Set up in 1959, Catholic Welfare Services Singapore (CWS) started with providing food relief to the poor. Today, CWS has grown to be the Action Arm of the Catholic Church of Singapore, initiating, assisting, co-ordinating and carrying out social services to alleviate poverty and distress among the people of Singapore, regardless of race or creed.

CWS is founded on the Spirit of the Good Shepherd - leading people to love and fulfilment and the Spirit of the Good Samaritan - helping those who have fallen along the way.

The CWS was officially registered as a Society in 1961 (Ref: Registrar of Societies 87/59), and as a Charity on 29 June 1985 under the Charities Act of 1982 (Ref. Registration No. 0198). It became a Member of the National Council of Social Services Central Fund (General Fund) w.e.f. 1 January 1997 (Ref: 97-007).