Community Spirit Newsletter - Summer 2024

A Message from the Executive Director/CEO

Gerard A. Carter, Ph.D.

Our mission to serve the poor and vulnerable in the Diocese of Charlotte is only possible because of your unwavering support and generosity. Your commitment fills us with gratitude and strengthens our resolve to be the hands and feet of the Lord, helping our neighbors in need. As we look back on the past year, we are humbled by the increasing number of individuals and families who turned to us for help in the face of challenges such as job losses, rising food costs, and lack of affordable housing. Their stories of hope, resilience, and perseverance inspire us every day.

We are incredibly proud of the lives we touched and transformed, such as the family who have found refuge in our Catholic faith, practicing it freely here in Charlotte after escaping the fear and persecution of their homeland in Pakistan.

We also had the privilege of providing safety and comfort to a vulnerable woman who has found a stable home and has gained new self-confidence.

We provided a veteran who faced homelessness with necessities, a sense of importance, and care during troubling times, offering physical and mental solace.

We are truly grateful for your partnership and the opportunity to do the Lord’s work by serving the most vulnerable in western North Carolina. Your support, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.

January-April 2024

We are so thankful to our 283 dedicated volunteers, who gave an incredible 5,785 hours of service, allowing Catholic Charities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of 13,514 people so far in 2024.

Thanks to you, our services benefited:

Thank you for being the strength behind Catholic Charities and helping us bring hope and compassion to those in need. As the need for our services continues, we look forward to continuing to serve our community together with your ongoing support.

With sincere gratitude,

Gerry

Gerard A. Carter, Ph.D.

4 5 6

1,407 Children received clothing and diapers 254 Refugees resettled

117 Homeless Veterans supported

258 People participated in 858 counseling sessions

39 People now living in apartments

48 People assisted during their Transition Out of Poverty

241 People received financial assistance

388 Seniors benefited from a ministry geared toward them

9,341 People received

169,491 pounds of food and 6,425 pounds of supplies

79

Grieving families buried loved ones with dignity

Yourmadesupport it all possible. WE APPRECIATE YOU!

TOM GRIFFITHS HONORED WITH BISHOP CURLIN AWARD

The esteemed Bishop William G. Curlin Award was bestowed upon Tom Griffiths, a devoted volunteer who has supported Catholic Charities since his relocation to Winston-Salem four years ago.

Tom’s selfless service has left an indelible mark on the community. He serves as a beacon of the true spirit of charity and inspires others to emulate his example.

Catholic Charities Honors Dedicated Volunteers

Catholic Charities gathered on April 25 to honor and recognize the dedicated volunteers who embody the spirit of service and love.

See event photos. Scan the QR

The Refugee Mentoring Ministry from Saint Peter’s Catholic Church received the Fruit of the Vine Award for their exceptional assistance to newly arrived refugees in our community. Led by Martha Schmitt, this team of over 50 volunteers has exemplified the corporal works of mercy and significantly improved the lives of those facing challenges in resettlement. Their work is a testament to the power of community.

We also proudly presented Peter Fernandez with the Volunteer of the Year award for his unwavering commitment and compassionate service to Catholic Charities. Peter’s dedication to ensuring the smooth operation of our weekly food distribution and providing interpretation services for Spanish-speaking participants has been instrumental in our mission to serve those in need. His role as a mentor in our Refugee Resettlement program showcases his deep commitment to welcoming and empowering newcomers to our community.

Our volunteers are the backbone of our mission, and we are grateful for their invaluable contributions. As we celebrate 75 years of service, we are reminded that their selflessness allows us to cultivate a Vineyard of Hope for all those in need.

Catholic Charities Honors Local

Heroes for Diaper Drive Efforts

For Meagan Lyon Leimena and Alicia Heacock, diapers are not just essential for babies and toddlers. They represent hope and love for families in western North Carolina. That is why Catholic Charities was proud to present them with the 2024 Spirit of Hope Award for their incredible dedication to their organization, Babies Need Bottoms.

While some may overlook the need for clean diapers, the reality is that nearly half of American families are struggling to provide this necessity for their little ones. And while some programs aid those in poverty, none address the issue of diaper affordability.

Your Support Transforms Lives

Stories of Impact and Inspiration

Donations supporting Catholic Charities are gifts of transformation. Each gift can literally change lives, as the Catholic News Herald reports.

National Leader of Catholic Charities Calls for ‘Radical Generosity’ at Vineyard of Hope

Catholic Charities Celebrates 75 Years of Helping People in Need

Enter Babies Need Bottoms, founded in 2017. Since then, the organization has collected and distributed thousands of diapers, wipes, and barrier creams to families in need.

But its mission goes beyond simply providing diapers. It also aims to raise awareness about this public health crisis and advocate for policy changes to improve access to diapers.

Let’s celebrate the incredible work of Meagan, Alicia, and Babies Need Bottoms and recognize their selfless efforts to support families and give hope to those in need. Has Raising $105,000 So Far! Thanks to You

Hundreds of people who attended the annual Catholic Charities Vineyard of Hope event Thursday received a charge to live lives of radical generosity from Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of the Catholic Charities USA. Robinson was special guest and featured speaker for the major annual fundraiser event for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

She radiated joy when talking about the work of Catholic Charities, both in Charlotte and on the national level.

“Catholic Charities is not just another NGO – we put faith into action and we are an expression of our Catholic faith to those we serve,” Robinson said. “This agency here in Charlotte is a haven of hope for vulnerable people across 46 counties. All of the clients need help, mercy and compassion and they know they can find that at Catholic Charities.”

Read the article at ccdoc.me/ radicalgenerosity

For more than seven decades, hundreds of thousands of people have found help and hope thanks to Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.

As it launches its 75th anniversary celebrations during Catholic Charities Week (April 28-May 4), Catholic Charities continues to inspire hope and advance the Church’s mission of serving the most vulnerable among us with more than two dozen specialized services – from weekly food pantries, to help for homeless veterans and pregnant women in need, to refugee resettlement, to mental health counseling, to social advocacy and more.

Catholic Charities’ work impacts the 46 counties of the diocese through its strategic locations in Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Lenoir, North Wilkesboro, Asheville and Murphy. In the past year alone, the agency served nearly 23,000 people, distributing over 600,000 pounds of food and aiding nearly 900 refugees.

“Catholic Charities exists because of the dedicated efforts and sacrifices of thousands of volunteers, donors and staff over the past seven decades,” says Executive Director Gerard Carter. “Our commitment today is to continue that legacy of authentic, charitable ministry by living out our passion statement: ‘The love of Christ impels us to serve our neighbors in need – we cannot do otherwise.’”

Learn more at ccdoc.me/75years

Photo: Catholic News Herald

ccdoc.org

Visit our website ccdoc.org

The love of Christ impels us (II Cor. 5:14) to serve our neighbors in need (Mt. 25:31-46)–we cannot do otherwise (Deus Caritas Est, no. 25).

How You Can Help

Ready to make a meaningful difference in your community? Catholic Charities provides numerous ways to give back and lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.

Visit ccdoc.org/volunteer or scan the QR code for more information — make your time and talents count today!

Join us in our mission to serve the communities of western North Carolina and help bring hope to people in need. Your tax-deductible donations will directly impact the services we provide and the lives of those who depend on us.

Visit ccdoc.org/donate or scan the QR code for more information. Please donate today to make a real and immediate difference in the lives of others!

Newsletter from Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Summer 2024