Voice of Charity

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.

As Catholic Charities expands its work on the local level, across the six Vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago, wonderful stories are emerging of kind and generous people banding together within parishes in support of Catholic Charities and the clients we serve. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Fr. David Ryan, Tom Powers, and Mitch Siegel to discuss recent events at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Zurich that have bolstered two vital Catholic Charities programs in Lake County.

Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si invites people all over the world to recognize our call to become “caretakers of creation” and use what God has provided to us to help our most vulnerable neighbors. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Lisa Roti, Gary Schiappacasse, and Kathy Felice to discuss how the Lake County Laudato Si Gardens are accomplishing these goals and inviting parishes around the Archdiocese of Chicago to do the same.

Catholic Charities assists domestic violence survivors with community-based programs and services, plus two transitional housing residences that allow women and children the space and time they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Aida Segura, Director of the House of Peace to continue a discussion about the innovative ways Catholic Charities works with community partners to address the unique challenges that every victim encounters.

Last year, Catholic Charities received 77,000 calls to our Homelessness Prevention Call Center, illustrating the significance of this critical Impact Area. Our Bridge Subsidy Programs are one way we work to ensure safe, decent housing and promote successful community re-entry for those who are transitioning from institutionalized care. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Leticia Sanchez, Director of Bridge Subsidy Programs to discuss these focused housing initiatives that have seen a significant growth in recent months.

Catholic Charities Domestic Violence programs provide women and children with the tools they need to recover from family violence and plan for a safer, happier future. The House of Peace is one of our two transitional housing residences where victims receive support and practical assistance that emphasize their dignity, healing and empowerment. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Aida Segura, Director of the House of Peace to discuss the House of Peace Model that has helped many victims convalesce and move forward, with confidence.

Catholic Charities is privileged to provide hot meals to 130 guests each Tuesday evening in our Vincent Hall at 721 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago. Our dedicated staff members work with generous volunteers to ensure that these hot meals continue every Tuesday throughout the year. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome ABIGAIL BEHREND, a devoted volunteer and ENRIQUE ALONSO, Catholic Charities Volunteer Engagement Manager to discuss how volunteers continue to work together to nourish and affirm each guest this winter.

Be among the first to explore the latest in automotive innovation at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show by attending First Look for Charity on Friday, February 10. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Bill Montana and Marty Bredemann, Co-Chairman of Catholic Charities’ reception at First Look for Charity to preview this fabulous evening enjoyed by socialites, and car buffs alike! Rose Marie Lesniak-Mendez, Catholic Charities Regional Director of the North/Northwest Regional Office will also join in the conversation to share how the proceeds of First Look for Charity will be used to support Catholic Charities programs throughout Cook and Lake counties this winter.

One of the premier wine-tasting events in Chicago is approaching on Sunday, February 5: Catholic Charities 22nd Annual D’Vine Affair gala. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz, Jr. President of Glunz Wines Import & Distribution House, and Michael Waters, Regional Director of Catholic Charities West Suburban Regional Office to preview this fabulous afternoon at the Union League Club, and hear how the proceeds of this special event will be used to support Catholic Charities programs and services in 2023.

As Catholic Charities expands programming and services on the local, regional level, Communication has been key to keeping all our constituencies informed, and included as the exciting new chapter for Catholic Charities develops. Join Phil Zepeda, Vice President of Communications and Katie Bredemann, Communications Manager as they discuss how various messaging mediums have been refreshed, and enhanced so that clients, volunteers, benefactors, and all other partners obtain the information they seek about Catholic Charities in the most effective ways possible.

In today’s EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT, we feature ANJANETTE NERO who is Catholic Charities dynamic Director of Staff Development and Education. Anjanette also is the very talented Coordinator of The Voices of Charities Choir, a wonderful singing group comprised of Catholic Charities employees that performs for a variety of events for our organization. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Anjanette Nero to discuss her career at Catholic Charities, and perform several Christmas songs to celebrate the season.

The year 2022 has been historic in a number of ways for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann for this special Year In Review show as they welcome Gina Cleggs, Senior Vice-President of Seniors and Housing, and Mary Anzilotti, Senior Vice-President of Immediate Access and Basic Needs to discuss how Catholic Charities emerged from the pandemic with new initiatives that enhance our service to clients, and provide a wide range of opportunities to all those who would like to partner with us in helping our neighbors in need throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Catholic Charities Junior Board continues to welcome new members - young professionals from Chicago and its suburbs who enjoy spending time together and finding innovative ways to support our mission. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes new Junior Board Co-Presidents Brady Dearlove and Mary Margaret Parker to discuss recent Junior Board activities and the plans that are underway to invite even more young adults to learn about this dynamic group in 2023.

Among Catholic Charities 1200 employees is a group of Sisters who represent the Congregation of Albertine Sisters Serving the Poor. The Albertine Sisters are incredibly dedicated to their work, and they inspire everyone at Catholic Charities with their joyful, selfless way of life, and their deep religious faith. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sr. Kate, Sr. Nikola and Sr. Benji to discuss the vital work the Sisters of Albertine do at Catholic Charities, and how their commitment to service reflects their desire to be united with God.

In 2017, Catholic Charities was asked by the City of Chicago to help initiate a program called CPS-FIT that identifies and assists families with children in the Chicago Public School System who are living in “temporary housing situations.” Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes SHARON LOVE, Department Director for Permanent, Supportive Housing, and HERMESE BRYANT, an accomplished Housing Case Manager to discuss how CPS-FIT, along with other Homelessness Prevention programs helps families establish safe homes and begin to achieve their dreams.

Our Annual Thanksgiving Feast will be held at Catholic Charities headquarters, 721 North LaSalle Street on Thursday, November 24 at NOON. Our guests struggle every day with food insecurity and other serious burdens in life, and so we are grateful for this opportunity every year to let them know we care about them, and we want them to enjoy this festive meal. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Melissa Lucas, Catholic Charities Interim Director of Volunteer Engagement to discuss all that will be included in this joyful celebration.

Catholic Charities recently held its Annual Employee Service Awards ceremony, to thank our longtime employees who inspire us all with their steadfast dedication to helping fulfill our mission. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes three of this year’s honorees, Silvia Gallardo, Nancy Gavilanes and Ruben Anzures to celebrate their achievements and those of all of our staff members who were acknowledged at this event.

Catholic Charities Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball is one of the most elegant galas of the holiday season in Chicago. Proceeds from this event provide critical funding for our programs and services into the New Year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes the 2022 Chair couple for the St. Nicholas Ball, Beth Moritz and Mark Filip to preview this extraordinary 33rd Annual Christmas gathering in support of the mission of Catholic Charities.

Like other Catholic dioceses around the United States, the Archdiocese of Chicago is working in tandem with Catholic Charities, parishes, and other human service organizations to provide meaningful assistance to asylum seekers who recently have been arriving by busloads in Chicago. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Larry Dowling, Chairman of this Task Force, Dean of Deanery III and Pastor of St. Agatha Parish, and Marilu Gonzalez, Catholic Charities Regional Director for the City/Southwest Region to discuss how this joint effort is similar to those done throughout the history of the Archdiocese, extending help to those among us who are suffering.

Loyola University has been a valued partner of Catholic Charities for many years. On this edition of The Voice of Charity, we discuss Loyola’s Social Justice Internship Program that allows students to participate in the work of Catholic Charities while they earn academic credit. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jorion Tucker, Loyola’s Community Partnership Coordinator, and Esther Marcos, a student who recently completed the internship experience to discuss the many ways this program benefits the young adults and the non-profits at which they serve.

Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving unites individuals, families, neighbors, parishes and work colleagues in providing toys and basic needs to vulnerable children and families in Cook and Lake counties. On the 75th Anniversary of this special holiday endeavor, we are especially aware of those who are suffering due to the effects of inflation and high gas prices this year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jim Wogan, Barbara Campbell and Sue Fowler who are Co-Coordinators of this very special Christmas gift program in our Lake County offices this year.

Since 1947, Catholic Charities has been holding a Christmas gift collection for clients who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas Day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Melissa Lucas, Interim Director of Volunteer Engagement and Enrique Alonso, Volunteer Engagement Manager for Cook County to celebrate the remarkable achievements that have been made in the past 74 years, and invite the public to join in this fabulous program for 2022 that exemplifies the Spirit of Christmas.