Voice of Charity

Christians around the world are preparing to participate in Holy Week activities in highly unusual ways, with leaders of all faith traditions adapting as best as they can. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy as she discusses changes in Holy Week services in the Catholic Church in Chicago with Reverend Gerard Kelly, CM, Associate Administrator of Catholic Charities. Also joining in the discussion will be Mary Ellen Kastenholz, professor at Loyola University and Staff Writer of Keenager News. Mary Ellen will share insights from her trip to the Holy Land, where she saw the places believed to be where Jesus suffered his Passion and Death.

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.

Humble Design is a philanthropic organization dedicated to furnishing homes for families and veterans transitioning from homelessness. Humble Design has assisted over 1400 families since 2009, including residents of Catholic Charities New Hope Apartments. Join Marie Jochum and Brigid Murphy as they welcome Julie Dickinson, Director of Humble Design and Camille Richardson, New Hope Apartments Case Manager Supervisor to discuss this inspiring example of generosity.

Since the Coronavirus outbreak began, Catholic Charities has been working to adjust programmatic and operational protocols, following public health directives and recommendations, to continue to show support to our clients, staff and volunteers, while keeping benefactors and friends informed. Brigid Murphy, Director of Communications joins Marie Jochum on this special edition of The Voice of Charity to provide an update on Catholic Charities programs and services that affect thousands of people throughout Cook and Lake counties.

Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) assists thousands of low-income and no-income individuals each year. Experienced staff members and volunteer attorneys offer free advice and help clients become aware of their rights and responsibilities as they navigate the legal system. CCLA also helps clients prepare basic legal documents for themselves. On this show, Fr. Wayne Watts, Hilda Bahena and Samuel Fifer join Marie and Michael to provide an update on CCLA’s client services and share details of a special upcoming event.

Filing taxes is an important legal and civic responsibility for all Americans. Yet, for many people it can be a true hardship. One of Catholic Charities longtime partners is Ladder Up, an organization that does a tremendous job offering free tax preparation services to thousands of people in need. Join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Christine Cheng, Executive Director of Ladder Up and Doris Wilson, Director of Special Projects for Catholic Charities Women, Infant and Children (WIC) Food Centers Program to discuss how this partnership works to assist our clients.

In anticipation of Ash Wednesday, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare discuss Shrove Tuesday traditions, and they welcome Alessandro DiSanto, an active member of Catholic Charities Junior Board who also is Co-Founder of Hallow, currently the most popular Catholic app in the nation. Alessandro will share how Hallow can help users find peace and spiritual growth, this Lent and through every season of the year.

Last year over 300 people received some combination of job readiness training, resume writing, interview coaching and job placement counseling to increase their chances of securing and maintaining employment. Catholic Charities career experts Mitch Siegel and Jacqueline Small join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare to discuss the innovative ways Catholic Charities assists veterans and all interested clients who are pursuing new job opportunities.

Warm clothes are a necessity in the winter months. Professional clothes are also very important, when you are interviewing for a job. In this program, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare are joined by Family Stabilization employees Debra Davis and Toyia Baker to get an update on the various clothing programs Catholic Charities offers, and what their needs are this winter. Also making a guest appearance on this program are Abigail Taylor and Sophia Garling, two hard-working 5th Graders who are planning a special event to collect new pairs of pajamas for people in need.

Catholic Charities has a wide range of programs to help seniors stay active and enjoy time socializing with one another. Our three Adult Day Care Centers offer fulfilling programs for seniors who want to participate in the recreation, despite their limitations. Tune in as Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Jalisa Blue and Nancy Morrison to discuss the many positive features of these Adult Day Care Centers that are increasingly popular with seniors and their families.

Catholic Charities Mobile Outreach Program does amazing work on the streets of Chicago 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Referrals are made to Catholic Charities from the City of Chicago’s 311 Call Center to perform non-life-threatening requests such as well-being checks, transport for people to shelters or temporary housing, delivery of emergency food provisions, and an offer of friendship and help to thousands of people who have little or no family nor any resources to rely on for assistance. Join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Lakisha Dykes and Mary Johnson, two members of the outreach team who will share what an average workday is like for them.

Catholic Charities is one of the eighteen non-profit organizations that will share the proceeds of the 2020 First Look For Charity on February 7th. Join Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Annie Scully Tumpis and Kathy Herrera to discuss this elegant preview night at the Chicago Auto Show, and the vital programs that will benefit from the Catholic Charities reception at First Look. These programs include the Neighbors In Need Fund and Pregnancy, Parenting and Post-Adoption services.

St. Vincent’s Center, at 721 N. LaSalle Street is Catholic Charities headquarters in Chicago. It is a bustling business center of one of the largest social service agencies in the Midwest. It is also a place many clients call “home,” as they arrive on a daily basis, 24/7 seeking help, friendship and a better path forward in their lives. Join Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Charles Watson and Jill Friedman, two “Lobby Heroes” to discuss the importance of that first point of contact for all clients, visitors, employees and volunteers who walk through our agency doors.

The Voice of Charity kicks off the New Year with a sparkling preview of the upcoming D’Vine Affair, and its importance to Catholic Charities Self-Sufficiency Programs. The 19th Annual D’Vine Affair will be held on Sunday, January 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Union League Club in Chicago. Join Michael Bare and visiting co-host Noreen Russo as they welcome Joseph Glunz, Jr., Kevin Bratt and Dave Gardner to discuss this fabulous event and the win-win impact it has on many people’s lives.

Phil Andrew, Director of Violence Prevention at the Archdiocese of Chicago returns for Part 2 of his conversation with Marie Jochum and Michael Bare. In this show, Phil will share how his years as an FBI Agent prepared him for his work reducing violence in the City of Chicago. Phil also will expand on the “comprehensive safety model” used by his department to help build more peaceful communities. Join us for this important discussion.

We are in the Christmas Spirit at the Voice of Charity Radio Show! This week, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome David Jonies, Musical Director at Holy Name Cathedral to learn more about the many facets of planning and performing music at Advent and Christmas Masses and Prayer Services. Music adds so much to the celebration of the season. Don’t miss this special edition of the Voice of Charity!

Guided by Pope Francis’ call for the Catholic Church to be a “field hospital” to wounded people, the Office of Violence Prevention at the Archdiocese of Chicago is faith-based, data driven and collaborative in its efforts to define the root causes of violence and help build more peaceful communities. Department Director Phil Andrew joins Marie Jochum and Michael Bare to discuss the comprehensive safety model that is central to his work with parishes, schools, and numerous faith, nonprofit and civic organizations, including Catholic Charities.

The holidays are wonderful, but for many people this time of year can also bring anxiety, fatigue and sadness. In this program, co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Fr. Richard Jakubik, a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago for the past 26 years and Founder/CEO of Catholic Psychological Centers in Chicago to discuss healthy ways to deal with holiday stress and make the most of the season.

Plans are underway to ensure that there are many opportunities for people to celebrate Thanksgiving with Catholic Charities staff members and volunteers. We share a meal and offer information about programs and services that can provide help and hope to our clients and their families. Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Associate Administrator Fr. Wayne Watts and Noreen Russo, Manager of the Junior Board to talk about two of the largest events this month that support our homeless and refugee neighbors.

Every year Catholic Charities supports more than 250,000 immigrants and refugees through a variety of programs and services. In this show, Marie Jochum and Michael Bare welcome Elmida Kulovic and Rebecca Hamlin Green who will share details on the current status of our Refugee Resettlement and LOOM programs. Both support refugees who have fled their homelands and are working to become as independent as possible in Chicago.

72 years ago, a group of parents who adopted children from Catholic Charities jointly held a Christmas Mass and celebration at which they brought gifts for children who had not yet been adopted. Today, that same spirit of generosity inspires Catholic Charities Celebration of Giving, a program that last year provided 25,000 Christmas gifts to children and families in need. Join Co-hosts Marie Jochum and Michael Bare as they welcome Andrew McKernin, Katherine O. Nguyen and Michele Medzigian to discuss how it is easier than ever this year to be part of this wonderful Christmas tradition.

Marie Jochum and Michael Bare debut as the new team of Co-Hosts in this special edition of The Voice of Charity. Joining Marie and Michael are Kathy Donahue, Bob Haennicke and Jerry Castellini to discuss Catholic Charities Homeless Prevention Services. Of particular concern are client needs as winter approaches, and details of the 2019 St. Nicholas Ball will be shared, as proceeds from this event will benefit children and families who are facing this terribly distressing reality.

Catholic Charities has the privilege of serving over 50,000 seniors every year. Our programs and services help seniors lead the most active, healthy, independent lives possible. Join Guest Host Brigid Murphy as she welcomes Mary Ann Bibat, Catholic Charities Vice President of Senior Social Services for an update on these vibrant programs, and a discussion about important conversations adult children often have with their parents as they age.

In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Guest Host Angel Gutierrez welcomes Home Depot executives Gary Hutchinson and Al Stermer to share a story of remarkable corporate generosity that occurred in recent weeks at the House of the Good Shepherd, Catholic Charities domestic violence shelter in Chicago. Nancy Haws, Catholic Charities Development Director for the House of the Good Shepherd also joins in this discussion that will educate listeners on this serious issue and emphasize how acts of kindness, and corporate philanthropy can have a powerful impact on the lives of people going through difficult times.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, guest host Michael Bare welcomes Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Catholic Charities Manager of Latino and University Initiatives for the Latino Affairs Department. Join us to hear Cary provide an update on the expansion of our Latino programs and services. She will describe the innovative Ibero intern program and Cary will also share details of the Ayudando Nuestra Familias, or Helping Our Families benefit at The Casino Club on October 16th.

Guest Host Brigid Murphy welcomes Stephanie Johnson and Ann Grulecki to discuss Catholic Charities government relations and advocacy efforts. Included will be details on why advocacy is important to serving our clients, and what’s on our advocacy agenda moving forward.

This past summer, Fr. Wayne Watts led a group of 57 teenagers and adults on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, his 25th annual trip spreading devotion to Our Lady and to St. Bernadette. This week’s Guest Host Noreen Russo has helped Fr. Wayne coordinate these very special trips for the past 12 years. Tune in to hear why people come from all over the world to Lourdes…and why the experience of pilgrimage is such a powerful part of our faith.

Fifteen months ago, BMO Harris contacted Catholic Charities with the goal of wanting to “grant wishes” to clients. Since then, numerous projects have been completed, and many lives have been touched by this extraordinarily generous outreach effort. Join Guest Host Marie Jochum as she welcomes Scott Freudenberger, of BMO Harris and Sarah Loffman, of Catholic Charities to share the story of all that this wonderful collaboration has accomplished thus far.

Guest Host Noreen Russo welcomes Junior Board members Brady Dearlove and Bridget Morton to update listeners on all that is being planned in the coming months for Catholic Charities Junior Board. In addition, Patricia Drott will join Noreen to discuss the upcoming Chicago HIV/AIDS Walk, and Catholic Charities involvement in this annual event.

Earlier this summer, two longtime friends and advisors in Catholic Charities Legal Assistance department were guests on the Voice of Charity show to discuss the important role volunteer attorneys play in advising our clients. Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch return to continue this conversation, with host Brigid Murphy, Director of Communications for Catholic Charities. Join us to hear some of the ways Catholic Charities has been able to help clients navigate an often complex and daunting legal system.

After 30 years of service to Catholic Charities, Monsignor Michael M. Boland recently stepped down as Administrator, President and CEO. On this program Angel Gutierrez, Vice-President of Institutional Advancement is joined by Kathy Donahue, who is now Acting Administrator, President and CEO. We hope you will tune in to learn more about Kathy’s forty years of experience at the agency, most recently as Senior Vice-President of Program Development and Evaluation and her perspective on meeting the needs of those we serve.

Like Catholic Charities, Misericordia Heart Of Mercy has a long history of serving vulnerable children and adults. Misericordia’s Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connolly, RSM has been an inspiring advocate for Misericordia residents and their families for 50 years. Her leadership has inspired tremendous growth at Misericordia, and it is based on the simple premise that every person has a right to a good life. Sister Rosemary joins Monsignor Boland to discuss how charity shapes Misericordia and Catholic Charities each day.

In May, 2018, Cardinal Blase Cupich blessed and dedicated Catholic Charities new Father Augustus Tolton Peace Center in the Austin community on the west side of Chicago. Adjacent to the center is a Peace Garden which serves as a gathering place, a “peace hub” of violence prevention programs in the neighborhood. Maryville Academy and St. Martin de Porres parish have collaborated with Catholic Charities on this endeavor and the results have been positive. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss updates on this important initiative is Sr. Catherine Ryan, O.S.F., Executive Director of Maryville.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been committed to providing comprehensive veteran services. Last year, Catholic Charities served 9,350 veterans, with two residences that are entirely devoted to the needs of veterans. In addition to housing, Catholic Charities offers case management, counseling, family support services and job training. Mitch Siegel, Director of Catholic Charities Veterans Employment Program joins Monsignor Boland to discuss the challenges veterans can face while building their careers.

In furthering the mission of Catholic Charities, multi-dimensional efforts are underway to reach more clients, volunteers and benefactors through social media. The online conversations may vary, but the message of hope that is inherent in every Catholic Charities program always stays the same. How does Catholic Charities plan to further expand its online presence? Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss this exciting time in online content and social media is Michael Bare.

For over fifteen years, Catholic Charities has been blessed to have dedicated volunteer attorneys who have been instrumental in our efforts to expand legal services for our clients. Today, we are able to offer competent legal advice and assistance on a wide range of issues and the expertise of volunteer attorneys continues to be vital to the work that we do. Longtime volunteer attorneys Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch join Monsignor Boland to discuss the significant impact volunteer attorneys have in the lives of many people.

Soon after Pope Francis was elected, he opened a shower room and a laundry facility in Rome for use by the homeless. Inspired by this initiative, last June Monsignor Boland established a similar service called the Pope Francis Ministries at Catholic Charities headquarters, 721 N. LaSalle Street in Chicago. As the anniversary of the opening of the Pope Francis Ministries approaches, Andrew McKernin and Michele Medzigian join Monsignor Boland to discuss how the program has evolved in its first year.

As one of the twenty Catholic Charities affordable residences in the Chicago area, St. Sabina Elders Village offers seniors the opportunity to live independently within a caring community of people. Staff members invite residents to participate in a wide range of activities that give them the opportunity to pursue interesting goals and enjoy spending time with one another. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss a new and very popular program at St. Sabina’s are Peter Hoy and Angela Brown.

Throughout its history, Catholic Charities has been blessed to include among its benefactors numerous members of one family. In recent years, there have been an increasing number of family members across several generations who have become involved in furthering the mission of Catholic Charities. In recognition of this exciting development, a new initiative will be started this year at the Monsignor Michael Boland Golf Invitational. This annual event will take place Wednesday, July 24th at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont. Monsignor Boland looks forward to discussing this trend with Catholic Charities Board of Advisors member Emile Johnson and his son Andrew.

Legendary photographer Ansel Adams once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Seventeen years ago, a group of dedicated volunteers became a Photo Team, embracing Adams’ thought and inviting guests of the Catholic Charities Tuesday Night Supper to learn how to become photographers in the enjoyable, transformative program called After Supper Visions. After Supper Visions is one of 158 programs Catholic Charities operates in 174 locations across Cook and Lake Counties. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss the upcoming 17th Annual After Supper Visions Photo Exhibition are Noreen Russo and Linda Roxe, members of the current Photo Team.

Catholic Charities regional offices function as local hubs where community residents can access our services. Regional Advisory Boards made up of regional residents and professionals, guide and support the operations of the offices in partnership with parishes and schools who volunteer and donate to assist anyone in need on their path to self-sufficiency. Almost five years ago, Catholic Charities recognized Chicago’s southwest side as an area of high need for families. The City-Southwest office began with roots in the communities of Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Greater Lawn, Marquette Park, Little Village and Pilsen. Marilu Gonzalez, City Southwest Regional Director and Mireya Vera, City Southwest Regional Advisory Board member joint Monsignor Boland to share more about the services and many programs coordinated through our City Southwest Regional Office.

Volunteers offer their compassion and assistance each year and without their help, we wouldn’t be able to do all that we do to help those most in need. An increasingly important group of Catholic Charities volunteers are students from local elementary and high schools in the Archdiocese. From serving as role models to the youngest of children in our child learning centers to interacting with seniors, our high school volunteers learn important life lessons that go beyond the classroom. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about our wonderful partnership with Loyola Academy is Bill Brandstrader, Missions & Father’s Network Moderator at Loyola Academy and Emily O’Donaghue, a student at Loyola Academy.

In the next 15 years, the number of Illinois seniors will rise by 36 percent. As our population ages, Catholic Charities is blessed and committed to help build a culture that honors and values our oldest members, treating them with love, compassion and dignity. In addition to our wide variety of services and programs, a Catholic Charities event many older adults look forward to each year is the Senior Unity Mass. Now in its 46th year, this special mass and luncheon wil take place on Thursday, June 13th and honors close to 300 seniors from Cook and Lake counties. Rob Boyd, Director of the Josephine Argento Senior Center and Katie Bredemann, Editor of Keenager News join Monsignor Boland to share more about Catholic Charities Senior Centers and the upcoming Senior Unity Mass.

Youth violence is a serious problem that can have lasting harmful effects on victims and their family, friends and neighborhoods. Catholic Charities Violence Prevention Programs have intervention services that address mental and emotional health, domestic violence, substance abuse, gang activity, employment and homelessness. In the past two years, Catholic Charities has expanded services in the Austin community with the welcoming of the Peace Corner Youth Center and the opening of the Augustus Tolton Peace Center. Last year, 130 youth found a safe haven at the Peace Corner. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about anti-violence programs and services is Catholic Charities Vice President of Community Development Gina Cleggs and Peace Corner Director Enrique Alonso.

We all work together to fulfill the Church’s mission to love and serve those whom Jesus entrusts to our care. Parishes are often the catalyst for bringing new Catholic Charities programs into their communities, articulating neighborhood needs and helping us establish new services. Catholic Charities has seven regional offices in Cook and Lake counties that provide volunteer opportunities for parish groups, help parish congregations learn about our services and needs, and work with us to establish and operate community-based food pantries. Mike Waters, Northwest Regional Director and Sue Geegan, Parish Ambassador for the Northwest Region join Monsignor Boland to share more about the great ways parishes partner and get involved with Catholic Charities.

At Catholic Charities, we exercise the value of compassion in action by striving to always walk alongside others by empowering, assisting and supporting rather than directing those who come to us in need. In the Gospel of Peter, we learn that God has given each of us a gift, and as good stewards, we are to use our gifts to serve one another. With the help of 15,000 volunteers, Catholic Charities is able to strengthen and support individuals, families and communities through more than 150 programs serving those most in need in Cook and Lake Counties every year. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about the benefits and impact of volunteer service is Catholic Charities Associate Director of Board Relations Marie Jochum and Catholic Charities Junior Board Manager Noreen Russo.

As Catholic Charities continues to expand its presence in the Austin community, we look to our neighbors and partners to build peaceful communities and provide help to those most in need. For decades, Chicago Police have been an integral part of providing assistance to Catholic Charities and building a strong community police partnership. Catholic Charities Regional Director of Community Relations Christie Richardson and Chicago Police Sergeant for Austin’s 15th District Jermaine Harris join Monsignor Boland to share more about Catholic Charities and Chicago police working together to offer more resources in the community.

Throughout Chicago, we see many people in need of help – one of the needs that often gets overlooked in our communities is legal assistance for low-income individuals in need. For nearly 14 years, Catholic Charities Legal Assistance program – known as CCLA – offers a wide range of legal services to low income individuals who otherwise could not afford an attorney. Joining Monsignor Boland to share more about CCLA’s holistic approach and unique ability to connect clients to a full array of social services within Catholic Charities is Director of Catholic Charities Legal Assistance department, Hilda Bahena and a member of Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Advisory Committee, John Grothaus.

Catholic Charities work at our office at 721 North LaSalle, including much of the emergency services and family stabilization support provided to individuals and families, would not be possible without the help of the Chicago Police Department’s 18th District. For decades, Chicago Police have been an integral part of providing assistance to Catholic Charities and building a strong community police partnership. Catholic Charities Program Director for Family Stabilization Services, Debra Davis and Chicago Police Sergeant Christopher Schenk join Monsignor Boland to share more about Catholic Charities and Chicago police working together to ensure safety to neighborhoods and help to society’s most vulnerable.

Each year, Catholic Charities collaborates with 400 partners and organizations to provide hope and opportunities to our neighbors in need. One organization we are grateful for is Ladder Up. For more than 20 years, Ladder up has helped people access the financial resources and opportunities needed to climb up and out of poverty. During tax season, they provide free tax preparation at four of our locations for individuals and families. Joining Monsignor Boland to share more about the importance of filing taxes and the different locations in Chicago that provide tax preparation assistance is Executive Director of Ladder Up, Christine Cheng and Special Projects Manager for Catholic Charities, Aisha Irvin.