Voice of Charity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.