Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Yakima has new leadership.

Mario Villanueva, vice president and director of Catholic Charities Housing Services, and Darlene Darnell, vice president and director of Catholic Family & Child Service, were recently appointed to the local Catholic Charities board of directors.

They will share responsibility for coordinating various social services throughout Central Washington. And, in collaboration with the local Catholic Charities board of trustees, they will help determine the future course of the agency.

Villanueva is the founding director of Catholic Charities Housing Services, which has developed affordable housing in 10 Central Washington communities since its inception in 1998. The organization is currently working on housing in Wapato, Royal City, George, Mabton and Sunnyside. It develops housing for agricultural workers, migrant workers, seniors and first-time homebuyers.

Darnell worked for Catholic Family & Child Service for 25 years. She oversees operations in Richland, Pasco, Wenatchee, Sunnyside, Moses Lake, Ellensburg, Goldendale and Yakima. Services include mental health counseling, child welfare services, childcare services and elder services.

For more information about Catholic Charities, visit www.ccyakima.org.

-- Yakima Herald-Republic