2 minute read
As 2020 winds down, a mix of gratitude, concern for growing need
By Wendy Glick, Executive Director
I’ve heard a lot of people say 2020 stinks. Their tired of dealing with COVID-19, with wearing masks, of all the political ads. They're tired of trying to get whatever the latest “hard to find” item is – remember the rush on toilet paper? They are worn out worrying about when the economy will recover. They can’t wait for this year to be over.
No one can deny that we’ve all been through a lot this year. I suspect that many are experiencing, to some extent and probably for the first time in their lives, what daily life is like for our neighbors who struggle to feed and shelter their families. Neighbors who have to decide between purchasing food or paying the electric bill. Neighbors who live with the uncertainty of not knowing when their abuser will become violent again.
Despite the challenges of 2020, Catholic Charities has much to be grateful:
- Our in-person Cruise Night gala occurred before the pandemic limited large gatherings, and the community has continued to support us.
- We have been able to help people in need, even when many other social service agencies were not able to operate in their facilities and ensure COVID safety measures were practiced.
- We have added technology and new activities that will continue long after a vaccine for COVID-19 becomes available, improving our level of program excellence.
- We are serving more people than ever before.
And that is stretching our budget like never before. On top of that, at a time when we need more dollars to provide assistance to more people, we are receiving less funding from both the United Way and the Diocese of Wichita. Adding to our financial concerns, our fee-for-service programs are generating less revenue, meaning we have significantly fewer dollars to support other ministries.
That is why we are relying even more on the generosity of donors like you. We need your continued charitable support as we face the daunting responsibility of serving many, many more people throughout the Diocese.
Families and individuals in our community count on Catholic Charities to help them. Your gift to the Faithful Servant Fund allows us the flexibility to help where the need is the most urgent. We pray you will help us have the resources to serve the greatest number of people possible in our community.
Gratefully,
Wendy
Wendy Glick, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocsese of Wichita
