☀️ Making Summer Special at Catholic Charities

Greetings,

With the refreshing spring rains behind us, this summer is shaping up to be a beautiful one. For the people we serve, the rays of light summer bring haven't always been possible to fully enjoy. We strive to make every season a special one for the people in our care.

Continue reading to explore a snapshot of the “summer fun” opportunities our team has in store - all thanks to the generosity of our amazing supporters!

Aren't these kids brave?

It’s not easy getting on stage! Three cheers for the children who participated in Luther Burbank Center’s (LBC) visiting program. Once a week since February, kids have been gathering at Caritas Center to create their very own play.

This partnership with Catholic Charities is a part of the LBC's Creative Arts for Resilience and Expression (CARE) program at Caritas Center to provide arts experiences for youth from high-risk environments.

“The arts as activities for self-expression, creativity, and fun are therapeutic and healing opportunities for children who struggle with homelessness and poverty,” said Ashleigh Worley, LBC Directory of Education and Community Engagement. “The drama class supports their emotional and cognitive development, builds self-confidence, expands communications skills, and brings joy.”

Without support, homelessness can have a disruptive impact on childhood learning. As such, Caritas Center offers a housing-focused model for families and single adults. Catholic Charities' Youth & Family Programs are among an array of Caritas Center services that nourish children’s learning and development as well as support parents navigating their education.

We extend a very special thank you to The Farley Family Charitable Foundation for their generous contribution in support of this program.

Our residents are the cherry on top!

Opportunities to socialize and reconnect are abundant at The Palms Inn! Cookouts, bingo, and skill-building activities help our residents feel a part of something special. Our team was happy to crank up some tunes and serve up yummy sundaes at a recent ice cream social.

The 104 Permanent Supportive Housing units at The Palms Inn are home to formerly chronically homeless single adults (including veterans) and couples. Here they have access to healthcare, mental health support, and treatment opportunities to help them succeed long-term.

Delicious homemade chili from our friends at Congregation Beth Ami

Our volunteers are such a source of inspiration! We thank Congregation Beth Ami for their love and support for residents living at The Palms Inn. For over six years they have provided monthly meals to residents.

In their words..."During our visits, we often have interesting conversations with the residents who are clients of Catholic Charities and the VA (Veterans Administration). Catholic Charities' mission inspires their team to show love to those who have otherwise been forgotten - this is exactly what they are doing at The Palms Inn.

The residents have experienced challenges in their lives, many of which have been improved by having housing at this site. We have been touched by their stories."

Thank you, Congregation Beth Ami, for being a part of the community at The Palms Inn!

100 U.S. civics questions - how can we help?

To address the urgent need to make immigration legal services accessible across our region, Catholic Charities will be expanding our in-person citizenship tutoring sessions to Petaluma all summer long.

Individuals can participate in mock interviews, practice English writing and reading skills, and review the 100 civic questions and answers. This opportunity helps propel forward those preparing for their upcoming English citizenship interview with USCIS!

Tutoring will take place every Wednesday from 5:30-7:45pm through August 23rd at the Petaluma Regional Library (100 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma).

You are invited...to make a difference in a senior’s life!

For the outdoor lovers reading this, the sunny summer is a welcomed sight. Unfortunately, many seniors among us are at risk of feeling completely disconnected from their community, leaving them with little to do but stay inside.

Studies have shown that getting out and staying active during the summer months can improve mental health and help sustain a strong mind and body.

Everyone deserves support to stay independent and thrive at home...especially during these beautiful summer months.

You can help! Join our incredible team of Caring Rides volunteers at Catholic Charities who are helping seniors stay active by driving them to medical appointments and more. Volunteers and riders are uplifted during every ride!

Please call Caryn Stone at (707) 308-4805 or email cstone@srcharities.org for more information about this volunteer opportunity!

Click here to email Caryn

While we are here...

Summer, winter, spring, or fall, Catholic Charities' Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) hits the ground running every day to connect individuals in Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park to shelter and housing services such as the Caritas Drop-in Center, Safe Parking, Rapid Rehousing, and more.

Despite any challenges encountered, HOST exercises unwavering love and compassion for all people served.

Their outreach is built on trust. Once trust is earned in the field, HOST continues to walk alongside them on their journey with one overarching goal - home.

Our team meets them where they are to help them navigate whatever they face. Every client's story is different. When the going gets tough, HOST is there to embrace the people we serve with compassion and hope!

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