We have seen a surge of interest in International Adoptions over the last six months. Motivation for adoption varies between families, but common themes are a desire to grow their family and provide a less fortunate child with a loving and stable home. “I believe families are hopeful and optimistic again. They are aware that travel restrictions have been lifted and International Adoptions are possible again. Families also understand that there are thousands of orphans living in third-world countries waiting for their forever home in the United States”. The opportunities for International Adoption are limitless. Frequently visited countries with well-established adoption programs include: Colombia, India, Bulgaria, and Haiti. The agency looks forward to assisting families by providing education, advocacy, and support and ultimately to complete their adoption.
Additionally, St. Elizabeth|Coleman is excited to announce the hiring of a new Marketing Coordinator, Meredith Cobb. Meredith has joined the agency to grow our community outreach and education through clinic visits and managing the agency’s social media channels. Click here to learn more about St. Elizabeth|Coleman
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Immigration Legal Services |
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The Immigration Legal Services team remains busy. In 2022 they took on an unprecedented number of cases, almost 700, and filed over 400 applications. They continue to take on cases and help clients file applications for immigration status.
The team hosted a free naturalization clinic in May to help those who are currently in the United States start the process for citizenship. Those eligible for the class include: those with a green card, special immigrant Visas, asylees, and parolees. An online citizenship class was started in early July. This 11-week course prepares clients for the Civics and Literacy portion of the Naturalization test. The team continues to do great work in guiding clients through the immigration process with care and efficiency. To learn more about our Immigration Legal Services at visit their website.
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Our School Social Workers Helped
Students Overcome Challenges
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During the 2022-2023 school year, our program consisted of 26 providers serving 29 Catholic schools within the Archdiocese. We addressed various needs of students and their families, which can be quite complex. This year, staff recognized an increase in students’ anxiety as well as an overall difficulty with students regulating their thoughts and emotions. Our School Social Workers help students address these challenges so that they could achieve both in the classroom and at home.
It is important for our staff to practice good self-care and maintain a health work/life balance in order to support those with complex needs. Recognizing this need for self-care, a professional development workshop was provided on Compassion Fatigue, Burnout & Resiliency. Afterwards, one of our staff observed, “Catholic Charities genuinely works a culture of self-care into its mission. It is refreshing that they understand that an empty cup has nothing to pour.” Contact contact Patrice Uminski at puminski@archindy.org or Sharmila John at sjohn@archindy.org for more information.
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Caregiver Support Groups:
Virtual and in person support groups for caregivers of older adults. The groups are not disease specific. Registration required. Contact Monica at mwoodsworth@archindy.org or 317-261-3378. If you are not able to attend, feel free to call for caregiver information.
- 3rd Thursday, from 5:30pm - 7pm. In person at the Catholic Center, 1400 N Meridian Street.
- 3rd Tuesday from 5:30pm - 7pm. In person at St Jude's, 5375 McFarland Road.
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4th Thursday from 4:15pm - 5:30pm. Virtual. Registration required to receive Zoom link.
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Christmas Store Open House:
Date: Sunday, July 16, 2023
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Catholic Charities Christmas Store
1435 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, 46202
Details: Join us for summer refreshments at the Christmas Store Open House on Sunday, July 16 from 2pm to 4pm. See how the Christmas Store is planning to help families in need this holiday season. Guests are invited to bring a new unwrapped toy.
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Are you interested in a planned gift
that pays you for life?
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Life income gifts serve a dual purpose: They provide an income stream for donors or their loved ones with fixed payments for life and lend financial support for your favorite Catholic organization – such as your parish, a school or Archdiocesan ministry.
There are three main types of income gifts:
- Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA)
- Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts (CRAT)
- Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUT)
A CGA is established through our Catholic Community Foundation. The donor transfers assets (cash, stock or other appreciated assets) to a Catholic organization in exchange for fixed payments for life. When you pass, whatever funds are left in the fund will benefit the Catholic organization of your choice. You must be 60 years old to apply. At 70 ½, you can use a qualified charitable distribution to set up the fund.
CRATs and CRUTs need to be established through the donor’s attorney and/or financial advisor. A CRAT can provide you with fixed income payments for life and then distributes at least 10% of the value of the fund to a Catholic organization. You get to choose the annual payment amount, how long the income will be paid and the trustee to oversee the trust. A CRUT operates much like a CRAT, however, you can add to the value of a unitrust - as opposed to an annuity. Annual payments vary with the value of the trust.
For more information, please contact the Catholic Community Foundation at
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Follow us on Social Media |
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To inquire about St. Elizabeth|Coleman, contact Renee Hummel at rhummel@secindy.org
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To inquire about the Immigration Legal Services, contact Katie Bray at kbray@archindy.org
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To inquire about the School Social Work Program, contact Patrice Uminski at puminski@archindy.org or Sharmila John at sjohn@archindy.org
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To inquire about donating to Catholic Charities Indianapolis, contact Cheri Bush at cbush@archindy.org
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Help Catholic Charities by Shopping at
No Extra Cost to You!
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Walmart Spark Good
Did you know that every time you shop on Walmart.com, you can round up your change and donate it to Catholic Charities Indianapolis? Click here to learn how small acts can lead to big impact at #WalmartSparkGood
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92 cents of every dollar is used to provide critical support, genuine care, and gentle relief for those who
seek our help.
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