Voice of Charity

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.

October is DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH and an important rally is happening on Saturday, October 8th at St. Katharine Drexel Parish to create greater awareness of this crime that affects millions of Americans each year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Fr. Chuck Dahm , Director of Domestic Violence Outreach for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Maria Prasek, Intake Specialist for Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Program to discuss this large, upcoming event and the many community organizations joining with Catholic Charities and the Archdiocese of Chicago to reduce the impact of domestic violence in Illinois and aid the recovery of victims.

Catholic Charities Diaper Depot in Lake County has been a large and incredibly well-run distribution center for more than five years. The Diaper Depot works in tandem with Catholic Charities programs, nearby parishes and a wide range of community organizations to ensure that diapers and accessories are available for low-income, grateful families. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Don Rosanova, Lead Volunteer at Catholic Charities Lake County Diaper Depot, and Lisa Roti, Lake County Regional Director to discuss how this Diaper Depot provides a Basic Need, and more to residents of Lake County.

Sharon Tillmon has been tireless in her efforts to help fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities over the past 24 years. She now serves as Senior Program Director of Community Food and Essentials in our “Immediate Access and Basic Needs Impact Area.” Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sharon to The Voice of Charity to discuss her vast experience leading teams of Catholic Charities staff members and personally helping people in need stabilize and start to rebuild their lives, one person at a time.

Catholic Charities St. Martin de Porres Society is a new forum for dialogue and debate, convening partners, advocates and champions of Catholic Charities and our broader community for meaningful conversations regarding the needs of our region, our nation and the world, and the power of faith in meeting those needs. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Anne Kelly Williams, a member of Catholic Charities Board of Directors, and Matthew McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives to discuss two St. Martin de Porres Inaugural Events planned for this month.

It is an exciting time at Catholic Charities as Regional Mission Boards become established in the six Vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago, allowing us to serve client needs in new ways on the local, parish level. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Christopher Torres, South/Southwest Cook Regional Director, Mary Ellen Brabec, South Regional Mission Board Chairperson and Timothy Richards, Southwest Regional Mission Board Chairperson to discuss how this new structure is forming in tandem with parish outreach ministries and community groups.

The 2022 reunion of everyone associated with St. Vincent’s Orphanage will be held on Sunday, September 18 at 721 North LaSalle Street. This annual gathering celebrates the life-affirming work that was led by the Daughters of Charity in this building for ninety-one years, until the State of Illinois took over foster care in 1972. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes the Honorable Joseph K. Wood, County Judge of Washington County, Arkansas to discuss his experiences at St. Vincent’s and the inspiring work he has done, nationwide to increase support for adoption and foster care.

Catholic Charitie Post-Adoption Services serves thousands of people who were adopted from Catholic Charities over the years. We offer registry information, search and reunion services, and support, in addition to providing a variety of services to those who would like to adopt a child now. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Kathy Herrera, Program Director for Pregnancy, Maternity and Adoption Programs, and Lisa Francis, Post-Adoption Specialist to discuss program updates this summer and the upcoming 2022 St. Vincent’s Orphanage Reunion on September 18.

Recent studies by the Center for Disease Control show that the number of people experiencing mental health concerns has risen so much in the past two years that this is considered to be a global public health issue. At Catholic Charities, our Behavioral Health Programs are tailored to meet clients where they are at, and our experienced professionals are widely respected for the results they help clients achieve, often using Trauma-Informed Therapy. Join Phil Zepeda as he welcomes Ellen Tannenbaum, Director of Catholic Charities Youth Counseling Programs to discuss how Trauma-Informed Therapy helps identify root causes of many mental health concerns and lead clients to happier times ahead.

Casa Catalina, on Ashland Avenue started in 1984 as a Food Pantry for the parishioners of Holy Cross, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Over the years, it has become a vital Catholic Charities service site. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Michelle Ramirez, Casa Catalina Program Coordinate to discuss how this vibrant community center continues to serve the needs of individual clients and the entire neighborhood in an extremely organized, efficient way.

In conjunction with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities operates 16 Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Centers that are wonderful hubs of community support, supplying nutritious food, nutrition education and other information and referrals to low-income individuals and families, helping them gain access to Catholic Charities’ wide network of Community Development and Outreach Services. Join Phil Zepeda as he welcomes Shivonnia Dickson, WIC Department Director of Operations who will provide an update on all of the great things happening at our WIC Centers this summer.

Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program continues to be especially busy this year, welcoming additional refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine as hostilities continue to devastate these countries. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Case Managers Emily Parker and Sophia Schmall to discuss the tragic situations in the lives of our refugee clients, and how they are finding hope and healing as they rebuild their lives in Chicago.

For almost 20 years, Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) has been helping low-income individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney. Staff members, and volunteer attorneys help clients navigate the complex legal world, and learn more about their rights and responsibilities regarding a variety of civil law issues. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch, two accomplished attorneys and dedicated CCLA volunteers to discuss how the program continues to evolve and help clients grow in their ability to advocate for themselves in legal matters.

Catholic Charities is blessed to have many parish partners across the Archdiocese of Chicago. Selfless pastors and lay leaders work in tandem with Catholic Charities to identify needs in the community and determine the best ways for people to access programs and services that can ease their burdens and help them plan for a brighter future. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Marilu Gonzalez, Regional Director for the City/Southwest Region and Fr. Homero Sanchez, Pastor of St. Rita of Cascia/St. Clare of Montefalco Parish to discuss the many ways that this wonderful parish is helping to fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities on the local, parish level.

In the past two years, Catholic Charities Food Pantries have seen double, and sometimes triple the number of clients facing food insecurity. It is tremendously difficult to ensure that nutritious food is available to our clients, throughout Cook and Lake counties on an ongoing basis, but our dedicated staff and food suppliers continue to rise to the challenge. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Sharon Holmes, Pantry Operations Supervisor for all eight pantries, to provide an update on how the pantries are faring this summer.

The 28th Annual Catholic Charities Golf Classic tournament will take place on Monday, July 18 at two beautiful golf courses in Lake County: Shoreacres Golf Club and Knollwood Country Club. One of the programs that will benefit from the proceeds of this event is CC Renews, a behavioral health program in our Youth Counseling service area. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Matt Davis, Co-Chairman of the tournament, Carla Gutierrez, Youth Counseling Department Director, and Daisy Gonzalez, CC Renews Program Director to preview this fabulous golf outing and discuss how many generous people are coming together to host this event for a very important cause.

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 to improve their quality of life. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Maureen Murphy, Associate Vice President of Family & Parish Support Services to discuss the 2022 Achievement Celebration that recognized the accomplishments of hardworking program participants who are overcoming barriers and striving for a better future for themselves and their children.

Bishop Robert Lombardo, Bishop of Vicariate 3 in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Sally Blount, Catholic Charities President and CEO will discuss “Poverty and the Catholic Response” on June 22 at the Newberry Library. This will be the inaugural event of the St. Martin de Porres Society, a new Catholic Charities forum for dialogue and debate on issues such as economic growth, social justice, the Mission of Charity and the power of faith in serving. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Matt McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives to preview this special event on June 22.