Summer 2016 - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

NEWS
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Volume 16, Number 2
Make a
Splash this Summer!
Inside This Issue
Create a Ripple Effect and Empower those in need.
Every day vulnerable people living in Southwest Florida
come to Catholic Charities for relief. Take the plunge and
give assistance that nourishes, educates, shelters and supports
at-risk children, isolated elderly, struggling families, and
homeless individuals.
The Giving is Easy!
AND
THE
IS EASY...
ke a S PLA
UMMER
Ma
!
S H this S
Ride the wave of providing help, creating hope and
serving all and unite with Catholic Charities to offer
the resources required for those who are striving to
achieve self-sufficiency. Every year Catholic Charities aids
more than 40,000 people regardless of race, nationality
or creed. A total of 93 cents of each dollar donated to
Catholic Charities goes directly to programs and services.
To donate, please use the envelope enclosed in this
newsletter or visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.
Your gift will make a positive impact!
Lee County Programs Thrive
Lee County - Exciting things are
happening at Catholic Charities in Lee,
Hendry and Glades counties. The past
year has brought positive changes to
this district of programs and services and
future goals are in place to make an even
greater impact on the community.
“We want to serve more people efficiently
and effectively while treating them with
dignity,” said Catholic Charities District
Director Charles Anderson. “Catholic
Charities has a dedicated Advisory Board
in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties under
the leadership of Patti Maurillo that is
very supportive. Patti is a doer and makes
things happen,” he said.
2016 Venetian Charity Ball
The major fundraiser, the Venetian
Charity Ball, had a successful year
netting $200,000 for the Catholic
Summer 2016
Summertime and the
Giving is Easy
2
Choice Food Pantry
3
Comcast Cares
5
Volunteer
Opportunities
5
Wish List/Click and Give 6
CEO’s Corner
7
Catholic Charities
Counseling Services
7
Catholic Charities
Foundation
8
(Summertime continued on page 2)
Charities agency which delivers a
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (SNAP), Human Trafficking
Victims Assistance, Food Pantries, Positive
Youth Development Program, Immigration
Services, Senior Support Coordination
Program, Substance Abuse Program, and
Direct Assistance of Baby Supplies.
Venetian
Charity Ball
C
arnevale di Venezia
“Frank Galeana Jr. of the Galeana
Automotive Group donated a Jeep
Wrangler to the Venetian Charity Ball
which generated a lot of excitement and
contributions,” said Anderson. Galeana
has given a car to the event for the last
several years. “We had a hard-working
event committee that put forth a
spectacular gala” he said.
(Lee County continued on page 4)
Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop
Upcoming
Naples Event
The 20th annual
Undy Sunday will be
held on August 6 and 7
and August 13 and 14 at
Collier County churches
and synagogues.
Sponsored by Catholic
Charities, the community
is asked to donate new
underwear and socks
for needy school-aged
children. Also accepted
are monetary donations
for other necessary school
items. To donate or for
more information
call 239-455-2655.
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Page 2
Summertime and the Giving is Easy (Continued from page 1)
RIDE THE WAVE
Giving that Educates
GET YOUR FEET WET
Giving that Shelters Help us shelter the
Help us educate those at
risk with programs that
prepare preschoolers for
kindergarten, instruct
adults in English, and
provide after school
tutoring and summer camp
for students. You can lift
people out of poverty with
a beneficial gift of life
skills and learning.
homeless with comprehensive assistance that affords
families and individuals a safe place to live while they
work towards self-reliance and enhance the quality of
their life. You can build dreams with a caring gift of a
decent home.
$2,000
Provides after school
tutoring for
a child for a year.
$300
Offers enrichment
activities for farm worker
families for a week.
$250
$3,000
Offers services for three
homeless families
for a year.
$500
Covers the cost of tuition
for a preschool student
for a week.
Houses a mother and
child for a week.
$25
$100
Sends a youth to summer
camp for a day.
Take the Plunge
Giving that Nourishes Help us feed the hungry
with food pantries, a soup kitchen and food programs
that administer nutrition. You can end hunger with a
bountiful gift that bolsters the most needy.
$1,000
Feeds five families from
a food pantry for a month.
vulnerable with comfort for victims, relief for families at
an impasse, aid for lonely seniors, and navigation that
avoids the loss of a home. You can offer stability with a
compassionate gift of advocacy and guidance.
Make a
Sp
la
sh
this
Summ
$1,500
Assists a victim of human
trafficking for a month.
$100
Helps a family with
professional crisis counseling.
Supplies a child with
food over the weekend
for a year.
er
!
S
“Empowerment” is the buzz word at the new Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center
of Catholic Charities.
The program moved to a larger location in Naples and will provide space to
accommodate growth that enables more effective and efficient
execution of services. Plans for renovation of the facility are underway.
Catholic Charities will offer additional programs and serve more of
the working poor in the community with a focus on reinforcing every
client to reach their potential of achieving independence.
The fundraising goal for the new center is $2.5 million.
Naming and memorial opportunities are available.
Help us empower families, children, seniors and veterans in Collier County with a
gift to the new Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities.
HANG TEN and make a
IG PLASH this summer!
B
$250
$150
Offers foreclosure
prevention for
homeowners.
$75
Provides a senior with a
personal care basket.
S
$10,000
for renovation of the
Judy Sullivan Family
Resource Center of
Catholic Charities
The long waiting list will soon shorten with the expansion of Our Mother’s House
of Catholic Charities in Venice. The program acquired the building adjacent to the
current facility and will soon care for even more homeless mothers and children.
$100
$250
Sustains five families from
a food pantry for a week.
B
Families who reside there receive guidance and preparation specific to their ability
to be self-sufficient upon their departure from the program.
Maintains housing for
a veteran and his or
her family for a month.
$500
Provides hot meals for one
day at a soup kitchen.
DIVE IN and make a
IG PLASH this summer!
Provides a special needs
resident necessities
for a month.
COME UP FOR AIR
Giving that Supports Help us support the
Page 3
Help us enable mothers and their children to attain a healthy life
with a gift to Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities.
To donate, please use the envelope enclosed in this
newsletter or visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.
$10,000
for the expansion of
Our Mother’s House
of Catholic Charities
Your gift will make
a positive impact!
Choice Food Pantry Opens
Naples - A Choice Food Pantry opened at the Judy
Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities, a
new concept brought forth by staff and volunteers.
Make a Spl as h
mmer !
this Su
for the event. The pantry then served a record 65
households in three hours.
(Pantry continued on Page 8)
Instead of receiving a pre-packed bag of food at the
pantry, clients are able to shop with a cart for the
groceries they know their family will eat and enjoy. Not
only does it bring dignity to Catholic Charities clients,
but it cuts waste of 50 to 60 percent of food that is not
known or liked, and is no longer being thrown away.
St. Ann Parish Pastor Father Michael Vannicola blessed
the pantry on opening day and Catholic Charities COO
Sharon Aragona cut the ceremonial ribbon. A number
of volunteers and area supporters also were present
Catholic Charities COO Sharon Aragona (left to right) cuts the opening day ribbon
with Catholic Charities Program Director Allegra Belliard, Catholic Charities Board
Member Richard Rogan, Father Michael Vannicola and Catholic Charities District
Director Mary Shaughnessy.
Page 4
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
(Lee County continued from page 1)
Renovation of Center
This year through a donation of $100,000 from the Elizabeth
Kay Galeana Foundation, the Fort Myers Catholic Charities
facility named in her honor was renovated. “The whole place
was upgraded,” Anderson said. “Both the exterior building and
interior offices have been refurbished. We are so grateful for
the generosity from the Galeana Foundation to accomplish
this overdue project.”
The Rosemary Kelly Food Pantry located at the Elizabeth
Kay Galeana Center of Catholic Charities also is undergoing
changes. Plans for remodeling were delayed due to zoning
issues but are now moving forward and will be completed by
the end of the year.
“The food pantry will have improved flow of traffic and better
equipment along with a covered area to protect clients from
weather elements,” Anderson said. “We also have a shaded
picnic area for clients to sit and wait. It is more respectable
for them.”
The Elizabeth Kay Galeana Center
of Catholic Charities (upper left) was
completely renovated.
Administrative Assistant Evelyn Cortes
(above) works in her refurbished office
at the Elizabeth Kay Galeana Center
of Catholic Charities.
The Rosemary Kelly Food Pantry
(lower left) now has a shaded picnic
area for clients to wait.
New Bonita Springs Location
Catholic Charities relocated the Bonita Springs office this
year to the Juan Diego Outreach Center at St. Leo the
Great Catholic Church. The site offers the Positive Youth
Development Program, Substance Abuse Program, Human
Trafficking Victims Assistance, SNAP and Direct Assistance of
Baby Supplies.
“The move saves us $30,000
in annual costs,” Anderson said.
“That money will instead go
toward serving our clients.
St. Leo Parish has been a
long-time patron of Catholic
Catholic Charities relocated the
Charities. We are fortunate to
Bonita Springs office to St. Leo
have their backing.”
Parish.
Both the Substance Abuse Program and Human Trafficking
Victims Assistance Program have flourished this past year.
“There are new directors in those two programs and they are
both aiding more clients than ever and creating additional
partnerships within the community,” Anderson said.
The Positive Youth Development Program has been offered
at the Bonita Springs parish center for several years. “The
Christian Brothers located
here at St. Leo have historically
provided assistance and
volunteers for this program,”
said Program Director
Matthew Zeik.
Comcast Cares Day
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Fort Myers - AFCAAM of Catholic Charities was the beneficiary of
this year’s Comcast Cares Day. Comcast NBCUniversal annually
hosts a nation-wide, single-day corporate volunteer event.
Students who qualify for the
after school tutoring help are
Positive Youth Development
from low-income houseProgram Caseworker Sandra Edwards
holds and at risk of being held tutors students.
back in their grade level.
“Many of the grade school children also have social issues
such as low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in their
academic skills,” Zeik said. “We work directly with the teachers
to make sure all our students succeed in school.”
Cafe of Life
Page 5
“This day of volunteerism has provided our facility with
important upgrades that allow us to better serve the
children who come here every day,” said Roseann Albertario,
Development Coordinator for AFCAAM of Catholic Charities.
The program offers after school and youth mentoring services
to more than 160 children in and around the City of Fort
Myers and Harlem Heights. “We appreciate the employees of
Comcast coming together to offer this gesture of kindness and
support for the children.”
“This is a worthy project as we do business in this
neighborhood,” Gonzalez said. “Our office is located just down
the street and our customers are a part of this community.
Catholic Charities supports our customers and their families.”
Comcast employees spend the day revitalizing the Catholic Charities building.
For more information about AFCAAM of
Catholic Charities, please call 239-461-0233.
About 20 employees from the local Comcast office provided
the AFCAAM of Catholic Charities building with a much
needed face lift. The volunteers pressure washed, scrapped
and sanded, primed and painted the building, trim and window
coverings. All of the paint and materials was donated by Hein
Brothers Painting and Restoration.
Catholic Charities will offer a new food pantry at the Cafe of Life Center.
The food pantry that was situated at the former Bonita
Springs office will now be operated out of the Cafe of Life
Center at the Leitner Neighborhood Park. Cafe of Life provides
a soup kitchen and small food pantry. Catholic Charities will
broaden the food pantry offerings and provide access to other
food programs such as SNAP as
well as outreach to all Catholic
Charities services.
“We would like to have a
caseworker on site to promote
Catholic Charities to the
community,” Anderson said.
“The new location of the food
pantry is positioned in the
neighborhood where our
clients live,” he said.
Catholic Charities Staff Lee Forste
It Takes a Village
prepares for delivery of food to the
“There are so many people
new pantry location in Bonita Springs.
and organizations that
Catholic Charities relies on to assist in doing the good works
of mercy in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties,” Anderson said.
“The loyalty of volunteers also is critical to our achievements,”
he said.
“Most importantly, my staff is truly mission-driven,” Anderson
said. “They do this work because they love it.”
For more information about Catholic Charities in Lee,
Hendry and Glades Counties, please call 239-334-4007.
“At Comcast we want to be a big factor in the community,”
said Tina Gonzalez, Sales Manager for Business Services
at Comcast. “We live and work here and want to help this
community grow,” she said.
Volunteer Opportunities
Comcast Sales Manager for Business Services Tina Gonzalez and her daughter
Ysabella participate in the Comcast Cares Day.
Help Make a Difference
Bonita Springs and Fort Myers- The Positive Youth Development Program of Catholic Charities is looking for volunteer
tutors for both the Bonita Springs and Fort Myers locationsVolunteer
for the after school tutoring program at the start of the school
year. For more information, please contact Matthew at 239-390-2928 or [email protected].
Naples - The Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to assist with food
deliveries on Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the choice food pantry along with stocking, sorting and organizing. For more
information, please contact Allegra at 239-793-0059, ext. 112 or [email protected].
Naples - The Golden Gate Senior Center of Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to assist in teaching computer classes
and conversational Spanish to seniors along with completing applications. For more information, please contact Tatiana at
239-252-4534 or [email protected].
Sarasota - Bethesda House of Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to help in the food pantry. Volunteers also are
needed to assist with unloading the food truck every Tuesday from 9 a.m. until noon. For more information, please contact
Marisa at 941-355-4680 ext. 305 or [email protected].
Sarasota - St. Martha’s Early Learning Center of Catholic Charities has opportunities for volunteers to assist teachers in the
classroom, read to the children, and engage in individual and small group activities. Volunteers also are needed to monitor
children during playground time. For more information, please contact Marisa at 941-355-3680 ext. 305 or [email protected].
Venice - Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities is looking for volunteers to assist the teachers in the Head Start
classrooms with feeding and playing with the children that reside at the program. Both male and female volunteers are
welcome as well as students looking for community service hours. Head Start is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays
and from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Volunteers work a two to three hour shift at their convenience. For more
information, please contact Marisa at 941-355-3680 ext. 305 or [email protected].
Wish
List
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Page 6
CEO’S Corner
We are always in need of basic items for our Catholic Charities programs and services.
Your support helps us to provide our clients quality assistance.
We appreciate any help you can give!
Arcadia
Catholic Charities of Desoto County
Call Andy at 863-494-1068
•Razors and shaving cream.
•Boys’ clothing size 12 months through size 6.
•Diapers size 3, 4 and 5.
•Can fruit, jelly, and cases of bottled water.
Naples
Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center of Catholic Charities
Call Allegra at 239-793-0059, ext. 112
•Individual size mac-n-cheese, can ravioli or spaghettio’s, can chili,
can beef stew, cereal boxes or bowls, cheese crackers, animal crackers,
and fruit cups for Weekend Power Pack feeding program.
•Two folding tables, stacking chairs, and flowers, plants, soil and mulch.
Bonita Springs and Fort Myers
Positive Youth Development Program of Catholic Charities
Call Matthew at 239-390-2928
•20 Kindle Fire tablets student edition or comparable item for student
tutoring applications.
•Outdoor recreational and sports equipment.
•Arts and crafts supplies.
•Junior Achievement program materials.
•Donations for field trips to the pool,
dollar movies, zoo, and roller rink.
•Sunscreen, cold packs, insect repellent,
and hand sanitizer.
Golden Gate Senior Center of Catholic Charities
Call Tatiana at 239-252-4534
•Birthday presents, balloons, wrapping paper, paper plates and napkins,
and plastic utensils and cups.
•Scissors, construction paper, poster board, color
paper, markers, word search books and coloring books.
•Card table, rectangle folding tables, padded chairs,
outdoor cushions and pillows, and patio umbrella.
Fort Myers
Infant and Toddler Supply Program of Catholic Charities
Call Alice at 239-334-2234
•Baby diapers and new clothes for newborn to size 5.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of
Catholic Charities
Call Alice at 239-334-2234
•One gallon zip storage bags.
•Travel size and full size personal care items such as shampoo, body wash,
body lotion, deodorant, bar soap, tooth paste and tooth brushes,
shaving cream, and facial tissue.
Senior Support Coordination Program of Catholic Charities
Call Alice at 239-334-2234
•Personal care items in full size such as adult diapers, shampoo, body
wash, body lotion, deodorant, bar soap, tooth paste and tooth brushes,
and laundry soap.
•Non perishable food such as can fruit and vegetables, pasta and sauce,
peanut butter, cereal, can tuna, and rice.
•Gift cards to the Regal Cinema.
Immokalee
Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities
Call Julian at 239-657-6242
•Diapers size 4 and 5.
•Baby strollers, play pens, and cribs.
Click
C
&G
ive
Click & Give
North Port
Catholic Charities Family Haven
Call Jeanette at 941-355-4680, ext. 311
•Single sheet sets and bedding, light blankets and
towel sets, and kitchen dish towels.
•Gift cards from Wal-Mart, Publix and Winn Dixie and gas stations.
Sarasota
Bethesda House of Catholic Charities
Call Colleen at 941-366-1886
•Non perishable food such as Ensure or Boost, Ramen noodles,
tomato products, sugar, jelly, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, pickles, BBQ
sauce, and hot sauce.
•Sandwich bags, quart storage bags, toilet paper, paper towels,
insect repellent, and large heavy-duty garbage bags.
Venice
Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities
Call Joyce at 941-485-6264
•Laundry detergent.
•New towels and wash cloths.
•Small bookcase and plastic storage cabinet with drawers.
•Vacuum cleaner and mop.
Wauchula
Gift Program of Catholic Charities
Call Iris at 863-773-0901
•Diapers size 4, 5, and 6; toddler training pants,
and baby wipes.
•Socks, underwear and shoes for girls and
boys ages 2 to 6.
Rather shop online? Just visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org and click on
the Click and Give logo to see our wish lists.
Your gift will have an immediate impact for those who need it most!
Page 7
1000 Pinebrook Road • Venice, FL 34285
(941) 488-5581 • (941) 484-9543
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesDioceseOfVenice
Service Locations
Arcadia (2 locations)
Boca Grande
Bonita Springs
Bradenton
Clewiston
Fort Myers (3 locations)
Highlands and Glades Counties
Immokalee (2 locations)
Naples (2 locations)
North Port (2 locations)
Palmetto (2 locations)
Port Charlotte
Sarasota (7 locations)
Venice (3 locations)
Wauchula
Programs & Services
Affordable Housing
After-School Program
After-School Reading Program
After-School Tutoring Program
Casework Services/Needs Assessment
Citizenship Classes
Clothing Bank
Counseling Services
Day Care Center
Disaster Preparedness and Response
Distribution of FEMA Funds
DUI Groups
Early Learning Center
English Classes
Farm Worker Housing
Financial Assistance
First Time Homebuyer Class
Food Assistance
Food Pantry
Food Stamps/Medicaid Applications
HIV/AIDS Housing
HIV/AIDS Support Services
Homeless Shelter for Families and Children
Housing Counseling and Foreclosure Prevention
Human Trafficking Victims Assistance
Immigration Services
Infant/Toddler Supplies
Residential Program for Mothers and Children
Refugee Resettlement Services
Refugee Youth Program
Senior Services
Soup Kitchen
Summer Youth Program
Tutoring
Veterans Housing
Youth Mentoring Programs
One person can create
a difference! The ripple
of support from a single
generous donor causes a wave
of positive changes for an
individual or family suffering
and requiring help. Our annual
Summertime and the Giving
is Easy campaign - “Make a Splash this Summer”provides you the opportunity to dive in and improve
the lives of people who are at risk in our diocese.
Our goal is to raise $120,000 this summer for
essential programs and services offered by Catholic
Charities. Your contribution will shelter, support,
educate and nourish marginalized families, seniors,
veterans, and children living in Southwest Florida.
You can give directly to what matters most to you.
Summertime and the Giving is Easy features two
ways to make a “Big Splash” with your gift. One is
for the renovation of the Judy Sullivan Family
Resource Center of Catholic Charities in Naples
and the other for the expansion of Our Mother’s
House of Catholic Charities in Venice. The demand
for increased services within these two programs
is evident and Catholic Charities will strive to
accommodate the urgency for growth.
The mission of Catholic Charities is to empower
those in need regardless of race, nationality or creed.
We accomplish this task through the goodness of
our donors and community partners. Please consider
making a contribution to Summertime and the Giving
is Easy. We will use your gift wisely. On behalf of all
who benefit from your kindness, I offer my sincere
gratitude. Have an enjoyable summer!
May the good Lord bless you,
Peter Routsis-Arroyo, Chief Executive Officer
Collier County
Counseling Services
We Can Help!
Licensed and bilingual therapists are available to assist you.
A bilingual psychologist who specializes in therapy for
children also is available. Fees are based on a sliding
scale and some insurance plans are accepted.
All services are by appointment.
Please call (239) 455-2655. We are located at
2210 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Naples, FL 34116.
www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
(Pantry continued from page 3)
The Choice Food Pantry is the first of many changes
to come at the Catholic Charities agency. The Family
Resource Center of Catholic Charities moved to a
different location in Collier County and has been
renamed after Judy Sullivan, a devoted supporter. The
new center will accommodate growth that enables
more effective and efficient execution of programs and
services. Extensive renovation of the facility is underway.
The fundraising goal is $2.5 million.
“With the increased space, we are able to offer
additional programs and serve more of the working
poor,” said Catholic Charities District Director Mary
Shaughnessy. “The Choice Food Pantry will be the
central hub of activity of a variety of programs that
will move clients to self-sufficiency.”
Catholic
Charities
volunteers,
in blue shirts,
assist the
first group
of clients on
opening day
of the Choice
Food Pantry.
Page 8
Other services include an
empowerment program,
direct assistance for utilities
and prescriptions, refugee
resettlement, services to
homeless veterans, the
Weekend Power Pack Food Richard Rogan shows off renovation
Program for children, holiday plans for the new center.
food and gift distribution, and the Undy Sunday project.
For more information, please call 239-793-0059.
Non-Profit
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
FT Myers, FL
Permit
Permit No.
No.184
184
P.O. Box 2116
Venice, FL 34284-2116
P r o v i d i n g Help. C r e a t i n g H o pe . S e r v i n g All .
The Good Samaritan Guild
DO YOU HAVE A WILL?
Without a will that is valid in Florida, you are at the
mercy of the court system as to how your estate,
small or large, will be distributed. The State of Florida
has a rigid set of rules, called the laws of descent and
distribution, that apply to everyone.
Please enclose $1.00 to help with postage.
Name_______________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________
You need to be certain that your will is valid according
to the laws of the State of Florida. Only an attorney
can accurately determine this for you.
City/State/Zip________________________________________
Will Worksheets from the Good Samaritan Guild
can help you prepare the information an attorney will
require in order to help you write a valid will.
Fill in the coupon and we will mail you a set of our
Will Worksheets or visit www.ccfdnswfl.org and
download them.
Email_______________________________________________
MASS CARDS
Congratulate, celebrate, or honor a friend or family
member with the Good Samaritan Guild Mass Cards.
We will send two free samples of our beautifully
crafted Good Samaritan Mass Cards that can be used
for any occasion where a spiritual gift is appropriate.
To learn more about the Catholic
Charities Foundation, please visit
FOUNDATION www.ccfdnswfl.org.
Phone______________________________________________
To receive worksheets and mass cards clip this coupon and
send to Catholic Charities Foundation, Diocese of Venice, Inc.
at 5824 Bee Ridge Rd., PMB 409, Sarasota, FL 34233-5065
¨Will worksheets
¨Mass Cards