By Gretchen Keiser

The director of social services for the archdiocese of Atlanta, Steve L. Brazen, is leaving his position December 15 to become the president of the DeKalb Community Council on Aging.

Brazen, 43, has worked at Catholic Social Services since 1978 and as its director for the past five years. As Secretary for Social Concerns, he also has overall responsibility for the Village of St. Joseph, a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed youth, Catholic Personal Care Homes, Inc. (CPCH), and Catholic Housing Initiatives (CHI).

The archdiocese has three personal care homes for the elderly in Atlanta, East Point and Riverdale under CPCH. Two were build and opened during his tenure. CHI is currently launching its first effort, a proposed residence for low- and moderate-income elderly located in Forsyth County that is being financed partially through the sale of tax credits for investors.

DeKalb Community Council on Aging is a private, non-profit organization that provides services to the elderly in DeKalb County, including Meals on Wheels, services in the home, and a group of senior service centers. Brazen said most of the services are provided to the elderly poor and funding comes from the federal and state government, United Way and private donations, as well as fees.

Brazen joined Catholic Social Services in 1978 as program assistant to Father Jacob Bollmer, the director. The agency has grown from a budget of about $600,000 in 1978 to approximately $3.2 million in 1992, and about 80 percent comes from fees paid by those served, states and federal contracts, the United Way and grants. Approximately 20 percent of CSS funding comes from the archdiocese. In addition, the Village of St. Joseph, CPCH and CHI have separate budgets.

"We're really sorry to see him go," Monsignor Edward Dillon said. "He has done a really fine job over the years he has been with the agency. We owe him a great deal for all the work he has done."

The vicar general said it was likely that a search would be done on a national basis to seek a successor. "I am discussing it with the archbishop and with Steve also because he has some specific recommendations" on how to approach the process, Monsignor Dillon said.

Brazen became interim director in 1987 and was appointed director in June 1988 by Archbishop Eugene A. Marino, SSJ.

He said that the basic structure of the agency was in place when he assumed responsibility for it, but some additions include In Home Services for the elderly, which was added to the CSS unit working with the elderly, and Hispanic outreach offices in Gainesville and Cobb County, added to the CSS unity working with Hispanics. The Rural Social Services office in Forsyth County has also expanded. Other elements of CSS include units working with women in crisis pregnancy and adoption, with refugees, with legalization of immigrants, and in counseling of families and individuals.

"I take pride in the management structures we've put in place," Brazen said. "I've had the opportunity to hire some very well-qualified staff who run programs effectively."

Some 80 to 90 people, including counselors who work on a contract basis, are under CSS. The directors and staff of the Village and of the personal care homes are in addition to this. Both CSS and the Village have boards of trustees.

Monsignor Dillon said among the recommendations Brazen made was that the position of Secretary for Social Concerns and director of CSS be divided into two posts.