Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo
Providing Help.  Creating Hope.  Serving All.
 
Your support and partnership brings these words to life.  We're excited to share these stories and invite you to join us as we live our mission.
Ark Drop-Ins: Serving Homeless Youth In Their Community
Did you know that The Ark Services for Youth hosts Drop-In Centers in schools and at partner organizations across southwest Michigan?  The Drop-Ins, held at regularly scheduled dates and times (so youth know when staff will be available to help them), provide crisis services -- including information and referral, hygiene products, food and drink, and access to caring, compassionate staff -- in a safe environment for homeless youth and youth in crisis. 

The Drop-Ins allow staff to have a regular presence in the school and community and, over time, staff are able to develop trusting relationships with youth have often been through traumatizing experiences and don't trust anyone.  By simply being available, listening, caring and supporting, the relationship grows.  The immediate crisis is addressed and resolved and, over time, the youth is able to access more-intensive services which reduce the likelihood of future crisis.  It's a meaningful way to provide services to vulnerable youth who might otherwise fall through the cracks across the nine counties of the Diocese of Kalamazoo -- and to help youth overcome barriers that might otherwise prevent them from getting the help they need. 

To learn more (or if you are interested in hosting a Drop-In in your community) please call Brooke Hill at 269-381-9800.
Save The Date:  Celebrate Life Luncheon May 7, 2015
Details will be coming in the March eNewsletter, but please save the date and plan to join us for lunch on May 7th for the Celebrate Life Luncheon.  Come enjoy delicious good, learn more about our work, and celebrate those who share their time to support it!

Special Requests:  Can You Help?
Our clients have a few special needs and we were wondering if you might be able to meet them.  Please see the items below and, if you are able to provide any of them, contact Jeannine Boehm at 269-381-1234.  We greatly appreciate your generosity!

The Ark Service for Youth
Boots and Shoes 
Sweatpants 
Durable Kitchen Supplies (Pots, Pans, Cooking Utensils, Etc)

Caring Network
Clothes for Baby Girls and Baby Boys, Size 0-6 Months 
Diapers (Sizes 3 and Up) 
Love In Action:  Consider Volunteering at CCDOK

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.


Volunteers are truly love in action, selflessly giving of themselves to meet the needs of others.  We know we could not do the work we do every single day at CCDOK without our compassionate volunteers.  We are grateful for their commitment, dedication, and service.

We are seeking additional individuals to join us in this work of love.  We have specific needs and we encourage you to read about the opportunities below.  If you are interested in learning more about them, please call Jeannine Boehm at 269-381-1234 or send us an e-mail at [email protected]

Prayer Place Volunteers: 
Join a group of volunteers who gather every Monday and Wednesday from 12 PM - 1 PM to lift up our clients, staff, agency, and community in prayer

Van Domelen Center Reception Volunteers: 
Volunteers are needed to answer telephones, greet clients, and help with light office work. Hours are flexible and training is provided.

Administrative Volunteers: 
Volunteers are needed to assist with various administrative projects.  If you have skills in this area, please call us and we can match you up with the perfect project!

Case File Review (Quality Assurance) Volunteers: 
Trained volunteers review client files to ensure quality services are provided and documented and forms are completed correctly.  Volunteers meet once a month for about three hours.

Community Development Council Volunteers: 
Help CCDOK plan events, marketing, and publicity to best serve our community.  The council meets once per month and we welcome your opinions and assistance!

Planning Council Volunteers: 
This council monitors CCDOK's Strategic Plan and helps the agency focus forward to meet its long-term goals.  The council meets four to five times a year and we welcome your input!

Training Volunteers: 
Do you have a special skill or expertise?  We are looking for individuals to assist in training our staff in diverse areas.  Please call us and explore options with us!

CCDOK Board Members: 
We are specifically looking to increase the diversity of our Board of Directors.  We are looking for individuals with skills in finance, business management, facilities and equipment, legal, fundraising, and marketing, as well as those who are well connected to the greater community.  The Board of Directors meets four to five times a year and participates in community events.
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1819 Gull Road, Kalamazoo MI 49048 -- 269-381-9800