2 minute read
From Crisis to Recovery
Catholic Charities serves needs of the community
by Wendy Glick, Executive Director
In the weeks since COVID-19 became part of our daily lives, I have found encouragement in Psalm 38: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
Catholic Charities has been doubly blessed during this crisis as we took refuge in God. While other social service agencies in our area closed or greatly limited their services, all 13 of our ministries remained open and our staff quickly pivoted to provide services with social distancing, via virtual means and with many other precautions. I am extremely proud of our staff and what they have accomplished since mid-March.
The second blessing that Catholic Charities received has been the generous response from donors and private foundations to the Our Community, Our Family - Caring for God's People special appeal. We are truly grateful for all the gifts we received that allow us to continue our important work of caring for our neighbors.
Every gift, from $5 to the $50,000 matching funds gift made by an anonymous donor, has been vital to sustaining our operations these past few months.
As we often hear on the nightly news, the economic impact of the pandemic is presenting challenges to businesses across the country. Non-profit agencies like ours are not immune to these challenges as we anticipate a long recovery.
Cash contributions to the Faithful Servant Fund continue to be the best way to make sure that Catholic Charities can address the most urgent needs within our ministries and the community. Your gift allows us to meet the needs of the hungry, homeless, poor, lonely and abused in our community.
May God’s blessings be yours in abundance for the kindness you have shown for others.
Sharing God’s Love
Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
The pantry has served more than 5,300 households and nearly 21,000 people since mid-March. We are seeing daily record highs in early July, and anticipate that access to food will remain the top need for our community in the months ahead.
Harbor House Domestic Violence Shelter
Our DV shelter provided services to more than 1,400 individuals after the Sedgwick County stay-at-home order went into effect March 25.
St. Anthony Family Shelter and Harbor House
The two shelters continued to transition clients from shelter to permanent housing.
Southeast Kansas Services
Southeast Kansas continued to provide case management despite moving their offices not once, but twice, before settling in at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac – thank you Fr. PJ Voegeli for allowing us to share space in your building.
Adult Day Services
Our adult day program was among the first organizations in Sedgwick County to have its COVID-19 Safe Start Transition Plan approved by the county. When census was low at ADS, several employees helped at other ministries, most notably Our Daily Bread.
Cana Counseling
Counseling transitioned to offering teletherapy for clients when appropriate.
Immigration Services and domestic violence outreach programs connected with all clients via telephone.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Veteran families received additional funding through the Veterans Administration, which helped them find sustainable housing for even more veterans. Traditionally, SSVF will assist about 70 veterans in the course of a year. Thanks to the additional funding, the team has already worked with 130 veterans and will add to that record number through September.
