Voice of Charity

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.

After Supper Visions is one of the most creative programs ever established at Catholic Charities. Guests of our Tuesday Night Suppers are offered the opportunity to grow in their talents as photographers. Now in its 20th year, artists continue to produce beautiful photographic artwork that rivals that of any art gallery in Chicago. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Fr. Wayne Watts, Ellen Gorney and Jody O’Connor to discuss how this program affirms artists and welcomes them into a wonderful community of supportive people who respect them and believe in their potential.

Catholic Charities 2022 Golf Invitational will be held on Monday, June 27th at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields. Proceeds from this event will support all Catholic Charities programs and services in Cook County. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Marty Endre and Mike Smith, Chairmen of the 2022 Golf Invitational to discuss how this fabulous event is a Win-Win each year for those who love a great round of golf and the chance to support people in need with Catholic Charities.

Representatives from the U.S. National Council on Aging recently contacted our Josephine P. Argento Senior Center and asked for the opportunity to visit the center and interview a number of our clients, as part of their study on the growth of senior centers nationwide. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Robert Boyd, Director of the Argento Senior Center and Magnolia Chandler, one of the seniors who was interviewed to discuss the many ways that the Argento Center, and the other eleven Catholic Charities Drop In Centers help seniors stay active and independent, enjoying life in their own homes and communities.

Catholic Charities is embarking on a bold, new vision to expand our work on the parish level through Regional Mission Boards in the six vicariates of the Archdiocese of Chicago. We invite individuals, families, neighbors, friends, and corporations of all sizes to join us as Partners in Mission, Partners in Giving and/or Partners in Prayer and make a positive difference in the lives of people who are suffering. Join Phil Zepeda and Katie Bredemann as they welcome Matt McCabe, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Rene Medina, Regional Mission Board Chairperson for the City Southwest Region to discuss the positive momentum that is building already for this new partner structure.

A wonderful team-building initiative was started at Catholic Charities in the fall of 2021, uniting all employees in monthly gatherings that invite staff members to share their opinions and ideas while they meet employees from other service areas and celebrate their shared commitment to helping people in need. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Edward Leiser, Manager, Employee Communications to discuss the objectives of these Employee Gatherings and the positive impact they have had already throughout our large organization.

Mothers hold a special place in each of our hearts. As we approach Mother’s Day, we dedicate this show to all mothers, and discuss the many ways that Catholic Charities supports moms in all Seasons of Motherhood, through various stages in their lives. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Angel Gutierrez, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement for this heartwarming conversation.

For more than forty years, the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program has been offering compassionate resources for healing to those who have lost a loved one to suicide. Founded by Charles T. Rubey, the LOSS Community just gathered for the 31st Annual LOSS Brunch which was a virtual event this year. Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda as they welcome Emily Tegenkamp, LOSS Program Coordinator to discuss how LOSS has expanded coast to coast in recent months.

The Peace Corner Youth Center is a safe haven for youth on Madison Street in the Austin neighborhood. With parental involvement and support, school-aged children and young adults learn valuable life skills and engage in after-school programming, academic enrichment, civic engagement and a variety of sports and recreational activities. In March, the 13-14 Boys Basketball Team won a division championship for the Westside Sports League in a thrilling victory. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Christie Richardson, Melissa Lucas, Brandon Wilkerson and Sargent Jermaine Harris, of the Chicago Police Department to learn more about the Peace Corner Youth Center, this special team of players and their hard-earned achievement this spring.

During this Holy Week, as we reflect on Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection, we are reminded of the sites in Jerusalem where pilgrims still venerate these events today. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Reverend Edward Harnett, who has led twelve trips to the Holy Land and studied biblical history extensively. Through a virtual Holy Land experience, Fr. Harnett will help us grow in appreciation for all that Jesus endured for us, by learning more about the locations where His divine sacrifice took place.

Pregnancy can be a joyful time, but if a mother is struggling with substance use while she is pregnant, or adjusting to being a new mother, the health of the mother and her baby are serious concerns. Catholic Charities TRANSFORMING LIVES program helps young mothers deal with this difficult situation so that they and their babies become healthier over the course of the pregnancy and throughout the child’s first year. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes LAURA KUEVER, Catholic Charities Associate Vice-President in our Child, Youth and Family Service Area and ALYSAN ANDERSON, the Transforming Lives Lead Doula and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist to talk about this life-affirming program.

In this final installment of our two-part series on Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Services, we discuss the Care Coordination that takes place between Catholic Charities departments, and other domestic violence service providers to ensure that victims/survivors receive the assistance they need to recover and rebuild their lives. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes BETH KLIEGER, a Domestic Violence Clinical Manager, and MARIA PRASEK, an Intake Specialist who will describe the caring network of support that exists in Cook and Lake counties for those who have had this traumatic experience.

We begin a two-part series on Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Services, taking a closer look at our comprehensive programs that help victims/survivors begin a safer, happier chapter in the lives. This show features a discussion about Catholic Charities two Domestic Violence Transitional Housing residences in Cook and Lake counties. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes ANNE GROSKLAUS and AIDA SEGURA, the Program Directors of Catholic Charities House of the Good Shepherd and House of Peace, where healing and hope are found every day.

As Lent begins, we are reminded of the call to become holier, more generous people. Many saints devoted their lives to caring for the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and all who are struggling in any way. Their steadfast commitment to service inspires our efforts to continue to fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities in 2022. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes REVEREND GERARD KELLY, C.M., Chaplain of Catholic Charities to discuss how these saints can provide encouragement and motivation in our Lenten journeys today.

One of the most effective Catholic Charities sites for assisting clients with mental health concerns is The Encompassing Center, offering accessible, quality services to low-income and underinsured West Side residents. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes JENNIFER SMITH, LCPC, Program Director to discuss the many ways that The Encompassing Center has become a welcoming place of friendship and professional assistance since it opened in 2019.

Catholic Charities headquarters, at 721 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago is fortunate to have a dedicated team of employees from Monterrey Security greeting and assisting all who come through our doors, 24 hours a day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes CHARLES WATSON, Supervisor of these professional security guards to discuss all the ways that they connect clients to various programs and services, and see the impact that Catholic Charities has in their lives.

Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) is a vital part of the wrap-around services that we offer to our clients. In many cases, legal barriers are one of the main concerns that prevent people from reaching their goal of self-sufficiency. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes HILDA BAHENA, Director of CCLA, and EDWARD SOMMER, a CCLA Volunteer Attorney to discuss the many ways that Catholic Charities helps clients navigate the complex legal system to advocate for themselves and their families in legal issues.

Sister Donna Markham, OP, PhD has made a tremendous impact as President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA since she was named to this position in 2015. Regina Dominican High School, a college preparatory school for young women in Wilmette is honoring Sister Donna at the school’s Black & White Gala on March 5th. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Elizabeth Schuster, President of Regina Dominican and Joan Kitchie, Regina’s Vice-President of Institutional Advancement to discuss this special event that will underscore our valued partnerships with Catholic Charities USA and Regina Dominican High School.

A fabulous black tie, in-person event is back this winter, as Catholic Charities participates in FIRST LOOK for CHARITY, the elegant kick-off experience for the Chicago Auto Show on Friday, February 11th at McCormick Place. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Bill Montana and Marty Bredemann, Co-Chairmen of the Catholic Charities reception at First Look for Charity 2022 to discuss the importance of, and excitement for this glamorous evening as the big date nears.

In 2021, Catholic Charities was chosen by the City of Chicago’s Department of Family Support Services to be one of eight partners to start a new program called SCaN, which is designed to help youth who are most at-risk of having their lives impacted by violence. Catholic Charities was asked to coordinate the program in the Austin community, due to our success in that neighborhood with the Tolton Peace Center. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Carla Gutierrez, Department Director of Catholic Charities Youth Counseling Department, and Tashika Eubanks, SCaN Program Supervisor to discuss the positive impact SCaN is having already in Chicago.

Catholic Charities is very fortunate to have employees who have dedicated themselves to the mission of the agency over many years. In some cases, they have experience as clients, volunteers and dedicated staff members, sharing their talents to help people of all ages through challenging times in their lives. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Petra Gutierrez, Senior Center Manager, North Center Senior Center who is one of these extraordinary longtime Catholic Charities employees.

Catholic Charities’ Lake County Region has had an incredibly busy year, serving an increased number of clients and adding programs and services to its new, second regional office. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Maureen Murphy, Associate Vice-President of Family and Support Services to discuss how Catholic Charities has adapted and expanded its service options in many positive ways to respond to the emerging needs of families in Lake County.

On January 29, Catholic Charities 21st Annual D’Vine Affair event offers wine and craft beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful virtual evening together in support of our single-parent families who are striving for greater self-sufficiency. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Joseph Glunz Jr., President of Glunz Wines Import & Distribution House, and Donna Drinka, Program Director of Catholic Charities Community Casework Department to discuss this fabulous virtual event, and the ways the Family Self-Sufficiency Program is stabilizing families and enhancing the communities in which they live.

As the world gets ready to ring in a New Year, Catholic Charities looks back on 2021 with gratitude for all that has been accomplished, despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic on our work. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes two members of Catholic Charities Executive Leadership Team, AMI NOVORYTA, Chief Program Officer and GINA CLEGGS, Senior Vice-President of Operations and Innovations to discuss the Year In Review and the agency’s hopes for 2022 under the leadership of our President and CEO, Sally Blount.

It’s Christmas week, and as we all wait in awe and anticipation for the birth of Jesus, we look forward to time with loved ones in celebrating this blessed, holy day. As families prepare to break out familiar Christmas carols this week, we take a new look at a familiar Christmas song in Catholic Charities’ “Twelve Ideas For Christmas.” Join Katie Bredemann and Phil Zepeda for this special Christmas show.

One of the best things about living in Chicago is the change of seasons. But in December, the change of seasons can be dreaded by those who do not have the funds for, or access to warm clothing. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sharon Tillmon, Department Director of Catholic Charities Family Stabilization Services to discuss the vital role that our Clothing Rooms play in our wrap-around services to help clients stay warm in the winter, and reach their greatest possible levels of self-sufficiency.

Besides the Nativity of our Lord, there are two very special feast days in December that feature Our Blessed Mother: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception and The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Reverend Gerard Kelly, C.M., Chaplain of Catholic Charities to explain the importance of these feast days and discuss how both days give us great reason for hope, even as the effects of the pandemic continue to present challenges for all.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been tremendously fortunate to have caring corporate partners, benefactors, trusted advisors and volunteers who believe in the mission of the agency as much as our leaders and employees do. When all of the members of one family fill all of these roles, we are especially blessed, and grateful. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Emile, Shari, Andrew and Caitlin Johnson to discuss their many contributions to the work of Catholic Charities, and their family ethos about giving back that inspires many people.

Catholic Charities is delighted to welcome guests back into 721 N. LaSalle Street on Thursday, November 25th, for the traditional Thanksgiving Day luncheon. This is one of our many efforts to continue to fight hunger and celebrate the holidays with our guests. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Andrew McKernin, Manager of Volunteer Relations, and Sharon Holmes, Supervisor of our eight Food Pantries to discuss how Catholic Charities will be offering a safe and festive Thanksgiving Day meal. We also will discuss the challenges of keeping Catholic Charities food pantries stocked over the winter months, and easy, very helpful ways that the public can support those who are facing food insecurity.

Catholic Charities St. Nicholas Ball is among the largest, most glamorous events of the Christmas season in Chicago! Benefactors, families and friends look forward each year to this gala that raises crucial funds for our programs and services. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Angel Gutierrez, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, along with the 2021 Co-Christmas Gift CoordinatorS of Lake County, Steve and Christy King to preview this fabulous evening, and the ways that the work of Catholic Charities in Cook and Lake counties leads the way for the planning of the St. Nicholas Ball.

Are you looking for a way to make your Christmas season especially meaningful this year? Look no further than Catholic Charities 74th Annual Celebration of Giving! Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Jim Wogan, Barbara Campbell and Diane Kennedy to learn more about the 2021 Celebration of Giving and discuss how this joy-filled tradition unites individuals and families, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers, spreading Christmas cheer throughout Cook and Lake counties.

In 1947, parents who adopted children from St. Vincent’s Orphanage in Chicago joined together to purchase gifts for children who had not yet been adopted. Today, in the same building, at 721 N. LaSalle Street, Catholic Charities continues this heartwarming tradition of providing gifts to those who would otherwise have nothing to open Christmas Day. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Emily Lewis and Judy Kendzior to discuss how The Celebration of Giving connects, and brings joy to thousands of individuals and families throughout Chicago and its suburbs each year.

One of the greatest concerns for low-income residents in Cook and Lake is having a safe, affordable place to call home. Today, Catholic Charities has twenty-three residences that address this, by offering qualifying individuals the opportunity for independent living within caring communities. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Antwaun Smith, Associate Vice-President for Housing Services to discuss the cooperative spirit that exists between staff and tenants to make each residence much more than Affordable Housing.

Caring adults make all the difference in the lives of adolescents. Catholic Charities understands this, and our Youth Mentorship Programs provide a free opportunity for youth living in Lake and Cook counties to spend time with volunteers who genuinely care about them. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sarah Loffman, Arranda Gardner, and Gloria Uriostegui to discuss how these programs nurture healthy friendships between youth and great role models.