Voice of Charity

Veterans Services was one of Catholic Charities first offered services when we were founded in 1917. Catholic Charities Veterans Employment Program was created with the goal of helping veterans find and secure employment. The veterans who join the program are motivated individuals either looking to pick up where they left off in their previous careers, or to find new opportunities in which they can apply their wide variety of skills. Magalie Oscar and Anthony Kochevar talk with Monsignor Boland about their experiences and work with veterans seeking employment.

When school lets out in summer, it’s important for youth to remain engaged and active in their communities. Catholic Charities has partnered with the City’s “One Summer Chicago” Summer Youth Employment Programs to help young adults, aged 16 to 24, learn workplace skills, earn money, and broaden their network and perspective of the world. Gina Cleggs and Angel Gutierrez join Monsignor Boland to talk about the opportunities available and the impact to the city at large.

More than 10 years ago, Catholic Charities began its Legal Assistance program to provide compassionate and competent legal assistance to low-income individuals of Chicago. Hilda Bahena, Director of Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department, shares more about the program and the impact it has on local communities with Monsignor Boland.

For the past 10 years, Catholic Charities has worked with Loyola University Chicago and Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico to help migrant communities. More than 100,000 lives have been impacted by these interns through the Catholic Charities programs by serving 60,000+ hours in the past decade. Joining Monsignor Boland is Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Latino and University Initiatives Manager at Catholic Charities, and Kathy Donahue, Catholic Charities Senior Vice President.

Volunteers have formed the bedrock of Catholic Charities, and volunteers are the roots of our future. As Catholic Charities winds down its year-long 100th anniversary celebration in April, we’ll be hosting one final celebratory event, the Catholic Charities Centennial Week of Service. Volunteer Engagement team members Marie Jochum and Melissa Dicesare share the upcoming opportunities and volunteer stories from over the years with Monsignor Boland.

For the past two years, Catholic Charities has been nationally recognized for its Hospital Transition program, which has reduced the readmission rates for patients at local hospitals from 19% to 8%. Catholic Charities coaches work one-on-one with patients to make sure they make their appointments, take their medication, and have the proper nutrition and care at home after a surgery or illness. To share more about the program, Director Jeremiah Royster joins Monsignor Boland for a conversation.

Catholic Charities Violence Prevention programs have recently expanded in Chicago’s west side community of Austin, an area that is plagued by gangs, drugs, crime, and violence. Gina Cleggs and Christie Richardson join Monsignor Boland for a conversation on the many causes of violence and how Catholic Charities is working to create safer communities.

Catholic Charities has youth mentoring programs in both Lake County and Chicago’s Back of the Yards community. Through these programs, adults work to provide youth with positive role experiences and serve as a friend in times of need. To share more about the program, Sarah Loffman and Viri Godinez talk with Monsignor Boland about its impact and experiences with youth.

Many people make New Year’s Resolutions to be more involved in their community and the Church. At Catholic Charities, we rely on volunteers to help us help the nearly 1 million people who turn to us. Junior Board Manager Noreen Russo and Assistant Director of Volunteer Relations Marie Jochum share the many ways to get involved.

While many of us go home to a warm house, many are either living in the cold or struggling to pay heating bills to stay warm this winter. Fitzgerald Craan and Ian Stephens join Monsignor Boland for a discussion on how Catholic Charities is often on the front line helping to ensure people have a warm place to sleep at night.

Catholic Charities is extraordinarily blessed to carry out the Gospel mission to love and serve the poor in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Monsignor Boland shares a recap of our 100th anniversary year and a look ahead at 2018.

After Hurricane Maria devastated thousands in Puerto Rico in September, the City of Chicago called on social service agencies, including Catholic Charities, to begin making preparations to welcome those seeking refuge and coming to Chicago. Angel Gutierrez, Vice President of Community Development and Outreach Services, joins Monsignor Boland to share more.

Catholic Charities has cared for seniors since our founding 100 years ago through a variety of services. Because of our work, each year 113,000 seniors in Cook and Lake counties receive support to maintain a high-quality life and live as independently as possible. Angela Reese, one of Catholic Charities Adult Day Service Site Directors, talks with Monsignor Boland to share more with us about the great services provided.

Catholic Charities Self-Sufficiency Program aids struggling families and individuals through comprehensive case management, housing, and employment services so that they can achieve self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty. Carla Gutierrez, Catholic Charities Program Supervisor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, joins Monsignor Boland to share more about the program.

The Holiday season brings a time of joy for many families. But it can also be a time of stress, especially for those who struggle to make ends meet. For 70 years, Catholic Charities has helped children and families through our annual “Celebration of Giving” gift-giving program. Marie Jochum, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Melissa Dicesare, Volunteer Relations Manager join Monsignor to share more.

Through our programs, Catholic Charities meets the needs of more than 160,000 Latinos. To talk about our Latino Affairs, Cary Rositas-Sheftel, Catholic Charities Latino and University Initiatives Manager; and Maria Vidal De Haymes, Catholic Charities Board Member since 2008 and Professor and Director of the Institute of Migration and Global Studies in Practice in Social Work with Loyola, join Monsignor for a conversation.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when we bring to light the needs of those affected by domestic and interpersonal violence. As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Catholic Charities and the House of the Good Shepherd are hoping to raise awareness and funds to assist these families. Nancy Haws joins Monsignor Boland to share more.

On October 2, Catholic Charities convened its historic 100th meeting of its board of advisors. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Monsignor Boland, and Len Wiatr, Chairman of the Board, addressed the 700-member board and audience, offering a message of hope for the future and for all those served by the agency. Mr. Wiatr joins Monsignor Boland to share highlights of the meeting.

The HIV/AIDS Pandemic has been here for more than 30 years, and is still devastating the lives of individuals, families, communities – including those right here in Chicago and in Cook and Lake counties. On Oct. 1, Catholic Charities will walk in a 5K in support of services that assist those affected by HIV/AIDS. Pat Drott joins Monsignor Boland with more details.

Open House Chicago is a free architecture-focused event that’s open to the public at sites throughout Chicago October 14-15. For the first time, Catholic Charities chapel at its 721 N LaSalle Street location will be one of the sites the public can visit. Eric Rogers of Open House Chicago and Kristine Kappel of Catholic Charities join Monsignor Boland to share more.

September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign that brings greater attention to the issue of hunger and promotes ways for individuals everywhere to get involved with the movement to solve it. This year, in recognition of Hunger Action Month, Catholic Charities is partnering with the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools, Soldier Field and the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation in an effort to help eliminate hunger in our communities.

The social safety net in the Chicago area would be much weaker without the strong commitment of faith communities to serve the poor. Parishes that support Catholic Charities act as “rich soil” that bears fruit not only in one community, but across the Archdiocese. Monsignor Boland talks with Parish Committee Outreach co-chair Dennis Brown about ways parishes currently, and can continue to, support Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities works with families experiencing homelessness to get them safely house and self-sufficient as quickly as possible. We recently partnered with an organization called Humble Design, which provides the furniture, supplies, and décor needed to make those houses homes for our families. Kathie Pointdexter, Housing Coordinator of Catholic Charities New Hope Apartments Program in Chicago, joins Monsignor Boland and shares more about the partnership.

Over the past two years, the State of Illinois has been in a state of financial crisis with no passed budget, putting funding for critical social services in jeopardy. Earlier this month, an agreement was reached and we rejoiced as a state budget was passed. But our work in advocacy is not over. Monsignor Boland talks with Catholic Charities Director of Government Relations Stephanie Johnson about what’s next.

In Cook County, one in five children is at risk of hunger. Summer meals are critically important because children who receive free breakfast and lunch during the school year may go hungry in the summer when school is out. Catholic Charities Summer Food Service Program provides free, nutritious meals to help children 18 and younger in low-income areas get the nutrition they need. Diane Nunley shares more about the program with Monsignor Boland.

During summer, large numbers of high school students search for summer jobs but few are available, especially for those from low-income neighborhoods. Catholic Charities Summer Jobs program, held in partnership with the City of Chicago’s “One Summer Chicago” program, provides youth with jobs in various positions, helping them learn the value of work and earn a little extra money. Gina Cleggs joins Monsignor Boland to share more about the program.

Veterans Services was one of Catholic Charities first offered services when we were founded 100 years ago in 1917, when the U.S. was in the throes of WWI and nearly every family had a member who was serving or had served in the military. David Dempsey and Maggie Oscar join Monsignor Boland

In Chicago, police respond to 500 calls each day with reports of domestic and interpersonal violence. Nancy Haws, Catholic Charities Director of Development for the House of Good Shepherd, talks with Monsignor Boland about how Catholic Charities currently responds to this great need and the vision for expanding and enhancing our domestic violence services through a shelter campus at the House of Good Shepherd.

Our Maternity and Adoption Services have been around as long as our agency, celebrating 100 years this year and dating back to 1917. From our very beginnings, we have welcomed women in crisis pregnancies and orphaned children to our doors as part of our mission of charity with its respect for human life. Norene Chesebro joins Monsignor Boland to talk about the department’s rich history and current services.

Since 1917, Catholic Charities of Chicago has supported all who turn to us for help through services touching almost every human need. Dalia Rocotello, Catholic Charities Director of Board Relations & Mission Engagement; and Dave Gardner, Director of Regional & Program Special Events, join Monsignor Boland to share more about our 100th anniversary and the celebrations that will be happening throughout the year.

Reports show that legal aid offices turn away more than 50 percent of those seeking help. Faced with no other options, individuals experience a disadvantage by representing themselves in court due to complex legal matters. More than 10 years ago, Catholic Charities began its Legal Assistance program to help fight this injustice. Hilda Bahena and Carolyn Trenda join Monsignor Boland to discuss the needs of clients and what the program offers.

Catholic Charities LOSS program offers a safe, non-judgmental environment where survivors of suicide can openly talk about feelings and experiences. To share more about the LOSS Program, Cindy Waderlow, Clinical Child Specialist with LOSS, joins Monsignor Boland for a conversation.

Nearly 800,000 people throughout Chicago are food insecure, and one in five children in Cook County are hungry. From Catholic Charities Nutrition Department, Tal Vanek and Diane Nunley talk National Nutrition Month and Catholic Charities WIC program for women and children.

Nearly 800,000 people throughout Chicago are food insecure, and one in five children in Cook County are hungry. From Catholic Charities Nutrition Department, Tal Vanek and Diane Nunley talk National Nutrition Month and Catholic Charities WIC program for women and children.

For many years, Catholic Charities has provided and supported people in gaining legal status in the U.S. and becoming U.S. citizens. Our Immigration and Naturalization Services program provides assistance to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents in the immigration process involving family reunification applications. Guest Nancy Gavilanes, Immigration Program Director at Catholic Charities, shares more about the program with Monsignor Boland.

Violence can impact us at every level – as an individual, as part of a family, and as a community member. The Youth and Family Therapeutic Services group at Catholic Charities provides trauma-informed and strengths-based counseling services to children and families through a variety of counseling programs. Monsignor Boland talks with guests Margaret Monahan and Frederica Malone of Catholic Charities about the program.

Our hearts are always with the homeless here at Catholic Charities but when the weather turns bitterly cold in Chicago, like it is now, homelessness becomes even more of a matter of life and death. Street to Home is just one of Catholic Charities programs that aims to end homelessness in Chicago. Done in partnership with the City of Chicago, Street to Home works with chronically homeless adults to place them in affordable, subsidized housing. Here, Monsignor discusses the program with Lashaunda Battie, Case Manager for Street to Home clients.

For more than 40 years, Catholic Charities has helped refugees resettle and call Chicago home. When refugees arrive, our Case Managers guide them through the process of adjusting to life in the U.S. for up to two years. Catholic Charities first helps them with their basic needs: securing housing and providing food, clothing, and household items. And then also applying for public benefits and obtaining employment. Each year, we resettle more than 200 refugees. On today’s show, Monsignor Boland speaks with Elma Kulovic, Program Director, and Kate Kuhn, Case Manager Supervisor, of the Refugee Resettlement Program.

Good nutrition is important at all stages of life, but is particularly critical when we are at our most vulnerable: when we are young, and when we are in our senior years. For those living in poverty, the risk of nutrition-related illnesses is greatly increased. Lunch-n-More provides meals for low-income children and seniors, made by Catholic Charities staff and planned by Catholic Charities team of registered dietitians. Diane Nunley, Associate Vice President of Special Supplemental Food Programs, tells us more about the Lunch-n-More program in conversation with Monsignor Boland.

Older adults may have difficulties finding a job in today’s market. Catholic Charities Senior Aide Employment Program offers government-funded employment and training for low-income individuals 55 years and older. Jobs range from teachers’ aides and lunchroom monitors to maintenance staff and mailing room assistants. Not only do seniors receive an income, they also develop a sense of community and purpose. Stephanie Johnigan, a program director with Senior Aide Employment at Catholic Charities, joins Monsignor Boland to share more about the program and its successes and impact on clients.

As we reflected on the past year at Catholic Charities, we took a closer look at the effects of violence on our most vulnerable clients – the children. We know that violence takes a direct toll on the physical, mental and emotional health of its victims and children exposed to violence are more likely to suffer these effects. Joining Monsignor for this conversation is Stephanie Johnson, Director of Government Relations, to further discuss the impact of violence on children and what Catholic Charities is doing to help.

The Holiday season brings a time of joy for many families. It can also be a time of stress, especially for those who struggle to make ends meet. Catholic Charities mission is to provide those in need with gifts, necessities, and joy during the holiday season. Through our Celebration of Giving, we have helped children and families for more than 68 years to have a happier holiday season. Joining Monsignor Michael Boland this week is Marie Jochum, Director of Volunteer Engagement, and Michelle Finnigan, Celebration of Giving Project Manager, to tell us more about Celebration of Giving.

On any given night more than 6,700 Chicagoans find themselves without a home or shelter bed. In a groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Science, it is revealed that when homeless prevention funds are available, an individual’s chance of becoming homeless within 6 months is reduced by 76 percent. The study was conducted by the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities at the University of Notre Dame with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and All Chicago. Joining Monsignor Boland is Jim Sullivan, Associate Professor of Economics at Notre Dame, and Noreen Russo, Program Director of Catholic Charities Homelessness Prevention Call Center in Chicago.

Every 9 seconds, a woman is a victim of domestic violence. In response to this epidemic, in 2015 Catholic Charities welcomed the House of Good Shepherd to its wide array of programs. The House of Good Shepherd supports women and children who have been victims of domestic violence by providing a safe and nurturing environment for them to heal and rebuild their lives. Joining Monsignor Boland this week is Sister Jean Kielty, Program Director of Interim Housing at Catholic Charities, to tell us more about House of the Good Shepherd and its upcoming fundraiser.

More and more seniors are remaining in institutional care, even if they are ready to transition out. Catholic Charities Colbert Program helps seniors transition out of nursing homes when they are again able and willing to live in the community, which saves seniors and taxpayers money, and allows seniors to return to society and contribute to their communities again. Joining Monsignor Michael Boland on this week’s show are Jolynne Moore, a Colbert Program case manager, and Alexis Waxman, of Catholic Charities adult protective services.

Catholic Charities New Hope Apartments program helps homeless individuals and families transition out of shelters. The program houses clients in scattered site apartments and provides case management and supportive resources as they develop skills and savings to become self-sufficient. Monsignor Michael Boland talks with Margaret Wilson, program director of New Hope Apartments, and Bernadette Muloski, Catholic Charities case worker, about the struggles and success stories of the homeless families and individuals they work with.

Every year, thousands of people contact Chicago’s 311 Call Center for help with shelter, food, mental services, and more. Catholic Charities Mobile Outreach program works with the call center to provide immediate services for those in need, in addition to linking them with long-term community help. Monsignor Michael Boland is joined by Renee Rouse, Mobile Outreach Manager, and Luiz Barbosa, Department Director of Central Intake, Family Stability to talk about Catholic Charities Mobile Outreach program.

During difficult times, many Chicago families turn to the Chicago Housing Authority as they strive for self-sufficiency. Catholic Charities works with families living in Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) buildings on Chicago’s Northside by providing “wrap-around” services to all members of the family through CHA FamilyWorks. Today, Monsignor Michael Boland is joined by Melissa Lucas, Regional Director of CHA FamilyWorks, and Gina Kleggs, Associate Vice President of Community Development and Outreach Services to talk about CHA FamilyWorks.

Guests: Derbert Plaza, Education Coordinator of Early Head Start and Diane Rodriguez, Child Care Program Director The first five years of a child’s early life are incredibly important. The brain is developing and early experiences shape the architecture of the child’s brain. Catholic Charities Child Development Centers provide high quality early childhood education and care for children from 2 to 5 years and child care for children in Kindergarten through age 12. Last year, more than 1,200 children attended Catholic Charities Child Development sites. Monsignor Michael Boland is joined by­­ Derbert Plaza and Diane Rodriguez to tell us more.

Guest: Alexis Waxman, Case Manager As we age, it can be more difficult to maintain the same level of independence. It becomes harder to care for yourself, others, and your surroundings. Catholic Charities Vulnerable Adults Reporting case managers advocate for seniors who suffer from self-neglect and are often isolate from friends, family, and important community resources. Without VAR, hundreds of seniors and adults with disabilities with be without service and fall through the cracks. Monsignor Michael Boland is joined by ­­Alexis Waxman, a case manager with VAR.