Voice of Charity

The holiday season brings a time of joy for many families, but it can also be a time of stress and uncertainty for those who struggle to make ends meet. For over 70 years, Catholic Charities has helped children and families through our annual Celebration of Giving gift-giving program. Gifts are distributed to more than 25,000 children and families throughout Cook and Lake counties every holiday season. Not only are families blessed by these gifts, but our donors and volunteers find meaning in giving back and create a special tradition through Celebration of Giving. Marie Jochum, Associate Director of Board Relations and Mission Engagement and Melissa Dicesare, Volunteer Relations Manager join Monsignor Boland to share more.

A new generation of supporters driven by the mission of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is the Junior Board. Now in its 16th year, the Junior Board has successfully grown to more than 400 dedicated members. The Junior Board enables younger benefactors to support Catholic Charities in order to directly fulfill their service, social and spiritual missions. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about the Junior Board and the wonderful work they do is Noreen Russo, Catholic Charities Junior Board Manager and Joe Hetland, Co-Vice Chair of Catholic Charities Junior Board.

Veterans issues are frequently in the headlines, particularly stories about homelessness, joblessness, and lack of medical services. Today, with more than 22 million veterans in the U.S., the needs still remain and Catholic Charities is still there, finding new ways to support veterans and their families. Our Veterans Employment Program was created with the goal of helping veterans find and secure employment. In the past year, we’ve helped more than 9,000 veterans through support services including job training and housing. To discuss the impact of the Veteran Employment Program, Tony Kochevar, marketing and veterans outreach coordinator for Catholic Charities and Mitch Siegel, job developer for Catholic Charities Employment Program in Lake County, join Monsignor Boland for a conversation.

Teens can face intense stress and experience anxiety from a variety of family and school pressures. Catholic Charities new support group at the Tolton Peace Center in the Austin neighborhood will help teenagers combat stress, set goals, and connect with other teens for support. The new group, “Understanding Me and My Story,” will meet every Wednesday evening for seven weeks beginning November 7. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about the new teen support group is Jessica Meade, clinical manager with Catholic Charities Community Family Service Center and Hector Rivera, director of Youth and Family Therapy Services with Catholic Charities.

Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) is a free program offered by Catholic Charities that supports individuals who are impacted by suicide of a family member or person close to them. LOSS offers a safe, non-judgmental environment where survivors of suicide can openly talk about feelings and experiences. Catholic Charities educates members about the grieving process and assists with coping skills to help regain hope and strength. To share more about the LOSS program, Emily Tegankamp, Program Coordinator with LOSS, joins Monsignor Boland for a conversation.

On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. Breaking the cycle of violence has been an essential part of the services provided by Catholic Charities for many generations. Some of the programs Catholic Charities offers to those impacted by domestic violence include workshops and support groups where survivors have the opportunity to share stories in a safe and nurturing environment. Other services include assistance with specialized legal immigration services to survivors, housing, and parish ministries focused on domestic violence. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about Catholic Charities domestic violence services is Kelly Vaughan, Assistant Director Clinical Supervisor for Catholic Charities House of Good Shepherd and Stephany Ortiz, Immigration Survivors Project Specialist with Catholic Charities.

As we enter our 101st year, Catholic Charities has remained as one of the largest advocates of ending homelessness and serving the needs of low income residents of Cook and Lake counties. Since our founding, whether the economy is thriving or struggling, Catholic Charities has focused on addressing the affordable housing crisis and its impact on all populations. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about the importance of providing affordable housing and resources to sustain it is Stephanie Johnson, Director of Government Relations for Catholic Charities and Eileen Higgins, Vice-President of Housing for Catholic Charities.

Open House Chicago is a free architecture-focused event that’s open to the public at sites throughout Chicago October 13-14. For the second year in a row, Catholic Charities chapel at its 721 N. LaSalle Street location will be one of the sites the public can visit. Also, two new Catholic Charities sites have been added to the tour, they are the Father Augustus Tolton Peace Center and the Peace Corner Youth Center in the Austin neighborhood. Kristine Kappel and Christie Richardson of Catholic Charities join Monsignor Boland to share more.

Unemployment among young people continues to be high, with young African American males facing a 40% unemployment rate. For those who were recently incarcerated, finding a job can be even more difficult. Catholic Charities has several job training programs for youth all the way through our senior population. The agency’s new program, Strong Futures, works with young adults ages 18 – 24, with a particular emphasis on supporting ex-offenders in helping them obtain meaningful training and employment. Joining Monsignor Boland to talk about this new program and Catholic Charities approach to job training is Associate Vice President at Catholic Charities Gina Cleggs and Strong Futures program manager Enrique Alonso.

Catholic Charities is blessed to enjoy partnerships with parishes throughout the Archdiocese. A recent partnership with Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan has allowed for an expansion of services with the programs founded by the parish, including a domestic violence shelter for women and children, a community center, a meal program and food pantry. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss the partnership is Terri Denny, Senior Director of Regional Services and Lake County Regional Manager.

There are an estimated 50,000 new HIV infections every year in the U.S. Catholic Charities was an early responder to the HIV/AIDS crisis and continues to provide services to support those impacted by HIV or AIDS each year. Joining Monsignor Boland to discuss the challenges those with HIV and AIDS face and the services and support Catholic Charities provides is Pat Drott, program director of the HIV/AIDS ministry at the agency.

There are nearly 44 million immigrants living in the United States. In Chicago, a city built on the backs of immigrants, Catholic Charities provides many services and programs to support our immigrant population. With much in the news about immigration, Monsignor Boland invited Cary Rositas-Sheftel, manager of Latino Initatives, and Nancy Gavilanes, Director of Immigration Services at Catholic Charities to join him and share how Catholic Charities supports immigrants and help listeners understand the latest in immigration news.

One in five children in our communities is at risk of going hungry each day, and the problem is even more prevalent in the summer when children are not in school. Catholic Charities answers the call to feed our neighbor with its annual summer meal program. The program ensures children have a healthy meal in a safe location and also provides activities and nutrition education. Lupe Villaneuva joins Monsignor Boland to discuss childhood hunger and the Catholic Charities summer meal program.

Catholic Charities child development centers are safe places for children to learn and grow while parents work. The centers follow nationally tested practices and ensure children in under-served communities receive the best early childhood education. Petra Gutierrez and Derbert Plaza talk with Monsignor Boland about the experiences of children and parents at Catholic Charities child development centers.

Two years ago, Pope Francis opened the first showers for the homeless in St. Peter’s Square. As part of the agency’s Century of Hope celebration, Catholic Charities made it a priority to offer the same. Matthew Shay and Andrew McKernin talk with Monsignor Boland about the new Pope Francis Ministries at Catholic Charities St. Vincent Center.

Each year, Catholic Charities hosts several free community-based health fairs for those who do not have medical insurance and have unmet medical needs. Kate Mulvaney shares stories from previous year’s Health Fairs and information on those coming up in 2018.

Violence can impact us at every level – as an individual, as part of a family, and as a community member. Children and youth especially have a difficult time dealing with the trauma of violence in their lives. There is a strong correlation between trauma experiences and social-economic functions. Monsignor Boland and Frederica Malone discuss the effects of violence on children and services offered by Catholic Charities that aim to help.

To honor seniors in our communities, Catholic Charities hosts a Senior Unity Mass each year followed by a hot luncheon. This year, the Mass will be held at the beautiful chapel at St. Casimir on the city’s south side on Thursday, June 14. More than 300 seniors attended the Mass last year and we hope to greet even more this year. Robert Boyd joins Monsignor Boland for a conversation on the needs seniors face in our communities.

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.