At CCDOK we are grateful to serve over 8,500 of your friends and neighbors in the nine county Diocese of Kalamazoo by providing help for today, creating hope for tomorrow, and cultivating caring communities.  We share stories of that work in action -- and how you can help us make our Mission Possible -- in this eNewsletter.
St. Margaret School Shares 
Reading Time at Baraga Manor
On May 31st, Baraga Manor Apartments residents were blessed to have students from St. Margaret School come to read with them.  The 2nd and 4th graders shared a variety of stories and had great conversations with our residents.  Imagine the surprise of the students when a deer bounded right by them when some were reading outdoors!  Students and residents alike had a great time together -- and because it was such a great event, we are planning to a monthly activity with the students in the future -- building community for students and residents alike! 
"College and Career" Classes Funded
This fall youth in our Ark Youth Independent Living Program will be learning all the skills they need to be successful in college and as they start a career, thanks to a generous grant from the Kalamazoo Youth  United Way. 

The grant enables staff to
spend the summer planning a total of 16 sessions - - eight focusing on educational skills and eight focusing on employment skills.  The sessions will include input from youth and will engage a variety of community speakers to make them as fun and engaging as possible.  Fields trips will be included -- like tours of local colleges -- as well as mock interviews and hands-on practice with resumes and applications.

We are so grateful to be able to provide this service to our youth.
Thank you Kalamazoo Youth United Way!!    
Register Today: 
Join Us At The Ark In The Dark Firefly 5K!
The Ark In The Dark Firefly 5K is quickly approaching -- but it's not too late to sign up or even to consider sponsoring the event.  This is our third year, and we are pleased to announce we have a new route for the 5K on Hackett Catholic Prep's campus filled with fun and light! 

We encourage you to wear your best glow-in-the-dark gear and come ready to have a blast!  The event will be followed with delicious food, great music, and an opportunity to learn more about CCDOK and the work we do.  Please visit our sign-up page to learn more or to register today -- there are special rates for teams and for families!  
Teddy Bear Picnic - June 28th
We will be holding our annual Teddy Bear Picnic on June 28th at Milham Park from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm.  The picnic includes face-painting, arts and crafts, and (of course) delicious food!  If you love to bake, we are accepting dessert and treat donations -- please contact Jeannine at 269-381-9800.  Any sweet treats can be dropped off at Caring Network on June 27th or the morning of the 28th.  The Teddy Bear Picnic is open to the Caring Network community -- our clients, their families, and those who support them.  It's a way to "kick off summer" with fun.
Come join us for lunch and fun activities and to learn more about our FREE services.  



   Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo
269-381-9800 | [email protected] | www.ccdok.org

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