daily contributions of workers with disabilities. We also recommit to breaking down barriers and expanding access to meaningful, integrated employment in our communities.