Catholic Charities Celebrates 80 Years
The numbers alone could tell the story. For 80 years, Catholic Charities’ staff members and volunteers have offered caring, compassionate, professional support to those suffering from emotional and economic hardship across the Diocese of Evansville.
In the early days, Charities literally built families through its adoption services. More than 1,500 children joined loving, welcoming parents in secure homes. Adoptive parents often say “thanks for the grandchildren” as they realize without Charities’ adoption services they wouldn’t be enjoying the antics of a second or third generation of children.
Today, Catholic Charities helps to create families that work. In 2016, more than 185 individuals were able to accept employment after receiving assistance to buy boots and lease cars for work. Additionally, 483 individuals visited with mental health counselors who helped them function better at work and play, stabilize marriages and address longstanding emotional barriers to moving forward. Forty families continued their immigration journeys., and 264 families received financial assistance – enabling most of them to avoid homelessness. Forty-nine couples completed an Engaged Encounter Weekend, and 69 individuals received Sponsor Couple training or enrichment.
Catholic Charities is not just here for the numbers. In fact, the numbers are meaningless without understanding its clients’ and program participants’ journeys. Charities exists to advance hope for all people. Clients routinely say thanks for the hand up; but more importantly, for the hope that stability and security are possible. They thank Catholic Charities for helping them set and achieve goals. What’s the most popular goal of Catholic Charities clients? To be in a position to help another.
On May 4, Catholic Charities is hosting a celebration of its 80 years of service. Dennis Jon Bailey of WIKY radio will emcee. Four clients will tell their stories. Everyone will share a fine meal. Retro Shock is providing music. Registration information is provided elsewhere on this page. Won’t you attend?
