Voice of Charity

The Voice of Charity begins a three-part series celebrating MOTHERHOOD with a special show recognizing Catholic Charities Arts of Living Program. As one of the longest-running programs at the agency, the Arts of Living uses HOME VISITS to help expectant mothers, and mothers of children 0-3 by providing education, guidance and support with basic needs as they work toward greater stability in their lives. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Arts of Living Program Director Constance Upton, and Program Supervisor Danyelle Sloss to discuss the short, and long-term benefits of HOME VISITS during these formative years for all of the participants in this program.

In recent weeks, Catholic Charities has been working with numerous civic and health partners to host ten vaccination events in Chicago and its suburbs, with additional events planned soon. These events often have been in communities that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Catholic Charities Southwest Regional Director Marilu Gonzalez to discuss the positive impact that these vaccination events have had, and teamwork that has made them possible.

Catholic Charities is working with Governors State University to broadcast an important virtual conversation on April 9 regarding the prevalence of human trafficking in the Chicago area. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Nancy Mott, a Catholic Charities volunteer, dedicated parishioner, and Certified Illinois Domestic Violence Professional to discuss how religious and secular groups across Chicagoland are helping victims and joining together to stop the spread of these crimes of exploitation.

Catholic Charities Junior Board is comprised of caring young professionals who give of their time, talent and treasure to further the mission of the agency. The Junior Board has stayed very active during the pandemic, working in warehouse food distribution, tutoring, and organizing groundbreaking virtual gatherings, such as the Racial Equity Book Club. Join Brigid Murphy as she welcomes Noreen Russo and Gracie Covarrubias to discuss recent Junior Board initiatives and plans for the rest of this year.

Across the nation, mental health experts have seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking relief from COVID-related concerns such as anxiety, depression, and grief. The Encompassing Center is Chicago is making a positive impact in many people’s lives, offering mental health, substance use programs, and assistance with basic needs to residents of Chicago’s Near West Wise. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Jennifer Smith, Program Director to discuss how The Encompassing Center is all about wellness, and treating guests with respect and dignity.

Catholic Charities was recently awarded a grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services to be one of eight service providers implementing the new Service Coordination and Navigation (SCaN) program to reduce violence in Chicago. Catholic Charities work will be in the Austin community where our Tolton Peace Center opened in 2018. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Associate Vice-President Laura Kuever to discuss how SCaN recognizes the importance of a caring adult in a youth’s life, and is structured accordingly, to help lead youth toward safer, successful lives.

In recent weeks, Catholic Charities of Lake County has welcomed two new leaders to its executive team, and the new Schreiber Center for Human Services has increased its programming. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Thomas Powers, new Chairman of the Lake County Board of Advisors, and Kristen Flanagan, Lake County Regional Project Manager to discuss how Catholic Charities in Lake County continues to innovate and work with community partners to address urgent needs of vulnerable residents.

Amate House and the Jesuit Volunteer MAGIS program at Loyola University offer caring young adults the opportunity to gain valuable leadership and service experience while they live in Chicago with other program participants. Catholic Charities is one of the not-for-profit agencies where these young adults volunteer, to learn more about social work and fulfill their program requirements. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Lauren Jhin and Katie Athis to discuss the many ways their program experiences have expanded their knowledge, of themselves, and of the world.

Catholic Charities recently welcomed a new leader to its Executive Team, Ami Novoryta who has begun her tenure as Chief Program Officer. In this role, Ami leads all program services development, design and delivery, to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of clients we serve each year are met with professionalism, respect and compassion. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Ami Novoryta to The Voice of Charity.

A new award-winning documentary has been released sharing the life-affirming work done every day at The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI) to help the homeless. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome filmmaker Lucia Mauro and Jacqueline Hayes, founder of CHI to discuss “I Have A Name,” and the constellation of people and organizations working to eradicate poverty and homelessness.

Casa Catalina is a vibrant, life-saving Food Pantry in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. Clients can receive a wide range of assistance, because of the dedication and resourcefulness of the staff and volunteers. Sister Joellen Tumas has recently retired after fifteen years of service to Catholic Charities, the past ten of which have been as Director at Casa Catalina. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Sister Joellen to celebrate her remarkable contributions to the agency, and the beautiful spirit of charity that defines Casa Catalina.

A disproportionate number of Black and Latinx residents in Lake County have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The African American Community Partnership Group (AACPG) is a grassroots organization that has been using innovative ways to help residents get the information and resources they need to help stop the spread of the virus. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Gale Graves and Demetrius Willis to discuss how community partners, like the AACPG and Catholic Charities are working together to reach all residents and eradicate this disparity.

Bank of America has been one of Catholic Charities most steadfast corporate supporters for many years. From financial support to employee volunteerism, Bank of America shares our commitment to improving the lives of families and communities, particularly through support for our Family Stabilization Services, Child Development and Domestic Violence programs. Join Marie Jochum and Phil Buta as they welcome Edward J. Brennan to discuss the many ways that Bank of America has worked with Catholic Charities to help fulfill the mission of the agency.

Catholic Charities Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) works with individuals to improve their work skills through short-term training and work assignments. By showing clients how they can earn credentials and gain professional experience, SNAP helps participants reach greater economic self-sufficiency. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Kendrea Atkins and Tina Goodwin to discuss how the SNAP program creates new career possibilities for Catholic Charities clients.

For the past thirteen years, the iconic Gibsons steakhouse has opened its doors in the New Year to serve Catholic Charities clients a festive and delicious restaurant meal free of charge. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Gibsons is continuing this extraordinary tradition by delivering meals this weekend to seniors and veterans living in Catholic Charities apartment buildings. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Kevin Arnold from Gibsons to discuss how this incredibly generous event has evolved over the years.

Catholic Charities Senior Services offers a broad array of programs to help seniors stay in their homes, whenever possible, and lead safe, independent lives. We collaborate with many other agencies to help seniors socialize and get the assistance they need. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on this special year-end edition of The Voice of Charity, as they welcome Angela Bailey and Robert Boyd to discuss how staff members have found new and creative ways to serve our senior clients in this very challenging year.

Reverend Edward Harnett is a highly-acclaimed biblical scholar, in addition to being a dedicated priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Fr. Harnett has travelled to the Holy Land over a dozen times, taking hundreds of pilgrims to the places where Jesus lived and died. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on this special Christmas edition of The Voice of Charity, as they welcome Fr. Harnett to discuss the sites in Bethlehem surrounding the Nativity, and learn more about the traditions of each holy place that have been passed on for more than 2000 years.

Catholic Charities volunteers are compassionate, dedicated, selfless people. It is quite moving when we see a group of volunteers who are committed as we are to the mission of Catholic Charities. It is even more inspiring when a team of volunteers comes from the same family. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy on this special Christmas edition of The Voice of Charity, as they welcome Judy, David, John, Matthew, Tim and Sarah Kendzior, to thank them for their many volunteer contributions, and discuss the positive impact that volunteering has had in their family.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines draws over one million visitors from all over the United States each year, with astonishing crowds especially on the OLG feast day, December 12th. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Fr. Esequiel Sanchez, Rector of the shrine, to discuss online plans for the 2020 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the ways the shrine has adapted throughout this year to respond to the needs of the Hispanic community and all those who revere Our Lady of Guadalupe.

For over thirty years, in December, Catholic Charities has hosted The Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball, an elegant gathering in downtown Chicago to raise crucial funds for our programs that benefit children and families. This year, the ball will be a very special, virtual event on December 4th. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Annie Scully Tumpis and Laura Kuever to preview this fabulous online party, and discuss how Catholic Charities Child, Youth and Family Services have developed new and innovative ways to continue to assist clients throughout 2020.

Catholic Charities 73rd Annual Celebration Of Giving unites people from all over Chicagoland in spreading Christmas cheer, providing 25,000 gifts to our neighbors in need who would otherwise have nothing to open Christmas Day. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Andrew McKernin and Allison Loecke to share how the program is going this year, and how listeners can join in this outpouring of kindness that is filled with the Spirit of Christmas!

Catholic Charities clients in the Refugee Settlement and LOOM programs are some of the most resilient, talented people we know. They have fled very difficult circumstances in their homelands and are now starting over in Chicago. This year has been especially challenging for them. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Elma Kulovic and Rebecca Hamlin Green to discuss how Catholic Charities Refugee Settlement and LOOM programs have adapted during COVID-19 to continue to offer support to immigrant families who are working hard toward stability, safety and a brighter future for their families.

Corporate partners of Catholic Charities provide vital assistance to our work. They offer wise counsel, encourage their employees to volunteer with us and give invaluable financial support that maintains our life-affirming programs and services. Join Brigid Murphy and Philip Buta as they welcome Mike O’Grady, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Northern Trust to discuss the many ways that Mike, his family and Northern Trust generously collaborate with Catholic Charities to help fulfill the mission of our agency.

Now in its 73rd year, Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving is one of the most joyful events to happen at Catholic Charities every holiday season. Last year, 25,000 gifts were provided to those who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. This year, many obstacles exist, but the desire is stronger than ever to make this community-building program a success. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Mark Noetzel and Andrew McKernin to discuss the start of the 2020 Celebration of Giving.

Through more than 150 programs at over 170 locations, Catholic Charities serves people in need on a one-to-one basis, allocating staffing and resources to ensure that our guests receive assistance, and have access to professional guidance toward a better life. We occasionally are asked to share what we know with economists who also are working to eradicate poverty. The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is one of these research labs, and Catholic Charities is tremendously grateful for this partnership, and its significant findings that have been hugely beneficial to our work. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Jim Sullivan and Wendy Avila to discuss how statistics are used to reduce poverty and homelessness on the local, state and national level.

In Fiscal Year 2018, over 17, 000 reports of abuse were made in the state of Illinois involving seniors and disabled adults. These include numerous types of abuse, neglect, deprivation, confinement, and financial exploitation. Statistics from Catholic Charities Adult Protective Services are part of this statewide tally. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Bette MacLennan to discuss how Catholic Charities investigates and intervenes, as needed, to assist seniors and disabled adults when abuse concerns are brought to our attention.

Opioids are a class of drugs that relieve pain. In Illinois, opioid overdoses have killed nearly 11,000 people since 2008, and the annual total has been increasing every year. The opioid crisis is now being called the most significant public health and public safety crisis in Illinois. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Shavon Parker to discuss Catholic Charities Transforming Lives Program, and the many ways it helps expectant women and mothers of young children who are battling this addiction and working towards their own recovery.

In anticipation of Catholic Charities 20th Annual D’Vine Affair, set for January 31, 2021, people throughout Chicagoland are scheduling Virtual Wine-Tasting Parties this fall, courtesy of Louis Glunz Wines, Inc. These are fantastic kickoff events that allow friends and families to have wonderful virtual celebrations while supporting our four Self-Sufficiency programs at the same time. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Joseph Glunz, Jr. and Carla Gutierrez to discuss the Lake County Family Self-Sufficiency Program and how funds from these virtual events are especially important this year

In recent years, Pop-Up stores have become a smart and effective way to market goods and services. This year, Catholic Charities administrators have used this concept, and worked with our parish partners to assist those who have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Marilu Gonzalez and Dominic Fejer to discuss how Pop-Up Food Pantries have helped thousands of people provide food for their families during COVID-19.

From 1881-1972, St. Vincent’s Orphanage provided assistance to thousands of women, children and adoptive families out of 721 N LaSalle Street in Chicago. Today, that same building is Catholic Charities headquarters, where life-affirming work continues on a nonstop basis. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Lisa Francis and Maureen Roche to discuss Catholic Charities Post Adoption Services that helps people from all of the country learn more about their ancestry, and their time at St. Vincent’s.

Catholic Charities has been helping clients with HIV/AIDS since the 1980s. We now know much more about this disease that attacks a person’s auto-immune system, but it continues to be a very serious struggle for all those affected by it. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Pat Drott and one of our clients to discuss Catholic Charities HIV/AIDS support services and the 2020 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago.

In Lake County, a disproportionate number of Latinx and Black residents have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Cary Rositas-Sheftel and Cynthia Vargas to discuss how community partners in Lake County are working together on innovative projects to address this critical matter, and educate people on how they can help stop the spread of the virus.

Catholic Charities recently released updated statistics showing, among other things that our nine food pantries are currently serving an average of 1400 households per week. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Mike Waters and Claudia Andrade to discuss how Catholic Charities regional offices are creatively working with staff, volunteers, parishes and food vendors to ensure that these increased needs are met, while following all COVID-19 safety protocols.

Sally Blount has assumed the role of President and CEO of Catholic Charities, as of August 1st. In announcing her appointment last April, Cardinal Blasé Cupich said, “With her organizational and leadership expertise, profound faith and strong commitment to social justice, she is the ideal person to lead Catholic Charities at this exciting and challenging time.” Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Sally to the Voice of Charity and learn what Sally’s initial insights are, about Catholic Charities and her new position.

Catholic Charities is proud to collaborate with The Chicago Help Initiative, formerly known as HELP (Help Ease Local Poverty) to provide assistance to anyone in need. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Jacqueline Hayes, CHI Founder, and Doug Fraser, CHI Executive Director to discuss how our agencies have been working together for the past twenty years to fulfill urgent needs of destitute individuals, and offer programs and services that can lead them to a brighter future.

Domestic Violence is a difficult, but very important topic to discuss. Catholic Charites works with closely with the Archdiocese of Chicago to ensure that resources are available at all times for victims in need of safety, counseling, and assistance once they flee a dangerous situation. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Fr. Charles Dahm and Deborah Hammond who will share details about the extensive work they have done, in parishes and throughout the area to increase greater awareness about Domestic Violence and assist victims.

Catholic Charities Summer Health Fairs offer free health services to vulnerable populations. The National Association of Hispanic Nurses is one of Catholic Charities partners helping to facilitate these fairs that offer glucose tests, Back To School check-ups, and other screenings to grateful individuals and families. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcomes Enrique Alonso and Gloria Barerra to discuss the Health Fairs planned for this year.

In 1975, Kathy Donahue joined Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, right after college. The Agency has been greatly blessed with her vision, leadership and warmth ever since. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy on this very special edition of The Voice of Charity, as she welcomes Kathy to discuss her remarkable career, her historic year as Acting President, CEO and Administrator, and the inspiring, lasting impact she has had on the lives of countless people.

Now in its 19th year, Catholic Charities After Supper Visions programs offers guests of our Tuesday Night Supper the opportunity to grow in their skills as photographers. Many of these guests are experiencing homelessness, and being part of After Supper Visions renews their confidence and their belief in their own abilities during difficult times. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy as she welcomes Noreen Russo, Catholic Charities Associate Director of Board Relations and Mission Engagement to discuss innovative ASV program developments this summer.

Catholic Charities is grateful for our long-standing partnership with Loyola University. This collaboration has resulted in projects that acknowledge the evolution of Social Work into global issues, and incorporate spiritual values into the education of young adults. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Brigid Murphy as they welcome Dr. Maria Vidal De Haymes, and Dr. Mauricio Cifuentes, two preeminent Loyola University professors, to share updates on our recent joint initiatives and highlight the academic benefits of studying Social Work today.

Child Welfare is something we take very seriously at Catholic Charities. During the pandemic, we have been especially concerned about children who are home in the midst of trying and sometimes dangerous circumstances. Join Marie Jochum as she welcomes Catholic Charities executives Laura Rios, Mary Henderson and Judy Griffin to discuss how our programs and services have continued to focus on the safety and well-being of children and families during COVID-19.

As Catholic Charities continues to respond to the growing number of people most significantly affected by COVID-19, we are immensely grateful to our corporate partners for recognizing how important their support is to our work. Join Marie Jochum and Guest Host Phillip Buta, Catholic Charities Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations as they welcome Sean Garrett, President and Chief Executive Officer for The United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, and Helene Gayle, President and Chief Executive Officer for The Chicago Community Trust, to discuss our collaboration in addressing racial disparities and ensuring that individuals, and communities continue to have their basic needs met. Note: The first 7 minutes of this program is missing due to a technical issue

In recent weeks, the Voice of Charity has featured Catholic Charities staff and volunteers who have been heroic in their efforts to respond to the increased number of requests for assistance in Cook County. This week, we welcome Ashley Styx, Lake County Program Director of Emergency Assistance, and Christine Farrell, Lake County Women’s Board Member who will join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to share an update on Lake County Services and the exciting Art of Caring virtual event that is online this year.

In early April, Cardinal Cupich appointed twenty-four priests in the Archdiocese of Chicago to become a team that would go, as needed, to hospitals throughout the Archdiocese, and anoint patients dying of COVID-19. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Reverend Wayne F. Watts, Catholic Charities Associate Administrator and Pastor of Saints Joseph and Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette, who will discuss the challenges and beauty found in this very special ministry.

This week we recognize the remarkable career of Jim Disch, Director of the Office of Radio and Television for the Archdiocese of Chicago. As a top executive at CLTV and WGN, before joining the Archdiocese, Jim has led the broadcast coverage of many key moments in the history of Chicago, and in our local Church for over forty years. Jim has also led the broadcast team that has produced many Catholic Charities programs, including The Voice of Charity. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they honor, and thank Jim for all he has done for Catholic Charities.

Some of the effects of COVID-19 are clear to see, others are more elusive. The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy, and caused worry and uncertainty for people concerning their jobs, their basic necessities, and the future. What are the best ways to deal with the psychological effects of COVID-19? Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Hector Rivera and Jessica Mead to discuss positive mental health strategies and Behavioral Health Initiatives that Catholic Charities is offering to the growing number of people who are reaching out to us for counseling during this challenging time.

Catholic Charities Office of Latino Affairs continues to expand with positive initiatives that improve the lives of Latino clients in a wide variety of ways. The focus is helping clients with immediate needs and establishing education and professional opportunities for young Latinos as they plan for their future. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Dr. Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Ph.D, Director of the Office of Latino Affairs to discuss these programs and services that are offered throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Throughout the last two months, Catholic Charities Call Center has received an unprecedented number of calls from people profoundly affected by the pandemic. In this show, Mary Gault, Coordinator in our Family Stabilization Services Department joins co-hosts Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to discuss the Call Center activity and the orderly structure that is in place to respond to each call, with assistance as quickly as possible.

Catholic Charities continues to meet the needs of the vulnerable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Some individuals and families are reaching out to Catholic Charities for the first time, as they find themselves without homes, food and necessary supplies. Join Co-Hosts Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Sharon Tillmon, Department Director for Family Stabilization Services and Tallet Vanek, Assistant Director of our Special Supplemental Food Department to discuss how Catholic Charities is adapting to respond to client needs in these challenging times.

For 41 years, Catholic Charities internationally-recognized LOSS program has offered hope and healing to survivors of suicide. This year’s annual gathering of the LOSS community is going to be a groundbreaking, virtual event on April 26. Fr. Charles Rubey, Founder and Director of LOSS joins Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy to provide an update on LOSS and this year’s Blossoms Of Hope event. Annie Scully Tumpis, Catholic Charities Special Events Manager will also join the conversation to share details of Blossoms of Hope, an annual gathering of the LOSS community, which will be a very inspiring, virtual event on April 26.