SC Ministry Foundation 2013 Annual Report

..five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are those for so many?

2013 A n n ua l R eport

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish;

but what good are these for so many?”

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ne can understand why Andrew was a little skeptical when he made this statement to Jesus with a crowd of 5000 to feed. Prior to Andrew’s statement, Philip was being tested by Jesus who asked him, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” Philip had answered Jesus, “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.”

Jesus asked to have the people recline on the grass. “Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed the loaves to those who were reclining, and almost as much fish as they wanted. When they had their fill, Jesus said to the disciples, ‘Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.’ So they collected them, and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat.”

Barley was much cheaper than wheat and coarser than wheat bread. The boy who had the loaves and fish more than likely was living in poverty or was more economically disadvantaged than most of the people. And yet, it was this boy who had less than most who is the one willing to share his food.

One can surmise that he believed he had something to be shared that could benefit those who were hungry and he did not hoard or even eat what he wanted first. Was Jesus multiplying the food from one person in poverty to feed, satisfy, fill and create abundance for thousands of people? Could the boy understand hunger better than others because he knew hunger?

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Do we often underestimate and limit the resources and gifts of those in our community and society, especially those in poverty? Do we act as those who live in poverty have God-given gifts and assets and deserve to have their potential maximized, whose human flourishing contributes to our Church and community’s flourishing? Do we believe that above all, with God’s help, our needs can be met, or instead do we, like Philip, look to buy enough first?

At times, are we afraid or feel inadequate or foolish questioning systems and structures that marginalize and oppress those in poverty? We are all sinners in what we do and fail to do. At times, do we collude in systems that keep people hungry, living in unsafe housing, denied of primary health care that is effective and efficient? Do we collude in systems that keep immigrants from a pathway to citizenship, after years of contributing to social security and taxes? Is an immigrant’s inability to earn enough to support their family in their country of origin because of trade agreements with the United States that also contribute to harming our environment and global home?

We all have hungers: loneliness, self-sufficiency, independence, seeking status, power or glory, trying to earn a love already freely given, never quite believing we are forgiven, or lacking the vision or insight to see that God can work through ordinary people to provide miracles. Are we like the disciples in that we are so focused on physical hunger that we cannot imagine or see the Bread of Life asking us to recline, to trust, to be open and receptive, to bring and share our hungers, and to be fed and satisfied?

Our Christian story is always one of hope and not despair, abundance and not scarcity, flourishing and not limitation, cherishing creation and all we have as totally a gift from God, not earned and not ours. Our fragmented lives can come to wholeness and abundance and contribute to bringing about the Reign of God! We thank the organizations that we have had the privilege to partner with this past year for their focus on evidence-based best practices that change conditions and behaviors or prevent negative changes in conditions and behaviors so the people served are given the dignity they deserve and can flourish and contribute to the common good.

Our annual report focuses on men, women and children living in poverty. Their stories feed our souls and hunger if only we are willing to recline, trust and believe that Jesus feeds multitudes and is food for the hungry. Let us take a few minutes to learn and benefit from their stories and to know our need of God. These gifted and treasured people can help multiply our compassion, justice and love. As the Jesuit priest says at Mass before we receive the Eucharist, let us become what we receive.

S. Sally Duffy, SC President and Executive Director SC Ministry Foundation

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A r c h d i o c e s e o f C i n c i n n at i

“Because of Mayra, we are able to communicate – Noe Perez better and understand more.”

Cincinnati, Ohio Latino Outreach for Catholic Schools

Perez Family

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n 2011 the Archdiocese of Cincinnati launched an initiative to enroll more Latino students in Catholic schools. SC Ministry Foundation provides significant support of the Latino Outreach program and its coordinator, Mayra Alza. Mayra’s efforts with parents, teachers, children, principals, and priests have resulted in a 24 percent increase in Latino student enrollment in Catholic schools since the program began two years ago. One of the schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati that serves many Latino families is Holy Family School in the Price Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati. Sisters of Charity S. Mary Marcel DeJonckheere, S. Peggy Rein, and S. Joan Wessendarp served this past year at Holy Family School.

One of the families that Mayra has assisted is the Perez family who are vibrant members of Holy Family Catholic Church. About seven years ago, Noe and Adelina met a few friends and family members from Guatemala who had started meeting at a house for a prayer group. Eventually, they met Fr. Samuel Gonzalez, who started meeting with the group and invited them to Holy Family. Noe and Adelina joined the parish and because of the people they met, decided to enroll their children at Holy Family School. Jimena, a sixth grader and Johnny, a third grader, have thrived and made friends. Mayra is dedicated to making sure that new immigrant families like the Perez family are invited and welcomed into Catholic schools. “We are really thankful and happy with the support Mayra gives us,” says Noe. “Because of Mayra we are able to communicate better and understand more. Mayra is doing an excellent job. I am very grateful not only for the support as parents but also for the kids. Her charismatic personality is really good for the kids too.”

Noe and Adelina decided to go to Holy Family to become part of the community and the Catholic Church. They also value the religious aspect of Holy Family School. “We want our kids to learn everything about God, and to learn the prayers of the Catholic Church,” explain Noe and Adelina.

Children at Holy Family School in Price Hill sha re an activity with Latino Outreach Coordinator Mayra Alza (left) and Sister of Charity volun teer S. Joan Wessendarp, SC .

What do you see as your children’s gifts and strengths?

Adelina: There are many gifts of my children. Jimena likes to sing, does well in school, and wants to be a doctor and someday play the guitar. Johnny loves music, wants to play the drums, and someday wants to be a police officer. They both like to pray. They initiate the prayers at home and before bed and always make sure we do. If Johnny forgets, he says he doesn’t sleep at night. Aaron, who just turned four, likes to be around other kids, he likes to share, he plays and smiles a lot. He smiles a lot, and even more when he knows we’re talking about him.

What is the meaning of “gift” to you?

Noe: For me, it is like a gift from God that is for you. God gives so many gifts to all of us. But we need to know how to discover those gifts. We need to learn to discover those through prayer. It’s related to John 4:10, when Jesus meets a woman. He says “If you knew who was asking for water, you would ask him and he would give you water.” It is a conversation with Jesus, and she doesn’t know it is Him. If we knew what God wants to give us, and we ask God for that, then we will receive. That is the idea of gift.

What do you think your gift is to the What is the gift you are sharing with them community? through Holy Family School?

Noe: We came here to support this community so that Adelina: We believe we are giving them a better future.

We are giving them a better education, and we see them as being, in a sense, good faith leaders because of the religious education they get here. They are learning through their faith, religion, and the Bible that in the future they will be able to spread the Gospel and word of God to the community, for their own families and their community.

our children can better themselves with the support from the community as well.

Jimena: We can support new families in coming here and bring in new families to the parish and the school and bring more families to the community. I think that I am good to my friends. They treat me good as I treat them. We thank everyone in the community for all their support. We thank Mayra for being very good with all the families. She is really nice with all the kids. We love her because she is so good with all the families.

Latino families at Holy Family School enjoy the su pport of Mayra Alza, Latin o Outreach Coordinator for th e Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

Lord, may our children respond to your call to be future faith leaders who will spread the Gospel. May we share our financial resources as a faith community so that desiring parents and guardians may realize their hopes for their children to learn everything they can about God. 5

Ca t h o l i c e x t e n s i o n Chicago, IL Hispanic Lay Leadership Program

Eduardo “Eddie” Cabrera

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atholic Extension is a national fundraising organization committed to supporting and strengthening poor mission dioceses across the United States. In 2012 Catholic Extension launched the Hispanic Lay Leadership Program to create salaried lay leadership positions in communities where Hispanic Catholics are present in large numbers. SC Ministry Foundation has provided funding for this program since its inception.

Eduardo “Eddie” Cabrera is currently one of the participants in the Hispanic Lay Leadership Program. Eddie emigrated from Mexico to the U.S. when he was eight years old. His new life in the U.S. provided Eddie’s first encounter with God and with the Catholic Church. Eddie was reluctant to become involved in the Catholic Church in eastern Tennessee, where things were different from his home country and where he experienced discrimination. A diocesan priest and Eddie’s parents encouraged Eddie to join youth ministry.

Being part of youth ministry was a pleasant surprise and Eddie soon realized God was calling him to be something more. He took up leadership roles among his peers, led retreats, gave talks, and coordinated youth events. Through the encouragement of the Catholic women religious in his parish, Eddie later began working with Hispanic youth, helping them discover what it means to be a young Hispanic in America and a young Hispanic Catholic discovering faith and enrichment in the Hispanic culture.

Through the Hispanic Lay Leadership Program, Eddie is currently getting support to complete a four-year Bible program from the University of Dallas.

This year Eddie will go to the Catholic Extension Annual Orientation Program to receive training in collaborative pastoral planning, participate in round-table discussions, and attend the annual National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM) conference.

“God gave me a gift. I am in the exact moment and exact place to carry out his will to grow and reach out to youth and help them grow.”

– Eddie Cabrera

photos courtesy of Catholic Extension

Eddie describes his journey as one of self-discovery. His work is a mix of mentoring, pastoral work, traveling to meet with Catholic leaders and youth, and listening to the dreams of young Catholics and their desires for building the church. Eddie assists with programs that create faith communities for Hispanic youth to call home.

What do you see as your gifts and talents?

I have strong leadership skills and I am able to carry out projects in a timely manner. I have great people and interpersonal skills. I have always been told that I take extra time to listen to people all the way through. With the youth, I can be very charismatic, relate to them, and explain things in a manner that they understand and enjoy.

I had a kidney transplant six years ago, and my mom was the donor. During that time, I matured in my faith and my relationships with others, the church, and God. The doctors basically told me they would keep me alive as long as they could, but I now have a new lease on life. I am reminded that God gave me a great gift. I am in the exact moment and exact place to carry out his will to grow as a person myself and reach out to youth and help them grow, allowing them to have that encounter with Christ that yields the joy of being Catholic, especially Hispanic Catholic.

Eddie and his family

How did Catholic Extension help you realize and build upon those gifts and talents?

Catholic Extension is helping me build a very strong foundation. My studies in the Bible program are giving me a personal encounter with Christ, the clarity to share the Gospel, and the empowerment to reach out to other people who may be struggling in their faith.

Eddie enjoys sharing his faith and having fun through youth ministry.

Catholic Extension has enabled me not only to reach out, but to enrich all the gifts I have. I feel more complete.

It’s like having a coach – they give you the material and programs, but when you are done – it’s you getting ready for the game. It’s very exciting.

I am looking forward to the training onsite. I feel like I will have a better understanding of what the church is as a whole, and I want to be able to pass that on to the youth. I want to give youth the sense of ownership so it’s not just about “church” or the Pope in Rome, but it is our church and what we do with it – our dreams, our hopes, and our wants. The programs teaching faith formation, leadership skills, and interpersonal skills make my job so much easier to go out and share this with people.

How are you using your gifts and talents for others and in the community?

Because of everything I have been given up to this point, and the gift of both cultures, I feel like I am standing in the middle, with arms wide open into both cultures, bringing people and the community together in the church. .

Lord, You give us the grace to lovingly and justly respond to discrimination, hurt and hatred. Help us to integrate our experiences and compassionately atten d to the needs of others and to always give thanks to You. 7

D e Pa u l C r is to R e y H i g h Sc h o o l Cincinnati, Ohio Mission Advancement

Will Moore

D “..when I was younger, people would do something so little but it impacted me.

I can do that now. ” – Will Moore

ePaul Cristo Rey High School opened in the fall of 2011 as the first new Catholic high school in Cincinnati in over 50 years, and as the newest sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati – whose foundress, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, began the first free parochial school in America. The school’s mission is to provide affordable, Catholic, college preparatory education to families with financial need. As a member of the national Cristo Rey Network of high schools, DePaul Cristo Rey uses an innovative Corporate Work Study Program that allows students to contribute to the cost of their education. Sisters of Charity are involved in many volunteer roles at DePaul Cristo Rey: S. Janice Ernst volunteers as a receptionist; S. Dorothy Englert tutors students in Math; and S. Nancy Bramlage, S. Brenda Busch, S. Barbara Hagedorn and S. Catherine Kirby serve on the Board of Directors. As a start-up venture, DePaul Cristo Rey has received significant support from SC Ministry Foundation.

Will Moore, a student from the Westwood neighborhood of Cincinnati, is beginning his Junior year at DePaul Cristo Rey. Will is enrolled in all honors classes and was a member of the track team last spring. During his freshman year, Will’s Corporate Work Study placement was with the Cincinnati law firm Keating Muething and Klekamp. Will enjoyed this experience because the staff helped him feel at home and connected. “Working at a law firm wasn’t as rigid as what you see on TV,” Will explains. Will compiled mailings, delivered packages, set up meetings and did data entry. The experience helped Will learn a lot about civil cases.

As a sophomore, Will worked at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. He loved this work experience because of the positive people and the research he accomplished for the development department.

During the summer Will works at ArtWorks painting murals around the city. Will likes to skateboard, help his mother out, and be a good role model for his two younger sisters. He also volunteers in the community at the nonprofit WordPlay. Will admits that he is competitive but he also likes peaceful meditation time doing things like photography and walking in the woods. Will plans to study industrial design in college.

What do you see as your gifts and strengths?

I think my gift to community is through teaching, even though I don’t want to be a teacher. I volunteer at WordPlay in Northside, the neighborhood where I went to grade school. WordPlay helps kids with art, writing, and literature. Sometimes I pick up my sisters after school and we go there. I’m giving back to the community. It is weird how when I was younger, people would do something so little but it impacted me. I can do that now. I don’t feel like my strengths are unique. I think everyone has the same strengths; it’s whether you use them. Actually I don’t think I have strengths—I just use what I have to help and give to other people.

Will with his supervisor, Kathy, at his first work study job at Keating Muething & Klekamp.

How do you use your gifts in the different settings of work, school, and home?

I feel like I am a hard worker. I try my best to get stuff done as quickly as possible. I feel like my dedication is my gift at work. Usually I don’t realize I’m doing it until someone says something. I just do it. It’s natural.

I think I contribute a lot in class. I ask a lot of questions in class. I like to start discussion. Friendswise, I try to be someone people can talk to. No matter how intelligent you think you are, you can always learn from somebody. So, I like listening to people. I like to make people laugh too.

At home, I’m the only male in the house and I’m a big brother. I help my mom out the best I can and do my chores without her telling me. I have two sisters and I take care of them after school. I hate taking the bus, so I walk or skate everywhere.

How would you like to give back in the future?

Hopefully in the future, I can give back with more artistic means, and with more than just paintings. I want to fix up a park or revive something that’s been dead for many years. I was skating through Price Hill recently and I saw a playground that was messed up. I want to fix that up so there’s something that kids can do. Kids have free time, and instead of doing anything dumb, I want them to have something to do.

Will shares conversation with Sister of Charity voluntee r S. Janice Ernst, SC.

Will enjoys hanging out with his friends and being part of the DPCR Bruins Track team.

Lord, you have taught us not to focus on scarcity, but to believe in and look for abundance. Help us to see in the faces of all your broth ers and sisters the gifts, assets, dignity, resources, and the capacity to bring abou t the Reign of God. 9

J e s u i t R e t r e at C e n t e r Cleveland, OH Caring for the Caregiver Retreat

Patty Kolman

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he Jesuit Retreat House is located in Cleveland, Ohio where S. Mary Ann Flannery, SC ministers as executive director. The Jesuit Retreat House provides a sacred setting for retreats and programs of growth and development for people in the contemporary church and society. The annual Caring for the Caregiver Retreat is a unique program for those caregivers who serve the homeless, people living in poverty, or populations who are vulnerable, to experience a day of respite from their day to day activity. The retreat serves to enhance the time, longevity and productivity for the caregiver to continue to provide a strong commitment of service to those in need.

SC Ministry Foundation supports the Caring for the Caregiver Retreat, which has resulted in notable positive outcomes. Agencies that participated in the retreat reported that positive behaviors (e.g., listening more, more attentive to individual’s needs, enhanced positive verbal and nonverbal interactions) were observed from 100% of the staff and volunteers who attended.

Patty Kolman, a community liaison for Holy Family Hospice since 2007, is a past participant of the Caring for the Caregiver Retreat. Patty began her career in the medical profession as a special procedures technologist and a member of the level-one trauma team at St. Vincent Charity Hospital. Ten years later she worked as a senior consultant for a medical imaging company before transitioning back into healthcare at Holy Family Hospice of Cleveland.

Patty educates and advocates for end-of-life issues for patients, families and the community, and ministers to people of all faiths, cultures and race. She provides compassionate care that addresses the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of each individual and supports families and friends in their grief journey during and after the passing of their loved one.

“Spending a day listening to other medical professionals and caregivers exchange stories gave me the opportunity to find the value in the difficult nature of our work.”

– Patty Kolman photos courtesy of Jesuit Retreat Center

What do you see as your gifts and strengths?

Resilience, compassion, faith.

How did the retreat help you identify your gifts?

As human beings we are quick to find our faults versus finding our strengths. Spending a day listening to other medical professionals and caregivers exchange stories gave me the opportunity to find the value in the difficult nature of our work.

During my reflection I discovered my work on the trauma team gave me an opportunity to witness death from a different perspective than how I witness death in Hospice.

Although difficult to view death from the traumatic sense, it was a wonderful training ground and prepared me for Hospice. I see the beauty, profound love and immense joy when an individual and their family can complete their relationships and help the dying person transition physically and spiritually at the end of life.

burdens, release our emotions, and draw inspiration from our fellow attendees. By vocalizing our “double duty” roles we realized how important it is to take care of ourselves so we can continue on as compassionate, loving people. It was safe and comforting to identify with fellow participants in a quiet, dignified manner.

How do you see your gifts helping you care and have compassion for others?

I am in a vocation many people view as depressing or sad.

My resilience, compassion, and faith allow me to never tire of the emotion. I view each family as a different and unique story. Some stories are easier than others, but it is an honor to be a part of each one. There is no greater reward than a peaceful death or a family member giving you a tearful, heartfelt thank you for being their strength when they needed it.

Additionally, at the retreat we participants concluded that we don’t spend “quiet time” each day to still our minds and hearts. We took time at the retreat to meditate, pray and reflect. I left the retreat with such peace and now take time each day to reflect and pray — which is not always easy in our busy day!

The retreat increased my level of acceptance that we cannot always achieve our goals for our patients and have to accept our limitations. Through our group discussion we discovered that all of us are not only caregivers at work, but caregivers at home. Some of us have more challenging caregiver roles at home than others. It was during this conversation that we were able to share our

S. Mary Ann Flannery, SC serves as executive director of the Jesuit Retreat Center.

The Caring for the Caregiver retreats give Patty renewed strength to care for patients at Holy Family Hospice.

Help us to know and recognize our strengths an d gifts. God, may we alway s rely on Your strength and grace. For through You our diminishment and inadequacies can feed a multitude and peacefully sustain all of us.

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P e o p l e w o r k i n g co o p e r at i v e ly Cincinnati, Ohio Home Repairs

Charlie

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eople Working Cooperatively (PWC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners by providing critical home repairs and maintenance services to help them stay safely in their homes. A recent evaluation conducted by The Cadmus Group, Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, and The Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati shows that People Working Cooperatively is increasing the property values of the homeowners they serve, while strengthening the local community at the same time. On average, homes served by PWC have a sale price value of 10 percent greater than a home not serviced by PWC. SC Ministry Foundation has supported PWC since 2007. Many of the homes serviced by PWC are in the Price Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati.

Comprehensive community development in Price Hill is a strategic focus of SC Ministry Foundation.

Two homeowners who recently received assistance from PWC were Price Hill residents Charlie, a U.S. military veteran, and his wife Donna. Charlie is an active community member who cares especially about children and believes they are the hope and future for the community. He has invested time, energy, and creativity into making the neighborhood an ideal one for children and all to thrive. Charlie and Donna, along with friends, have hosted street parties by grilling out and setting up games for neighborhood kids.

About six years ago Charlie learned that he had health problems because of Agent Orange exposure during his time in the U.S. military in the Vietnam War. Charlie worked hard all his life and had plans of renovating and restoring his home in Price Hill, but because of the physical limitations of his condition, Charlie and his wife found themselves struggling to carry out those plans.

“The Lord has worked through me, my wife and my church. He will work through anybody if you let Him.� –Charlie

At a local Veteran Affairs meeting, Charlie learned about People Working Cooperatively. PWC came to Charlie’s home and was able to complete several projects that have given Charlie a higher quality of living, enabling him to stay in his home and neighborhood.

These home repairs have allowed Charlie to continue to work in the community as a faith leader, husband, father, and neighbor. Charlie and Donna have even opened their doors to people who need recovery or respite, and who might otherwise be out on the street.

Small church groups gather in Charlie’s home, where they build leadership and skills that help develop faith leaders for the community.

Since you are able to stay in your home, what does it mean to others/people in the neighborhood?

I am open and friendly and I greet everybody as individuals. Regardless of race, religion, or color, I treat everyone the same. I am working in the community doing whatever I can do to help people. I have a lot of faith in children. If you can get children early enough and teach them about the Lord, it changes everything.

If we give to them, they will give to others, and this will spread like wildfire. You may not see it right away, but the Word says “it will not come back void.” The Lord has worked through me, my wife and my church. He’ll work through anybody if you let Him.

What is the gift of your presence in this house for family, neighbors, and others?

It has actually brought my family closer together. It has made a difference in their lives, and now in their communities, they are doing some of the same things I

am doing. For example, we hire kids for five dollars an hour to help us with our yard work on a weekend. We’re simple people; we don’t have to “keep up with the Jones,” but we can give back in small ways.

Our church helped four kids three years ago go to prom who would not have been able to. We helped them rent tuxes and buy dresses and flowers. One of the girls we helped is now in college. We’d gather around, put our money together, and go out and do it. We gathered thirteen baskets for Thanksgiving one year. We would take it to people who needed it, say it was a gift from God, and thank them. We would simply leave a card in it.

If I am feeling a little better than I have been, we plan on having another street party. Our freezer is stocked with frozen hotdogs. We are making plans for a grill-out, music, and creating the space for the neighborhood kids to just sit and talk.

How do you extend the gift of your home to others?

This is a safe house. And by being here, people know it is a safe house. We’ve had people use it as a safe house already. We teach here and build leadership skills here so they can help the community as well.

PWC staff met with Charlie and Donna to determine what repairs were needed in their home.

Due to the repairs completed by PWC, Charlie and Donna are able to stay comfortably in their home and give back to their community.

Jesus trusted a boy, a child , to share his loaves and fi shes and many were fed.

Let us teach our children abou Jesus through our words t and our actions. May we open our minds, hearts, and homes and share our gifts and financi al resources so children may thrive and flourish. Lord, our resources are a gift from You. Help us to share those with others.

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“I believe so much in what I’m doing that it makes uncomfortable circumstances bearable.”

ProKids Cincinnati, Ohio Building Blocks: Birth through Five

– Mimi Mosher Dyer Mildred ”Mimi” Mosher Dyer

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roKids is an organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in Hamilton County, Ohio who – through no fault of their own – are in the child protection system. ProKids trains and supports community volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASA volunteers are required to take 30 hours of intensive training that enable them to work closely with magistrates in the juvenile court system. ProKids is recognized nationally as a best practice – 85 percent of children served by ProKids now live in a permanent, safe, family home.

SC Ministry Foundation has supported ProKids since 2004 with this year’s grant supporting the Building Blocks: Birth through Five program. Sister of Charity S. Joan Carole Schaffner serves on the advisory committee for the Building Blocks program. “Every child needs someone to stand up for them and ProKids fills that need,” shares S. Joan Carole.

One of the CASA volunteers at ProKids is Mildred “Mimi” Mosher Dyer.

Mimi first heard about Court Appointed Special Advocates in 1989 when she was working in Washington, DC and volunteering with an organization that served children. Since she was a political science major in college, Mimi was intrigued with making an impact in the court system.

Years later, after Mimi had moved home to Cincinnati and became the mother of five daughters, she heard about ProKids. She decided to become a CASA volunteer to work with the children in need of a better home. In addition, Mimi actively fundraises for ProKids and serves on the annual campaign committee.

S. Joan Carole Schaffne r, SC (right) consults wit h Charlotte Caples, CASA Volunteer Program Director for ProKids.

What do you see as your gifts and strengths?

I am a very organized person. I like to write lists and cross them off as I get things done. I am also an artist, and I feel like the creative part of me sees beauty in most things, so I can see the beauty in situations. For example, I see the love the grandmother has for the child I’m working with – more than her difficult living conditions. The creative part of me sees things a little differently than other people – usually in a positive way. I also had a diverse education, and that helped me learn to get along with all kinds of people, to communicate effectively, gather information, and help families in crisis. Obviously I love kids (I have five!) and as a political science major I’ve always been interested in the legal system. Finally, it takes a lot of energy to make this service a priority and make time for it.

At left, ProKids Execut ive Director Tracy Cook lea ds discussion with a group of volunteer CASAs. Below, Mimi meets wit h ProKids staff.

in the lives we are serving. Overall, I am much more connected to my community.

I believe so much in what I’m doing that it makes uncomfortable circumstances bearable. The training stresses that. My norm is not their norm, and its never going to be. Finding a permanent, safe and nurturing home for every child is our goal.

How are you extending your gifts to others?

How did ProKids help you develop your skills and gifts?

I see a lot of people every day and I am always spreading the word that there are a lot of kids in foster care that you would never know. I am helping by spreading the awareness to my “group of people” and beyond. As one of my friends said, “Your commitment and passion to ProKids has bubbled over!” She shared that she was glad to see that I had shifted to raising money. She said that it is genuine, a part of my existence, and the way I am adding to ProKids.

ProKids has given me the avenue to build on these characteristics that I have had forever, but have not tapped into as much. In the community, my world has grown exponentially. Not only because of resources, but the relationships I have developed with people, CASA families, and development work. I never thought I would be asking people to give money, but it is easy now and second nature. I truly believe we are making a difference

It has made me feel worthwhile in a community-driven sense. I remember when I was with my first family on a Saturday. One of the children asked me if I had to work on Saturdays. They were surprised to find out that this is not my job. I explained that I was lucky enough to get them and be with them. Then the oldest sister looked at me and said, “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us.” I have gotten a lot out of this experience.

Lord, help us to be ever mindful of the ways that our time, talent, treasure and energy can benefit others. Help us to move into action and volunteer to help and to witness your creative love in the lives of others.

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Seton High School Cincinnati, OH Tuition Assistance

Colleen O’Brien

S “Seton is a community.

Here we are unified and there’s a sense of togetherness.”

– Colleen O’Brien

eton High School is a college preparatory Catholic high school that excels academically and develops a diverse population of young women for a life of faith, service and leadership. Seton was founded by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati in 1853 and has continued as a sponsored ministry for 160 years. Many Sisters of Charity served this past year at Seton, including: S. Mary Kay Bush, S. Sandy Howe, S. Jeanine Marie Holthouse, S. Marie Irene Schneider, S. Mary Dolores Schneider and S. Teresa Dutcher. Sisters also serve on the board and in other volunteer capacities including: S. Sally Duffy, S. Patrick Ann O’Connor, S. Annette Marie Paveglio, S. Thelma Schlomer, S. Mary Jo Gasdorf, S. Barbara Hagedorn, S. Kathryn Ann Connelly and S. Catherine Kirby. One of the many programs supported by SC Ministry Foundation at Seton High School is the Tuition Assistance Program that helps make a Seton education possible for young women.

Colleen O’Brien is a 2013 graduate of Seton High School, an accomplishment made possible by the Tuition Assistance Program. Colleen earned many notable accomplishments during her years at Seton including perfect attendance and recognition on the honor roll each quarter. Colleen’s artistic talent was recognized with the Gold Key award from the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition for her self portrait in broken glass. Colleen also served as vice president of the National Art Honors Society and utilized her skills in art to lead many volunteer efforts in her community.

Colleen plans to study archeology, anthropology, or art at the University of Cincinnati (UC). She says her parents are very supportive and even though they cannot fund college, they have helped her to apply for jobs, calculate her financial needs, and navigate the loan process. Colleen will be the first one in her family to go to college.

One of the reasons Colleen liked Seton so much is because many of her friends also received tuition assistance and could relate to her background. “It doesn’t faze us how much we each have. Seton is a community. Here we are unified and there’s a sense of togetherness,” Colleen says.

What do you see as your gifts and strengths?

I think one of them is helping others. I’ve always had the ability to understand, even though I may not have gone through the same thing as my friends. I care about what people are going through and the emotions they are feeling. I have a lot of empathy. I have the ability to give my full attention to my friends and to whatever I’m doing.

Another one of them is my artistic ability. In grade school I realized it, but it really hit me when in art class the teacher asked us to draw a picture of our hand from upside down, and my hand really looked like my hand. I like realistic paintings, and I like to share and explain my art.

I get excited about expressing my creativity. I especially like to paint, and I like my painting to change with my feelings and with the seasons and the weather.

S. Marie Irene Schneider, SC (right) and S. Mary Kay Bush, SC distribute the Eucharist to Colleen and her classmates.

How have you used your gifts at Seton and in the community?

With art, I helped with the history department mural, which is going to be at Seton forever. I have been part of the Price Hill holiday window painting contest, created a mural in Holy Spirit Center in Clifton, painted rain barrels at the Cincinnati Zoo, and painted the worker’s hallway at the Reds’ Stadium. I helped with vacation Bible school for St. Teresa of Avila for two summers and helped with science camp at Seton one year. I have also worked in the face painting booth at the St. Teresa of Avila Festival.

With my gift of helping others, I talk to a lot of my friends and help them. We gather about seven in the morning in the commons and talk to each other. If someone is sad, we talk and help each other out.

How do you want to use your gifts in the future?

College has always been a goal of mine. I am aspiring to get my PhD. I like school and I like waking up early – I’ve been doing it since kindergarten. I definitely want to be more involved in clubs and study groups at UC. The more involved I am the more I will get to know people and develop relationships and friendships.

I have always had an idea that I would paint a house with bright colors. Everything seems so dark and dreary sometimes. I live in Western Hills where the houses seem to have more earthy colors. One time I went on a Cincinnati scavenger hunt and saw all these bright houses. I guess I have a vision for community – I am hopeful and happy.

People have a different persona when they are happy, and it intrigues me. I like people when they’re smiling and grateful when people are happy.

Colleen enjoyed time with her friends and time creating art during her years at Seton.

Lord, you call us not to ju dge and to be compassionate.

May we respond to your grace and take the time and sp ace to listen deeply and to feel with others from their poi nt of view. Help us to receiv e Your divine compassion an d experience community, togetherness and unity.

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S t. V i n c e n t d e Pa u l V i l l a g e San Diego, California Children’s Services Program

Michelle McElroy

T

“The Village supports me in everything I try to do. That’s why I feel like we’re all succeeding.”

–Michelle McElroy

he mission of St. Vincent de Paul Village in San Diego is to help neighbors in need break the cycle of homelessness and poverty by promoting self-sufficiency through innovative, multi-disciplinary programs and partnerships that come together in the spirit of their CREED (Compassion, Respect, Empathy, Empowerment, Dignity) to teach, learn from, and challenge neighbors and one another. S. Patricia “Tricia” Cruise, SC, serves as the president and CEO of the Village, which is the largest one-stop center in the region. For the past two years, SC Ministry Foundation has awarded grants to support the Children’s Services Program.

Michelle McElroy lives at the Village with four of her six children. Michelle graduated from the Village’s Culinary Arts Program and will be using her new skills as a culinary arts intern with a retirement community. To reach this point, Michelle overcame huge obstacles and obtained her driver’s license, GED, and Associate’s Certificate all while residing at the Village.

Michelle’s six children, Tricia, Dafferine, Jr., Dezarae, Destiny, Trinity, and Tristine are all good students and athletes, especially in the sport of running. Seventeen-year-old Dezarae just finished a relay from Huntington to San Diego. Michelle’s other children include a straight-A student, a six-year-old math whiz, recent high school and college graduates, and a newly commissioned army officer.

This is the second time Michelle and her family have lived at the Village. After she lost her job and apartment following her first experience at the Village, Michelle knew the best thing to do was to return to the Village to receive the comprehensive help it could offer her and her children. Michelle came back to the Village with a robust plan, and she is achieving it. She says, “The Village supports me in everything I try to do. That’s why I feel like we’re all succeeding. That’s why I wanted to come back. I knew it would benefit us.”

photos courtesy of St. Vincent de Paul Village

What gifts are you giving your child?

How do you work to develop your gifts?

I am really proud of and close to my children. I believe you have to give your children a lot of attention to succeed in life. I have given them a sense of security because they don’t have to worry about people we live with. Here, they know it is safe and that we are all together. They have everything they need. They can continue school, get good grades, and not worry about the outside. They can focus on themselves and their homework. I’m trying to give them a future. I am doing my best, and they know I am.

My children who do not live with us are also supportive and help out a lot.

I have always made sure my children were close. I try to share that with other people, telling them to pay attention to the children they love. I talk to a few single mothers who want to give up and I encourage them to do the best they can. I tell them to do what they have to do, get into programs, and that they can succeed. I try to be a positive influence on everyone.

What do you see as your gifts and strengths?

My gift is being able to cook for the children every day.

Succeeding in getting a job and getting back on my feet again are my strengths for my children. I also have a good personality, parenting skills, and strength. Being a single parent, I am trying to succeed and not look like a failure to my children. I have the ability to make the best of a situation. I don’t feel like coming to the Village is hitting rock bottom – it is a strength. I’ve had my downfalls, but I’ve always been able to pick myself up for my children.

At left: Michelle displays some freshly baked biscuits. Below: Michelle shares conversation with S. Patricia Cruise, SC, president and CEO of the Village.

I went to school for Culinary Arts, I had plans and goals set for myself including a plan A and a plan B. I’m on track for my goals. I have set a lot of goals for myself and am keeping busy and staying on track. I am not letting myself slack off. I also like spending quiet time and watching movies with my children. I enjoy sitting in the courtyard in the breeze. I do not go outside of St. Vincent de Paul because the environment is not good for me.

I volunteer in the kitchen, where we mainly focus on the children’s center’s lunch and snack every day using all fresh ingredients. We make everything from scratch. I’ve made bread for a lot for them – breadsticks, rolls, and other baked things. I practiced a lot and people love my cinnamon rolls. My pizza dough with pizza sauce from scratch is my children’s favorite meal.

How are you extending your gifts to others?

I extend my gifts through not just my confidence level, but my positive attitude. I’d like people to know sometimes we go through a downtime. Don’t be ashamed to come back – the Village is here to support you and help you achieve. Don’t be ashamed to come.

The Children’s Services Program at St. Vincent de Paul Village provides child care, after school programs, tutoring, leadership development, teen club and social groups for children of all ages.

Children rely on God, through us, to ensure their safety, security and well-being. Help us Lord to give all children and adults their God-given dignity and shared membership in our society. We all stumble and have our downfalls. If we trust all our encounters with Jesus, we will experience support and nurturing so that our actions always reveal the love of God. 19

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish;

but what good are these for so many?�

FISCAL YEAR 2013 GRANTS

Adopt A Class Foundation Cincinnati, OH Seton/Holy Family Schools Adopt a Class American Red Cross Washington, DC Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy Archbishop Alter High School Kettering, OH Teacher Professional Enrichment Archdiocese of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Justice for Immigrants Organizing Initiative; Latino Outreach for Catholic Schools Bayley Cincinnati, OH Program Support Catholic Charities and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Denver Denver, CO Deferred Action, Deportation Defense and Community Education Legal Services

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New Orleans New Orleans, LA Disaster Relief and Recovery Following Hurricane Isaac

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, Inc. Colorado Springs, CO Naturalization & Immigration Services

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Newark Newark, NJ Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Rockville Centre Hicksville, NY Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Santa Fe Albuquerque, NM Refugee Economic Integration

Catholic Charities of New York New York, NY Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Trenton, NJ Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo Pueblo, CO Immigration Services and Community Outreach

Catholic Charities, Brooklyn and Queens Brooklyn, NY Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy

Catholic Charities, SouthWestern Ohio Cincinnati, OH Support of Su Casa Catholic Charities USA Alexandria, VA Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy and for Tornado Victims in the Midwest

Catholic Charities, Camden Camden, NJ Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy Catholic Extension Chicago, IL Hispanic Lay Leadership Initiative

Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate Washington, DC Catholic Parish Life in the 21st Century; Program Support

Catholic Health Association St. Louis, MO Capacity Building

Center For Migration Studies New York, NY Immigrant Integration: Assessing and Improving the Collective Response of the Catholic Church in the United States; Capacity Building

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. Washington, DC Program Support

Children’s Hunger Alliance Columbus, OH Breakfast and Lunch Programs for Cincinnati Catholic Schools

Catholic Relief Services Baltimore, MD Disaster Relief and Recovery Related to Hurricane Sandy; Earthquake Recovery Efforts in Guatemala; Tropical Storm Recovery Efforts in Bangladesh

Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity Cincinnati, OH Building a Home with the College of Mount St. Joseph through Westfed Cincinnati Museum Center Cincinnati, OH Education Programs for Catholic Schools Clarke University Dubuque, IA Program Support College of Mount St. Joseph Cincinnati, OH Student Summer Employment 2013; Program Support

East End Adult Education Center Cincinnati, OH Literacy/GED Instruction

Colorado Vincentian Volunteers Denver, CO Volunteer Support Community Land Cooperative of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Program Support Daughters of Charity Services of New Orleans New Orleans, LA Behavioral Health in Catholic Schools DePaul Cristo Rey High School Cincinnati, OH Mission Advancement and Capital Expansion; Capacity Building; Program Support Diocese of Saginaw Saginaw, MI Program Support Drop Inn Center Cincinnati, OH Program Support

Elder High School Cincinnati, OH Program Support English Language Learning Foundation Cincinnati, OH Program Support FADICA Washington, DC Affinity Groups Initiatives on Catholic Education, Anti-Human Trafficking, and Women Religious; Capacity Building Fonkoze USA Washington, DC Fonkoze Ti Kredi in Central Plateau Haiti Foundation Fighting Blindness Libertyville, IL Program Support FreeStore/FoodBank Cincinnati, OH Emergency Food Assistance Friars Club, Inc. Cincinnati, OH Program Support

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FISCAL YEAR 2013 GRANTS

Hispanics Avanzando Hispanics Cincinnati, OH “City of Immigrants� Support

Mercy Housing, Inc. Denver, CO Program Support

Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Cincinnati, OH Student Summer Employment 2013; Program Support

Holy Angels School Sidney, OH Capacity Building

Mercy Professional Services Cincinnati, OH Price Hill Catholic School Counselors Support

Greater Cincinnati Chamber Foundation Cincinnati, OH Economics of Diversity and Inclusion Greater Cincinnati Foundation Cincinnati, OH Legacy of Grace and Compassion of Morgan Judd Health Policy Institute of Ohio Columbus, OH Ensuring Access to Care of All Ohioans HealthSET Denver, CO Health Promotion Clinics; Program Support

Holy Family School Cincinnati, OH Supporting Student School Success; Price Hill Shared Summer Learning Camp; Program Support Hospice of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Program Support InterAct for Change Cincinnati, OH Co-sponsorship of Capacity Building Programs with the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati Intercommunity Justice & Peace Center Cincinnati, OH Peace & Nonviolence Program; Support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform Jesuit Retreat House Parma, OH Caring for the Caregiver Retreats; Program Support; Capacity Building

Migrant Health Promotion Weslaco , TX Capacity Building Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Cover the Uninsured Campaign

Mission Partners Guatemala Cincinnati, OH Health and Education Program (Daniel Comboni Community Clinic)

Light of Hearts Villa Bedford, OH Program Support

North Brevard Charities Sharing Center Inc. Titusville, FL Support for People with Chemical/ Alcohol Addiction

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly Cincinnati, OH Program Support Los Pobres, Inc. Avondale, CO Assistance with Applying for Deferred Action Lower Price Hill Community School Cincinnati, OH Capacity Building

Ohioans to Stop Executions Cincinnati, OH Moratorium and Ending the Death Penalty

Purcell Marian High School Cincinnati, OH Program Support

One Simple Voice Colorado Springs, CO Making God’s Voice a Reality in People’s Lives Partners In Health A Nonprofit Corporation Boston, MA Support for Programs in Haiti Passionist Earth & Spirit Center Inc. Louisville, KY Lent 4.5 - Christian Simplicity Program People Working Cooperatively, Inc. Cincinnati, OH Price Hill Home Repair Program Power Inspires Progress Cincinnati, OH Program Support Price Hill Will Cincinnati, OH Economic Development and Community Engagement; Capacity Building; Program Support ProKids Cincinnati, OH Building Blocks: Birth through Five

Region VI Coalition for Responsible Investment Cleveland, OH Bring About Change by Working with Others Resurrection School Cincinnati, OH Counselor/Social Worker Program; Price Hill Shared Summer Learning Camp; Program Support Saint Joseph Home Cincinnati, OH Capacity Building; Program Support Santa Maria Community Services Cincinnati, OH Price Hill EITC/VITA Support; Capacity Building; Program Support Seton Family Center Cincinnati, OH Program Support

Seton High School Cincinnati, OH Tuition Assistance; Capacity Building; Program Support; Price Hill Shared Summer Learning Camp Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses Cincinnati, OH Program Support Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Mount St. Joseph, OH Biannual Leadership Council Project Funding Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration Colorado Springs, CO Emergency Assistance Following Fire Society of St. Teresa of Jesus Covington, LA Capacity Building St. Dominic School Cincinnati, OH Program Support St. James Elementary School Bay City , MI Emergency Assistance for the Poor in our School St. Joseph Orphanage Cincinnati, OH Program Support

St. Lawrence School Cincinnati, OH Learning for Life Class; Counselor/Social Worker Program; Price Hill Shared Summer Learning Camp St. Rita School for the Deaf Cincinnati, OH Program Support St. Teresa of Avila School Cincinnati, OH Spanish Instruction for 7th & 8th Graders St. Vincent de Paul Village, Inc. San Diego, CA Children’s Services Program St. William School Cincinnati, OH Strengthening Students and Families in the St. William Community; Price Hill Shared Summer Learning Camp Support our Aging Religious, Inc. Washington, DC Program Support 23

F ISC A L YE A R 2 0 1 3 F i n a n c i a l R e p o r t

FISCAL YEAR 2013 GRANTS

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Cincinnati, OH Program Support The National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater Dayton Dayton, OH Anytown Youth Leadership Institute The Women’s Connection Cincinnati, OH Program Support United Way of Greater Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Place Matters Collaborative Initiative Phase III; Stable Families Initiative in Price Hill; Partners for a Competitive Workforce Ursuline Academy of New Orleans New Orleans, LA Program Support Ursuline Sisters of the Central Province of the US St. Louis, MO Program Support

Western Wildlife Corridor Cincinnati, OH Program Support Whole Again International Cincinnati, OH Summer Food and Enrichment

Healthy Communities International Social Justice

Education

Working in Neighborhoods, Inc. Cincinnati, OH Capacity Building; Program Support YWCA of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women

Poor and Underserved

Healthy Communities...............$ 117,999 Social Justice...............................$ 871,865 Poor and Underserved..............$ 2,834,629 Education ...................................$ 6,188,074 International...............................$ 50,000 Total Grants Awarded........... $ 10,062,567

With Sincere Gratitude SC Ministry Foundation is grateful to S. Katie Hoelscher, SC and

SC Ministry Foundation Board 2012-2013

Jerry Judd who have promoted the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for nine years through their

Jerome R. Judd, Chair

dedicated service with the SC Ministry Foundation Board.

S. Joan Elizabeth Cook, SC

Sister Katie shared her expertise, wisdom and deep commitment to Catholic education while serving as a member of the Grant Review and Program Committees.

Jerry has served as a member of the Executive, Finance and Governance Committees. We would especially like to thank Jerry for the wisdom, understanding, stewardship and servant leadership he exemplified as Board Chairperson.

We give thanks to God for the gifts of their service and ask God to grant them peace and blessings in their future endeavors.

We thank all members of our Board and Board Committees.

S. Sally Duffy, SC S. Maureen Heverin, SC Karen Bennett Hoeb S. Katherine Hoelscher, SC Don Keller Robert Killins, Jr. Michael S. McGraw Timothy S. Moller John J. O’Connor S. Patrick Ann O’Connor, SC Simón Sotelo

SC Ministry Foundation experiences abundance through their ministry as trustees and stewards of our mission.

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SC M in is try aff Fo u n dat io n St ht) (pictured left to rig

Donna Jo Smiley nts Executive and Gra ant Management Assist field M. Maureen Max ion and Director of Educat Program Officer S. Sally Duff y, SC utive Director President and Exec Marybeth Schroer n Support and Systems Applicatio ant ist Administrative Ass Amelia Riedel unications and Director of Comm Program Officer Megan Pfeiffer Co-op Student

Sincere gratitude to Loretta Dees for the gift of her talents in the initial development of this annual report.

Photography on location by Don Denney unless otherwise noted.

Photos on pages 1, 2 and 27 by istockphoto.com. All other photography submitted by grantee organizations and individuals printed with permission. Photos published in this report may not be reproduced or copied without the express permission of SC Ministry Foundation, the contributing organizations or individuals. Š 2013 SC Ministry Foundation. Printed on recycled paper.

SC Ministry Foundation Mission

SC Ministry Foundation is a public grant-making organization. The Foundation promotes the mission and ministry of the Sisters of Charity.

Sisters of charity of cincinnati Mission

Urged by the love of Christ and in the spirit of our founder, Elizabeth Ann Seton, we Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati strive to live Gospel values. We choose to act justly, to build loving relationships, to share our resources with those in need, and to care for all creation.

J

esus went across Lake Galilee. A large crowd followed him, because they had seen his miracles of healing the sick. Jesus went up a hill and sat down with his disciples. The time for the Passover Festival was near. Jesus looked around and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, so he asked Philip, “Where can we buy enough food to feed all these people?” (He said this to test Philip; actually he already knew what he would do.)

Philip answered, “For everyone to have even a little, it would take more than two hundred silver coins to buy enough bread.”

Another one of his disciples, Andrew, who was Simon Peter’s brother said, “There is a boy here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish. But they will certainly not be enough for all of these people.”

“Make the people sit down,” Jesus told them. So all the people sat down; there were about five thousand men. Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the people who were sitting there.

He did the same with the fish, and they all had as much as they wanted. When they were all full, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces left over; let us not waste a bit.” So they gathered them all and filled twelve baskets with the pieces left over from the five barley loaves which the people had eaten.

– John 6: 1-13

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“The same God who fed so many thousands with the little barley loaves and little fishes, multiplying them, of course, in the hands which distributed them, the thought stops not a moment [for] me.

– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

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