Since 1943, Catholic Charities has served the vulnerable in our community. With the support of donors, volunteers and staff, we have touched thousands of lives throughout the 25 counties of the Diocese of Wichita.
Our work has always been rooted in Catholic social teaching with a special focus on a commitment to the poor. We serve all people in need, regardless of their faith or lack of religious belief.
Counties served by Catholic Charities
Counties served through Southeast Kansas Services (SEK)
stabilizing and strengthening WE ARE THERE.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES 2024 COMMUNITY REPORT
Stabilizing and empowering
From the streets of Wichita to the southeast corners of Kansas, Catholic Charities has walked alongside people in the most need for decades. While our services may have changed over the years based on the needs of the community, our commitment to loving like Jesus has not.
As we reflect on our work over the last fiscal year, we are keenly aware that none of it would have been possible without the extraordinary support of the people who live in the communities we serve. We are genuinely grateful to our partners who shared in our mission. Their belief in the power of love sustained us, allowing us to serve over 16,000 individuals.
We are truly appreciative of the financial assistance we received last year from the Diocese of Wichita and all the years prior. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the private and public foundations and hundreds of good stewards whose generosity covers a sizable portion of the agency’s needs.
We are excited for what lies ahead and, as a reflection of God’s love, remain committed to extending compassion, providing advocacy, treating each person we serve with respect, and striving for excellence in all we do. For continuing to accompany us on our journey, thank you.
With sincere gratitude,
Traci Kennedy Executive Director
Andy Buessing Board Chair President, Hutton
16,419 adults and children
counseling were provided stabilizing and empowering services.
Expenses* * From unaudited financial reports. Figures have been rounded.
TOTAL: $12,228,790
A
Sharon walked through the doors of Harbor House. Sadly, her family was already too familiar with the shelter. Leaving is not an event; it is a process. While the children were excited, their mother’s defeated expression spoke volumes.
The Harbor House team reassured her of their safety and began assessing their needs to help them break free from the cycle of violence. "The staff made me feel safe and gave me hope," said Sharon. The resources
safe haven served through the domestic violence ministries
My advocate didn't just help me leave my situation, she was my highest form of support. She made me feel heard and validated.
SAFE PROJECT FAMILY
6,292 calls answered by the 24/7 crisis line at Harbor House
provided by Harbor House allowed Sharon and her children to regain safety and rebuild their lives.
The physical, emotional, mental, and financial strain domestic violence inflicts on individuals like Sharon, makes it incredibly challenging to move forward without the safe and confidential services that Harbor House provides.
Domestic Violence
1,800 adults and children
234 survivors and children received safety, advocacy, financial literacy and employment outreach services through the SAFE Project I was scared and uncertain of so many things. The staff have helped me overcome obstacles in my life.
441 individuals received safe shelter at Harbor House
I will forever be grateful for everything that Harbor has done for me and my children.
Thank you for being there for us when we needed it the most. As a newly single father, I don't know what I would have done without the support of St. Anthony's.
ST ANTHONY FAMILY SHELTER FAMILY
Hunger and Homelessness
553 individuals in southeast Kansas received household stabilization assistance, rent and utility vouchers, and financial literacy education through our Southeast Kansas Services
74 homeless adults
were placed in stable housing and received case management through Rapid Re-Housing
An average of
814 families
visited Our Daily Bread Food Pantry each week
63 veteran families
were provided with case management services and housing assistance through Supportive Services for Veteran Families
20.8% more food
Our Daily Bread Food Pantry provided to hungry families than the previous year
44,680 meals
were provided to families staying in Catholic Charities shelters
258 children and 155 adults
received shelter, case management, daily meals and basic necessities at St. Anthony Family Shelter
You literally saved our lives, we can't thank you enough.
RAPID REHOUSING FAMILY
13,582 hungry or homeless
adults, children and veterans were provided food, shelter or both
Home away from home
“Never in a million years could you have told me that I would have been in a shelter, let alone having my family there,” said Carl Copes.
He and his wife Yiyesha found themselves in a situation where they had never been before and were staying in their truck. They took the first step by reaching out for help. From the first day they walked in, they felt supported and reassured that things would be okay.
With the assistance of shelter staff and volunteers, the Copes family secured employment, rebuilt their lives, found a new home to call their own and are looking ahead to the future.
Finding the path to your purpose
After retiring from a fulfilling 34-year teaching career, Arlene found herself searching for a new purpose. That opportunity came through volunteering at Adult Day Services (ADS), a program that had already blessed her family by providing a place for her son, Max, to thrive.
The experience brought Arlene immense joy. She reflects, “When I can do anything to give people joy, I get joy in return. Finding my purpose at ADS fills my heart with joy.”
Enrichment
61 classroom foster grandparents spent 41,866 hours helping students in 41 early childhood programs, K-12 schools and shelters
You do amazing ministry of caring for individuals God specially created.
ADULT DAY SERVICES FAMILY
182 total participants
1,037 individuals received legal assistance through Immigration Services are enrolled in I/DD and senior programs at Adult Day Services
served through enrichment services
542 people
2,644 therapy sessions Cana Counseling provided I am beyond grateful for the blessing of having Cana Counseling available as a resource to help me and my family.
9.6% increase in participants
Adult Day Services has seen a now serving an average of 145 individuals daily
CANA COUNSELING FAMILY
Catholic Charities has helped me to grow more aware of what senior citizens can do. Working with the children makes me feel like I am doing something with my golden years.
CLASSROOM FOSTER GRANDPARENT
ST. JOSEPH PASTORAL CENTER
437 N. Topeka Street Wichita, KS 67202-2413
Serving with heart
Shiela Henning began volunteering at Our Daily Bread Food Pantry about 12 years ago and has become an integral part of day-to-day operations. She says, "Knowing that I am helping to make a difference in the lives of others brings the kind of happiness that can only come from serving—especially people who have nothing to give in return."
The ministries of Catholic Charities rely on dedicated individuals like Shiela to be the hands and feet of Jesus to people in need within our community. She has met many wonderful volunteers and patrons throughout her time at Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, each with a unique story that paints a beautiful picture of life's interesting twists and turns.
Mission Support financially supported Catholic Charities
$1,352,165 value of food and in-kind gifts donated to Catholic Charities ministries
2,784 donors + 180 individual volunteers 124 volunteer groups donated 12,068 hours of their time serving the ministries
I've always believed that we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. My hope is that everyone we serve or come in contact with will see and feel the love of Jesus through our daily work.
ANN NASH, ST. ANTHONY FAMILY SHELTER PROGRAM DIRECTOR
