Filling More Than an Empty Stomach
Transcription
Filling More Than an Empty Stomach
SUMMER 2010 On June 24th, the Board of Directors, staff, and colleagues of Kathleen McGowan celebrated her retirement from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet. We are truly grateful for her service and dedication for the past 15 years. C Today, a search committee comprised of Board members and representatives from the Diocese of Joliet is working tirelessly to hire a new Executive Director. While our search continues, I am pleased to announce that Deb Darzinskis, the Assistant Executive Director for the past 13 years, has been appointed Interim Executive Director and is capably managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. Catholic Charities is full of vigor and energy. Staff continues to help those in crisis with incredible determination, and everyday we thank God for your support and compassion. It is that very support that makes our work possible. Please keep us in your prayers as our search for a new director continues, and as always, pray for those we serve. Sincerely, Kenneth Esch Chairman, Board of Directors Filling More Than an Empty Stomach ecilia Zabala knows what it’s like to be hungry. She and her grandchildren eat at Shepherd’s Table soup kitchen almost every day. “2010 just ain’t my year,” she said. “But Catholic Charities has come to my rescue many times.” Cecilia and her two grandkids live with her brother. She gained custody of the children after their mother, who was recently released from prison, became homeless and unable to care for the children. Cecilia currently receives $222 in Public Aid benefits each month and after she pays $200 in rent, she is left with $22 to cover all of her other expenses. Having a government LINK card does help with food, but the card Cecilia Zabala and her granddaughter, Taliyah, cannot be used to purchase non-food items. “It’s never enough, but at least I know I can give share a moment with Gail Flatness, kitchen coordinator at Catholic Charities’ Shepherd’s Table. them one good meal a day at Shepherd’s Table – and the food is pretty good too!” There are many more like Cecilia who are turning to Catholic Charities for help in feeding their families. As part of the Emergency Services Program, families who are struggling can get boxes of food and vouchers or gift cards for fresh foods like milk and vegetables. The vouchers and gift cards can also be used for products that can’t be purchased with a LINK card such as cleaning products, toilet paper and feminine hygiene products. They are also key in helping people who are diabetic and usually cannot eat the food provided in the food boxes from the food bank. “We have seen more and more people with food restrictions and the only way to get them healthy food is through a voucher or gift card to a local store,” said Sherry Young, a case manager in the program. “We just don’t have enough of them to go around.” Individuals and families are also getting more than help with food. A few months ago, David T. was unemployed and living on the streets. When he finally mustered up the courage to ask for help from Catholic Charities he shared with staff that he couldn’t look for a job because he didn’t have clothing suitable for an interview. Immediately, staff took him to the Resource Exchange room where he picked out several new shirts and pants. Soon after, David got a job. Later he came back indicating that he needed steel-toed boots to actually start working. God provides – earlier that week a donation of boots had been made and David left with a skip in his step and a smile on his face. David and Cecilia are not alone. Each year thousands of individuals and families rely on Catholic Charities for basics like food, clothing and shelter. “Catholic Charities has helped me and the kids out a lot,” said Cecilia. “As a senior citizen raising my two grandkids I have to reach out wherever I can for help and these folks are always here for me.” Donations of gift cards to any local food store are desperately needed. Denominations of $20-25 are best so they can be distributed based on family size and need. Cash gifts can also be restricted to purchase gift cards. Send your gift card or monetary donations to: Catholic Charities Emergency Relief Fund • 203 N. Ottawa Street, Joliet IL 60432 *All donations will be restricted to the county that you live in unless otherwise specified. Pay It Forward “P ay it forward” is a concept that is familiar to Stephanie Palubicki Kennedy. She, and many others, believe that when something good happens to you, you should do something good for another person even if they are a complete stranger. Her parents, who adopted her through a Catholic Charities agency in Minnesota, believed in the concept and passed it on to her so when she read about the “Angel Fund” matching gift program at Catholic Charities, she knew she had to do something. The Angel Fund was sponsored by an anonymous donor who agreed to match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 from February throughout the Lenten Season. Stephanie “rallied the troops” and reached out to good friend Kathy Gaydos. “Kathy always knows how to gather people,” said Stephanie. Together, the ladies hosted a jewelry party sponsored by a company where Stephanie works as a sales representative. The end result – over $1,000 (Stephanie’s proceeds from the party) was donated to the Angel Fund for a total gift of $2,000! Thank you Stephanie, Kathy and all of your guests for paying it forward to Catholic Charities! Angel Fund Brings Hope T he Angel Fund raised almost $130,000 for Catholic Charities. It was established by a special donor who recognized the challenges of serving nearly 60,000 people each year, the unmet needs in our communities, and the lack of financial resources to address these needs. Because of his pledge to match every donation received (up to $50,000) from mid-February through April 30th, Catholic Charities was able to give hope and help to those who needed it most. Daybreakapalooza – a Big Hit! T he crowd went nuts at St. Joe’s Park in Joliet on May 14th as 15 karaoke contestants rocked the house for the first annual Daybreakaplooza fundraiser for Daybreak Center in Joliet. “With funding cuts from some local government sources and a lack of increase in donations from individuals, we needed to do something to make sure the program wasn’t in jeopardy – we needed to raise some money and some awareness,” said Pam Kostecki, Division Director for Community Services at Catholic Charities. And that’s exactly what they did! A cadre of 70 volunteers and an array of sponsors pulled off the exciting event in less than three months and raised over $12,000 through ticket sales and incredible raffle prizes. “Next year’s event will be even bigger and better,” said Tony Mravle, Director of Daybreak Center. “Since everyone had such a great time this year, I am sure the event will blow people away next year.” Special thanks to our major sponsors: KSKJ St. John’s Lodge #143 and KSKJ St. Joseph’s Lodge #2, First Midwest Bank, Empress Casino, D Construction, Lewis University, City Beverage and Cemeno’s Pizza. Thanks also to our judges for our karaoke contest: Joliet City Councilman Tim Brophy, Star 96.7 personalities Maggie Peterson and Dan Waddick from the morning show, vocal coach Denise Gillespie and our host, Gregg Dellinger. 2 Seniors Celebrate Volunteerism and Bid Farewell to Friends H.O.P.E. for Kids in Foster Care T (Left to Right) Lynda Frystak, Senior Companion of the Year Mary Trahan, and Kristin Ruda, the new coordinator of the Senior Companion Program. V olunteers with the Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent Programs recently gathered at their annual recognition luncheons, but this time they were celebrating more than just the jobs they love so much. They celebrated the work of two very special program coordinators, Lynda Frystak and John Jackson, who both worked with the programs for 20 years and recently retired. At the luncheons, Mary Trahan was honored as the Senior Companion Volunteer of the Year and Felix Adeoye and Necia Dickerman were honored as the Foster Grandparents of the Year. The Senior Companion Program is now in the capable hands of Kristin Ruda. If you are a low-income senior, and want to visit other homebound seniors in Will, Grundy, Kankakee, and Iroquois Counties, please call Kristin at 815-723-3405. The Foster Grandparent Program, serving Will County, is now coordinated by Nancy Zakosek who can also be reached at 815-723-3405. Foster Grandparents work in local schools and programs that work with children. I hirteen years ago, Nance Bruss, a former teacher and a dedicated foster parent for Catholic Charities, Nance Bruss, giving dreamed of hope to kids in foster giving children in foster care the care. chance to go to college. Her dream came true, along with the dreams of over twenty young adults who have been the recipients of her H.O.P.E. Scholarship (Having Opportunities for Purposeful Education) since 1997. “Her love of education and children has helped produce nurses, teachers, construction managers, healthcare professionals, and more,” said Lorri Nagle, Director of Development. “These kids might not have had the opportunity to go to college if it weren’t for Nance. She has been an angel to Catholic Charities and a blessing for the kids in foster care.” Cream of the Crop at Farmer’s Market magine that you’re walking through a sweet smelling marketplace, purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables, and ogling over hand crafted items. Wait, you don’t have to imagine it! It’s the Farmer’s Market in New Lenox. Thanks to the work of Daybreak staffers Peg Schultz and Marianne Holzhauer each Saturday you can find volunteers from Daybreak Center, St. Jude Parish in New Lenox, and the University of St. Francis selling hand crafted items made by the residents of Daybreak’s shelter program. “We began hosting a booth in June, and we’re scheduled through the first week in October,” said Marianne Holzhauer, volunteer coordinator at Daybreak Center. Volunteers from St. Jude will help out for most of the summer dates, and USF students will lend a hand in September and October once they’re back in school according to Holzhauer. “The goal is to get the word out about all three organizations, and hopefully make enough money selling the craft items to be able to purchase supplies for further crafts,” she said. 3 Volunteers from St. Jude Parish have been working hard at the Farmer’s Market in New Lenox . “Hot ticket items” for sale include hand made beaded bracelets that are sold for $20 – the cost of a one night stay at Daybreak Shelter. Program Spotlight: Maternity Services A Closing a Door and Opening a Window A fter more than 20 years of serving children and their low-income families, Bluff Head Start Center has closed its doors. In April, a devastating fire damaged the building that housed the Center as well as some apartments. As a result of the fire and extensive water damage, the Center, filled with classrooms and offices, no longer met the agency’s operating standards. Children attending this Center are being transferred to other existing Head Start centers operated in Joliet by Catholic Charities. The transfers will begin this fall. Tragically, a young boy who attended the Bluff Head Start Center lived in an apartment above the Center and lost his life in that fire. Catholic Charities staff continues to pray for him, his family, teachers and classmates. He will always remain in our hearts. Catholic Charities operates six Head Start Centers in Will County and serves more than 800 children from low-income families, and children with disabilities, each year. The goal of the program is to prepare children academically and socially for preschool. Leaving a Legacy of Hope and Saying Thank You The following wording is suggested for including Catholic Charities in your will: “I give, devise and bequest to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit organization located administratively at 203 N. Ottawa, Joliet, Illinois, the sum of $ ____ (or specifically described property). S ometimes people remember Catholic Charities through a bequest or will. Oftentimes we do not learn of that generosity until after their death. We are so grateful to them for believing in our mission and work, but wish we could have expressed our gratitude while they were still living. If you decide to include Catholic Charities in your estate planning, please let us know. We want to say “thank you”! To learn more about planned giving opportunities, please call Lorri Nagle at 815.723.3405, ext. 1102. 4 n unplanned pregnancy can turn anyone’s life upside down. What will the birthmother do? How will she cope? Will her family be involved? What about the father? The answers aren’t easy, but at Catholic Charities we are here to help. We offer free, confidential counseling and an array of other support services to help women decide between parenting or surrendering the child to a loving adoptive family. The Maternity Services Program is the only program operated by Catholic Charities that relies soley on donations from people like you. It costs about $70,000 a year to operate this program that holds life sacred. If you’d like to get involved or learn more about the program, call toll-free 1-877-844-HOPE (4673). Feelin’ Hot, Hot, Hot! W ith the temperature soaring most days into the 90’s it’s hard to stay cool, but for some lowincome seniors it sometimes feels impossible. “Our resources are stretched so thin. In the past we had more funds that allowed us to purchase fans for seniors in Kankakee County to ensure their safety and health, especially those that were homebound,” said Debbi Baldauff, Assistant Director of Senior Services. Today it seems that those resources are shrinking, but the need is still there. If you would like to donate a new oscillating or box fan, or make a monetary gift that can be used to purchase fans, please call 815-933-7791. Community Support Jeans Days, Volunteering, Hosting Parties and More… T wenty-seven volunteers from Com Ed arrived with buckets, sponges, gloves, cleaning materials, outdoor perennials, cypress mulch, grass seed, shelf liner, wood stain, brushes, and painting materials to help spruce things up at Hope House in DuPage County. The company also sponsored a “Jeans Day” and raised over $1,600 that was used to purchase mattresses for clients moving out of Hope House into permanent housing. Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel named Catholic Charities as its featured charity for July. Throughout the month, employees donated school supplies for the annual Back to School Fair. The corporation’s H.E.R.O. Team (Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out) also designed an information board to educate employees on the services provided by Catholic Charities. Employees aso held a “Jeans Day” to benefit the agency. Last year the event generated over $5,000! Funds provided by The DuPage Community Foundation are helping provide trained and professional case managers that respond to over 7,000 calls each year from persons in crisis living in DuPage County. These are people and families in need of things like food, housing, medication, clothing, etc. Each year Catholic Charities works with nearly 2,000 low-income individuals in DuPage County who are at risk of homelessness. In the past two months, Ed and Gloria Dollinger of Joliet and John and Collette Hazard of Downers Grove both hosted summer parties to help raise funds and increase awareness of programs and services offered through Catholic Charities. Together these couples helped raise $10,000! Balmoral Park recently hosted a 5K run to benefit Daybreak Center. “The weather gave us a little bit of a challenge, but the day turned out great and everyone had a blast,” said Ken Churilla, marketing manager at Balmoral. The event raised $1,000. 5 Director of Community Services in DuPage County, Pam Terrell, accepts a check from Jack Mensching, a member of the Board of Directors at the DuPage Community Foundation. NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID JOLIET, IL PERMIT NO. 349 203 North Ottawa Joliet, Illinois 60432 Administrative Office 815.723.3405 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED For giving opportunities and more about our programs, visit our website at www.cc-doj.org. Our Mission… SAVE THE DATE! Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, translates God’s reconciling love into professional human services, advocates for a just and compassionate society and brings together members of the community, church, business, health care and government to develop effective responses to human needs. We commit to define these needs, seek solutions, and call forth other resources so that those we serve are empowered to achieve for themselves satisfying and productive lives. If you have any questions or concerns about this publication, please call Lorri Nagle at 815.724.1102. a dueling pianos extravaganza! Friday, November 12, 2010 6:30 p.m. to midnight Ashton Place – 341 75th Street, Willowbrook $75 per person – open seating • $750 reserved table of ten Casual attire, open bar, gourmet food stations and fabulous entertainment! For more information, please contact Lorri Nagle at 815-723-3405 or [email protected]