Voice of Charity

Lourdes, France is one of the holiest sites in the world, welcoming people of all faith traditions who want to see where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette 18 times in 1858. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Wayne Watts, Noreen Russo, Pam Davis, and Jacque Anderson to discuss their experiences together in Lourdes last summer, and the plans for the 2024 trip, as Fr. Wayne continues a 30-year tradition of leading Chicago pilgrims to serve in, and experience Lourdes.

One of Catholic Charities’ Signature Events is coming up on Saturday, April 20: The Art of Caring. It is hosted by Catholic Charities Women’s Board, Lake County Services, a group of dynamic ladies who have been committed to the work of Catholic Charities for more than three decades. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Carolyn Milligan, Patty Charhut, Gina Zisook, and Sondra Adam to preview this special event and discuss the Welcome Home Project, a Women’s Board program that directly helps vulnerable people as they strive for greater self-sufficiency.

Award-winning author and Chicago native Meg Kissinger is going to be the Keynote Speaker at the 2024 LOSS Blossoms of Hope Brunch on April 28. On this special edition of The Voice of Charity, Meg joins Katie Bredemann to discuss that upcoming event, plus her recent book, “While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence,” and her ground-breaking work travelling the United States reporting on America’s mental health system for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Catholic Charities’ Diaper Depot continues to expand in Cook and Lake counties, through a variety of initiatives that affirm young families in need. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Lisa Roti, Tom Powers, Don Rosanova, and Sarah Holmes to discuss recent events they have been a part of, in support of the Diaper Depot, and describe the network of community partners working with Catholic Charities to increase awareness of this problem among vulnerable families, in Illinois and across the nation.

Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services have expanded over the years to offer individuals, couples, and families counseling programs that address a wide variety of mental health concerns. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted 2,400 adults and children as they journeyed toward healing and wellness. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes two longtime Catholic Charities leaders, Pam Davis and Hector Rivera, both Directors in Behavioral Health Services to discuss how Catholic Charities counseling programs continue to meet clients where they are and accompany them toward a brighter future.

Last year, Catholic Charities New Hope Apartments program assisted 900 individuals with case management and rapid rehousing, plus additional support such as employment services, childcare, counseling, substance abuse treatment, and more as they work towards greater self-sufficiency. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Camille Richardson, Director, New Hope Apartments, Chicago and Deloise Crosby, Director, New Hope Apartments, South Suburban Cook to discuss how this program accompanies Chicagoans through difficult times and onto a brighter future.

As Catholic Charities continues to fulfill its mission in 2024, we pause on this edition of The Voice of Charity to look back on key events, and program developments that shaped our work over the past twelve months. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Melissa Lucas, Director of Program Initiatives to discuss how Catholic Charities responded to significant challenges in 2023, always putting the needs of clients at the forefront of all we do in Cook and Lake counties.

Catholic Charities LOSS program offers a safe, non-judgmental environment where survivors of suicide can find community, direction, and resources for healing, wherever they are in the grieving process. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Charles T. Rubey, Catholic Charities Associate Administrator and Founder of LOSS, Deborah Major, LOSS Program Director and Emily Tegenkamp, LOSS Program Coordinator to discuss recent program developments and resources for anyone who may be struggling this winter.

For the 16th consecutive year, the Gibson’s Restaurant Group is generously providing a gourmet luncheon to hundreds of Catholic Charities clients this winter, in support of them and our organization. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Kevin Arnold, Director of Training and Development for the Gibson’s Restaurant Group to preview the 2024 event and discuss how this wonderful New Year’s tradition has evolved through the years.

As 2024 begins, Catholic Charities looks forward to the 23rd Annual D’Vine Affair on Sunday, February 4 at the Union League Club. This delightful afternoon gala offers guests the opportunity to sample wine and craft beers from around the world, while supporting Catholic Charities. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz, Jr. and Rose Marie Lesniak Mendez to preview this year’s D’Vine Affair and discuss how the proceeds of this special event will provide critical assistance to Catholic Charities programs and services this winter.

Last year, Catholic Charities helped 4,500 individuals who were experiencing housing insecurity. Through our 22 Affordable Housing residences for seniors, and an extensive network of referrals, our caring, resourceful staff accompanied each person to find and maintain a stable living situation. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Associate Vice Presidents Angela Bailey and Millicent Ntiamoah to discuss how these programs have evolved in recent months, and how our work is having an impact on nationwide studies regarding poverty and homelessness.

For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago has led a Christmas gift program, spreading Christmas cheer to those who are struggling during the holiday season. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Dody Hickey, Mario Serrano, and Cookie Krupa to discuss how parishes, schools and corporations across Cook and Lake counties have come together again, in inspiring ways to continue the Celebration of Giving and help families in need this Christmas.

Senior Services is one of Catholic Charities largest Impact Areas, serving more than 80,000 older adults in Cook and Lake counties each year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Meisha Lyons, Vice President – Seniors, and Umekia McIntosh, Senior Director – Care Coordination to describe the many ways Catholic Charities continues to help seniors embrace healthy aging and thrive in their homes, safely, comfortably, and with dignity.

Since early 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak started, and devastated thousands of families in Chicago, Catholic Charities has received an increasing number of calls and emails asking for Burial Assistance. Especially during the height of the pandemic, loved ones were passing away at an alarming rate, leaving families unable to plan for funeral costs. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Tracey Blackburn, Senior Program Manager, Charities Hub to discuss how Catholic Charities has been expanding its Burial Assistance program to help Chicago families provide dignified burials that honor and celebrate the life of each deceased family member.

The 20th Annual Catholic Charities Thanksgiving Lunch will be held Thursday, November 23 at 721 North LaSalle Street, from 11am-1pm. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to our supper guests, and remind them that we care about them, on the holidays and throughout the year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Noreen Russo, Associate Director of Special Projects, and Abigail Behrend, a Lead Volunteer at the Catholic Charities Supper Program to provide a preview of this year’s Thanksgiving celebration.

Catholic Charities Christmas Gift Program in Lake County is bringing kind-hearted people together again to provide toys and basic needs to vulnerable children and families this holiday season. This special Christmas project is in full swing in Cook County, as well. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Jim Wogan and Sue Fowler, Co-Chairs of the Lake County program to discuss the wonderful stories that are emerging this year as generous donors and volunteers unite to spread Christmas cheer.

Catholic Charities 34th Annual Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball is fast approaching on Friday, December 1st. This gala is one of the largest, and most glamorous events of the Christmas season in Chicago, raising critical funds for Catholic Charities programs in Cook and Lake counties. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Tom Ricketts, 2023 Ball Chair, who will offer a preview of this gala, and Aida Segura, Director of the House of Peace who will describe how Ball proceeds will help all Catholic Charities clients, including those who have experienced serious trauma, and are now striving for stability, and self-sufficiency in their lives.

For more than 75 years, Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving has supported children and families throughout Cook and Lake counties, providing holiday gifts and basic needs to those who are economically vulnerable. Last year, more than 15,000 individuals received presents from this heartwarming program. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Noreen Russo to share details about how Chicagoans get help spread Christmas joy throughout our region this year.

Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, and his family recently gave a $5 million gift to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The gift is in memory of Sister Joyce Dura, O.S.F., Jim’s late cousin who was a Franciscan nun serving in the greater Chicago area for nearly 50 years. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Steve Campbell, Vice President of Communications and External Affairs for the Indianapolis Colts and Sister Judith Ann, Major Superior for the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis to discuss Sister Joyce Dura’s inspiring legacy, and the impact that this extraordinary gift will have on the work of Catholic Charities in the years to come.

Recently, a Relevant Radio staff member and his wife made a generous donation to Catholic Charities’ Lake County Diaper Depot as they celebrated the arrival of their new baby. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Matthew, the Relevant radio employee, along with Don Rosanova, Lead Volunteer at the Lake County Diaper Depot, and Lisa Roti, Lake County Regional Director to discuss the impact that this recent donation has made on all involved with the Diaper Depot.

Catholic Charities’ House of the Good Shepherd is one of two transitional housing residences offering safety and a fresh start to women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Deborah Hammond, Program Director, Family Violence Services, and Lizette Olvera, Site Director for the House of the Good Shepherd to discuss updates on the House of the Good Shepherd, plus October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the upcoming Glow of Hope brunch.

St. Sabina Parish is a key service site for Catholic Charities. In addition to operating a food pantry and nearby WIC center, St. Sabina parishioners generously work with Catholic Charities staff to ensure that programs and services are available to those who need them. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Fitzgerald Craan, Regional Operations Director at the St. Sabina Campus to discuss recent events that have uplifted the community and provided assistance to vulnerable residents.

Catholic Charities is always thankful for the time and generosity that volunteers offer in support of our mission. When teenagers and their families create and implement an innovative, new program to assist our guests, we are especially impressed, and grateful. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Perry Harig, Nick Bobay, Leo Baumann, Jen Bobay, Laura Trevino and Rose Marie Lesniak Mendez to discuss the impact that the Sandwich Squad has had at Catholic Charities over the past four years.

Catholic Charities’ parish and school partners have come together in recent days in a wonderful Back to School Project. Nearly 1,800 new backpacks were donated, filled with essential school supplies and distributed to students in economically vulnerable families who can now start the new school year with tools they need for academic success. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Christopher Torres, Peggy Johnson, and Julia Burkhardt to discuss this and other ways Catholic Charities continues to expand its outreach in communities across Cook and Lake counties.

Catholic Charities’ headquarters at 721 North LaSalle Street previously was a loving home called St. Vincent’s Orphanage. Due to the dedication of the Daughters of Charity religious order, St. Vincent’s served more than 60,000 women, children and families from 1881-1972, and our Post Adoption Services continues to welcome back all those who spent time there as infants, parents, staff, and volunteers. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Pat Conway and Lisa Francis to discuss the journey many adults embark on to learn more about their heritage, and the upcoming St. Vincent’s Reunion.

The Chicago Youth Service Corps is a year-round program run by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services to provide paid opportunities for youth ages 16-24 to engage in community service, project-based learning, and leadership development. Catholic Charities is an authorized agent, working with a non-profit called Future Ties to enrich the lives of 60 participants in this program. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Johnita Lindsey and Jennifer Maddox to discuss all of the progress made in the Chicago Youth Service Corps since it was started in 2020.

Mr. Samuel Grimes worked for 25 years as a volunteer, then an employee for Catholic Charities. He served as a driver, bringing noontime meals to homebound seniors in the northwest suburbs. Each visit also served as a Wellness Check, and Mr. Grimes was known for caring deeply about the seniors on his route, going above and beyond his responsibilities to brighten their day and extend kindness and assistance to them. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Mr. Samuel Grimes, and Catholic Charities staff members Donna Schultz and Spencer Harstead to celebrate and thank this exceptional volunteer.

Launched from a small storefront in 2002, the Peace Corner Youth Center was envisioned as a safe haven for youth in the Austin neighborhood on the westside of Chicago. Today the Peace Corner is operated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and it has grown into a full-service community center with a computer lab, classrooms and a wide range of activities and recreational sports. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Jonathan McDonald, Kevin Allen and Josiah Allen to discuss how the Peace Corner thrives as a supportive environment in which youth learn the skills they need to be successful in life.

As Catholic Charities expands its programs and services on the local, regional level, each regional office increases in importance as a vital center of client activity, and program operations. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Michael Waters, the Regional Director of Catholic Charities West Suburban Cook region to discuss how his office is working with parishes, schools, and other community groups to support residents who are struggling throughout this large geographic area.

CC Renews is a Catholic Charities Counseling Program that helps people of all ages who have had more than one traumatic experience in their lives. Through counseling and case management, as needed, participants receive assistance from compassionate, experienced professionals to plan for a healthier path forward. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Carla Gutierrez and Daisy Gonzalez to discuss this specialized approach to counseling.

Welcome the Stranger is a Catholic Charities initiative, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Chicago to help the 10,000 asylum seekers who have arrived in our city in recent months through a coordinated, Catholic response that is offered along with initiatives from the City of Chicago and other human service organizations. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Rose Marie Lesniak-Mendez and Griselda Garibay to discuss additional Welcome the Stranger updates and how St. Barnabas Parish is generously embracing this call for charitable assistance.

Catholic Charities Counseling Programs help clients deal with a wide variety of mental health concerns. Through counseling and case management, children and adults receive assistance from compassionate, experienced professionals to identify root causes and plan for a more positive path forward. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Ellen Tannenbaum and Laura Caballero to discuss how our Counseling programs are having a positive impact in many people’s lives across Cook and Lake counties.

Welcome the Stranger is a Catholic Charities initiative, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of Chicago to assist the 10,000 asylum seekers who have arrived in our city in recent months. Parishes in all six Vicariates are coordinating a Catholic response to offer charitable help to the asylum seekers, along with Catholic Charities programs and services as available. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Marilu Gonzalez and Donald Kauffold to discuss Welcome the Stranger developments, including a special story from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Elk Grove Village.

Catholic Charities Encompassing Center was established in 2019 to provide adults and children living on Chicago’s West Side with a healing space for community-based counseling. These residents have significant obstacles to accessing good healthcare, and The Encompassing Center has been a very effective way to address this disparity. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Star Braddock, Outreach Engagement Coordinator to provide a summer update on this vital Behavioral Health program.

Last year, Catholic Charities Homelessness Prevention Call Center received more than 77,000 requests for assistance from people in Cook and Lake counties who were homeless or on the verge of being homeless. Our experience and trusted network of internal and community resources help address immediate needs of clients and offer them a path to greater stability in their lives. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Wendy Avila and Ashley Styx to discuss the Call Center activity this summer.

Catholic Charities offers affordable housing in 19 residences to seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities, providing pleasant, independent living within a safe, caring community. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome five sisters, Robbie Preston, Nina McPherson, Jenelle Hendrix, Mary Bowden, and Dorothy Jackson, with Property Manager Margarita Rios to discuss how the family connections that exist between the sisters enrich their lives at two of these residences: Matthew Manor and Ozanam Village.

Catholic Charities Golf Classic is a favorite tournament for golf fans throughout Chicagoland. Played on two superior courses in Lake County, the Golf Classic offers a fantastic opportunity to gather family, friends and colleagues for golf and an elegant dinner in support of Catholic Charities. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Matt Davis and Meisha Lyons to preview this Signature Event and take a closer look at Catholic Charities Senior Services, one of the Impact Areas that will benefit from the proceeds of this outing.

Catholic Charities Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps low-income, single parents with case management and employment services, for up to five years as they work towards greater stability and improve their quality of life. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Patricia Fuller, Heather Stewart and Ashley Reynolds to discuss the upcoming Annual Achievement Celebration that acknowledges milestones reached by participants over the past year as they continue to strive for their goals.

More than 8,000 men, women and children have arrived in Chicago since last August seeking safety and opportunity in the United States. Our Tuesday Night Suppers have helped Catholic Charities provide a hot meal to the asylum seekers and share information about our other programs and services. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Mary Anzilotti and Noreen Russo to discuss how staff and volunteers at the Tuesday Night Suppers have compassionately responded to the significant increase in the number of people reaching out to Catholic Charities for assistance as the asylum seekers establish new lives in our city.

Catholic Charities Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Food Centers are a welcoming hub of activity for vulnerable families. Last year, more than 51,000 low-income mothers and caregivers visited our WIC Centers, and this was a 90% increase from the previous year. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Michael Heroldt and Shivonnia Dickson to discuss the many ways that WIC Centers strengthen individuals, families and communities in Chicago.

As Memorial Day nears, we remember those who have given their lives in service to our nation. This national holiday also provides us with the opportunity to discuss Catholic Charities’ programs and services for veterans, especially our St. Leo’s Campus for Veterans. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome David Dempsey and Daniel Perkins to discuss the how St. Leo’s continues to offer a unique residential community that affirms and supports veterans, in gratitude for their service.

Transforming Lives is a Catholic Charities program that addresses the serious concerns of expectant mothers who are struggling with substance use while they are pregnant, or after they have delivered their babies. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Carla Gutierrez and Linda Enriquez to discuss how this life-affirming program helps new mothers recover from their dependency and plan for a healthier, safer future, for themselves and for their children.

Spirit Magazine is a dynamic Catholic Charities print publication offering compelling client stories, engaging photography and thoughtful analysis from administrators and staff, three times a year regarding the progress of our work in Cook and Lake counties. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Editor Rose Sweeney to discuss the Spring issue of Spirit and the way it highlights the great things happening at Catholic Charities in 2023.

Catholic Charities Doula Services provide free birth preparation and labor assistance, as well as case management, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income, expectant mothers residing in the City of Chicago. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Velma Walker and Nicole Harper-Spencer to discuss how doulas affirm young mothers and their children, and help connect them to other Catholic Charities resources, as needed during their first weeks as a family.

Catholic Charities provides a wide range of programs and services that support young mothers and their children, such as the Roseland Adolescent Parenting Program (RAPP). In-home visits, group classes and supportive services help expectant mothers with limited resources become confident, capable parents. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Velma Walker to discuss how RAPP helps nurture young families during key, early years of child development.

Caring adults make ALL the difference in the lives of adolescents, especially those who, through no fault of their own, have experienced trauma and great hardship in their lives as children. Catholic Charities Youth Mentoring Programs offer youth living in Lake and Cook counties the chance to spend time with trained, supervised volunteers who genuinely care about them and want to help them stay focused on positive goals for the future. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Sarah Loffman, Fatima Gomez, and Debbie Roberts to discuss the positive impact that Youth Mentoring can have in the lives of young adults.

Catholic Charities LOSS Program has been providing Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide since 1979. Individuals and family members nationwide are offered a safe, non-judgmental environment in which they can find community, direction, and resources for healing. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Deborah Major, Program Director, and Emily Tegenkamp, Program Coordinator for LOSS to discuss LOSS updates, and Fr. Charles Rubey’s 50th Anniversary of dedicated service to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities, Lake County Services is comprised of talented, dynamic ladies who coordinate meaningful projects and events on behalf of our programs and the people we serve. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Nadine Shepard, Natalie Reinkemeyer and Joanie Reynolds to discuss the upcoming Art of Caring Gala, hosted by the Women’s Board and the ways in which this special event will help improve lives and nourish spirits across Cook and Lake counties.

Catholic Charities Senior Congregate Meal Program provides hot, nutritious meals to seniors each week, along with our community partners. Join Katie Bredemann as she Donna Schultz, Director of Nutrition Program Operations to discuss how Catholic Charities’ radical hospitality offers much more than nourishment to seniors who participate in this popular program.

Our three Adult Day Care Centers offer socialization and enjoyable activities to seniors who are frail and cannot be left alone. Seniors are encouraged to make the most of every day while their family members know that their loved ones are receiving kind, professional support in a safe and uplifting environment. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Angela Bailey, Associate Vice-President of Senior Services, and LaDonna Tennent, Lead Site Director for the three Adult Day Care Centers to discuss the importance of these centers to our Senior Services Impact Area.