sliding back into a life of drugs, they needed a support team in place for themselves and their two pre-teen children. So they made the decision to move to Wichita to be closer to family.
Despite being skeptical of homeless shelters, they knew moving into St. Anthony Family Shelter was better than intruding on a family member during a pandemic. Once they arrived at St. Anthony, their preconceived notion of shelter life was gone. They were pleased to see that families were in their own private rooms, rather than sleeping on cots in a common area, and that a laundry room was available. Three meals a day, snacks and hygiene products were all free. The children soon announced that St. Anthony was better than the previous place they had stayed. The parents participated in Catholic Charities’ Seeds for Success program; the father received help completing his resume and in less than a week found a fulltime job with a local construction supply company, while the mother had several job offers as well. Their case manager helped them get signed up for DCF benefits, and helped the children enroll in school. A Chrome book for the daughter and a laptop for the son were secured so they could attend school virtually. The family completed the program offered at St. Anthony in 31 days, leaving shelter with both parents employed and, thanks to assistance from Wichita’s rapid rehousing program, moved into market housing. A recent check in with the family showed the parents remain sober and employed, and the children are flourishing in school.
Docking Cruise Night means individual gifts will light the way by Wendy Glick, Executive Director in 2020, Catholic L ate Charities issued a
We were truly blessed by the generosity of those who donated during 2020, including 312 people who made first-time gifts to
number of families in our community. Now, more than ever, Catholic Charities is relying on charitable gifts to be the light that lifts the darkness for these families.
We pray for that generous For the first time in nearly nature to remain strong in 2021 30 years, one of Wichita’s as the crisis is not yet over. The premier galas did not happen long-term economic impact of in February. the pandemic continues to cast CONTINUES INSIDE... a dark shadow over a growing
SPRING 2021
challenge and the community generously responded, allowing the organization to receive $60,000 in matching funds for our Be the Blessing annual Christmas appeal.
Catholic Charities at the end of the year. We have long believed that people truly want to help others during times of crisis, and that belief was reaffirmed for us throughout 2020.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
18 months of sobriety, this A fter married couple knew that to avoid
CONNECTIONS
Homeless family finds new start in Wichita
