Nicole*, a woman in her early thirties, began working with a therapist at Catholic Charities Bloomington (CCB) over a year ago. Nicole had experienced various forms of trauma and struggled with significant panic attacks and severe agoraphobia (fear of unfamiliar environments).

At CCB, Nicole and her therapist employed several therapeutic modalities to help her meaningfully improve her quality of life, including EMDR (an evidence-based approach to help individuals change how they process trauma), somatic-based stress-reduction techniques, and internal family systems approaches.

Though she previously struggled to leave her home, Nicole has resumed activities like driving and shopping. Nicole's work with CCB has also helped her achieve a sense of safety on walks outside of her home, which she has committed to doing regularly as an investment in her mental health. Learn more about our services at www.ccbin.org

*Name changed for privacy. 

Chelsea came to us fleeing a domestic violence situation. She didn’t have any family or friends to stay with and needed a safe place to go. She came to Becky’s Place and was able to reach out to PACT (Parents and Children Together) for guidance, support, and safety planning. We were also able to place her in a family room and her precious baby girl came to live with us as well.

Chelsea hit the ground running from day one. She worked our program and was extremely motivated and completed every goal given to her. She engaged in parenting classes, attended therapy, participated in learning, and improving her communication, coping and self-advocacy skills. She continued to work on her sobriety and was a wonderful example for the other ladies in the house. She was able to take time to take care of herself and obtain medical and dental care she had been putting on the back burner. Chelsea worked two jobs and both employers praised her hard work and dedication. She was always smiling, and all the staff and residents adored her sweet family.

Chelsea was able to secure a rental house and recently moved out of the shelter. Since then, she was able to gain custody of her son and is looking forward to continuing to move forward with her life. Chelsea is enrolled in our aftercare program and continues to engage in case management services. Learn more about what is happening at Becky's Place by visiting www.BeckysPlaceBedford.org.

In October, the Immigration Legal Services program hired a multi-lingual paralegal, Joseph Timogene, with funds from a Central Indiana Community Foundation grant that was awarded in August 2023. Joseph is Haitian and served as a volunteer before he was offered a paid position.

Immigration Legal Services opened 1,397 Cases in the 2022-2023 Calendar year. This is very impressive, as there are only 4 staff members who handle cases. They wrapped up a Naturalization Grant having assisted 153 people in applying for their citizenship. These clients were charged zero dollars for their legal fees and over half of them also qualified for a fee waiver from the United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS).

The Immigration program hosted 5 clinics this year, assisting clients in applying for Naturalization, Temporary Protected Status, reparole, and work permits. These clinics were held at the Catholic Center, St. Lawrence, and St. Michael. For more information on the Immigration program, visit www.archindy.org/cc/refugee/immigration-home.html

The Supported Living Program (SLP) of St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities had its annual Christmas party on December 7, 2023. Emily Trinkle, SLP Director, made waffles to order and provided hot chocolate for all the attendees. Clients received gifts and answered questions for prizes. Assistant Director, Rebecca Crum, made ornaments with clients and took fireside pictures of all to commemorate the occasion. Much fun was had by clients, staff, and volunteers.

Through a person-centered approach, SLP focuses on tailoring support services to meet the unique needs, goals, and aspirations to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Floyd and Clark counties of Indiana with a Medicaid program waiver. Our program is a vital initiative aimed at fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for its participants. Learn more about the work of St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities at stecharities.org

Catholic Charities Tell City has been providing free coats, hats, gloves, and blankets to those in need since November 1. One of our happiest clients was so excited about her new coat, hat, and gloves that she had to put everything on and model it everyone at Catholic Charities! We have put smiles on over 100 people so far this winter.

We are very grateful for all the numerous donations that have been brought to us to help us serve the people of our community. Winter coat distribution will continue until March, and we offer sizes from infants to adult 3XL. If you know of anyone without a coat, please give us a call at (812) 547-0903 so that we can help them stay warm during the winter months. To help and to learn more, visit our website.

A Growth Journey through 'TIME for Me' Mentoring

2021 marked the beginning of a relationship which resulted in a reserved teenager who experienced some remarkable changes, all thanks to an exceptional mentor.

This teenager, a bit on the shy side, tried to find his place at Ryves Youth Center with action figures and board games as his social armor. Making friends wasn't straightforward – his laid-back demeanor and unique interests didn't quite align with the Center's vibrant activities. But when our mentor, a retired professor with a knack for mentorship, entered the scene, things took a positive turn.

This mentor worked wonders, turning the introverted teen into a well-connected member of the group. Suddenly, the teen was not only choosing his social circle but also managing his time effectively.

Despite challenges at home, the mentor remained a steadfast support, and the teen's confidence soared. There were moments when socializing with peers took precedence over mentor sessions, but the mentor understood. There was room for exploration, and the mentor remained present and available. Eventually, the teen circled back, marking a significant transformation.

Now, the once-shy teen radiates confidence and excels both academically and socially. This journey serves as a source of inspiration for everyone at Ryves Youth Center, highlighting the impactful nature of mentorship and underscoring the significance of compassion and connection.

'TIME for Me,' or Trauma-Informed Mentoring for Excellence, is the program responsible for these positive changes, made possible by a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention through Catholic Charities USA. The program pairs girls and boys ages 9-17 with approved Catholic Charities' volunteer mentors, fostering one-on-one relationships on-site for an hour a week for 12 months using evidence-based practices. For at-risk youth, having a mentor is transformative, providing guidance, a confidant, and a source of advice. A mentor offers stability, academic assistance, imparts essential life skills, and fosters enhanced confidence and ambition in young individuals.



The grant, received in 2015, facilitated the hiring of Juhi Beri as part-time mentoring coordinator. Juhi emphasizes, “Transforming a child's life takes just one individual. Mentoring works! It improves communication within the home, school, and with friends, increasing the likelihood of pursuing and succeeding in higher-level education. The successes for each mentee are relative, and sometimes, true success reveals itself over time.” To learn more about Catholic Charities Terre Haute visit our website at ccthin.org

Social Concerns

9 Days of Devotion to Jesus and Neighbor

This prayer guide is written for individuals, families, or parishes to be drawn into a greater love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and then to contemplate how the Lord sends us out to share in his mission of mercy to the hurting, broken, poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.

The structure for each day consists of a theme drawn from the USCCB’s resource guide, “Sacraments and Social Mission; Living the Gospel, Being Disciples.” Included is a scripture verse relevant to that theme, while each day’s “Observation” is a reflection from this same document. As you read, you will see how each theme is applied in the life of a holy person or Saint, and close with a prayer given to us by the USCCB, “May the Sacraments Move US to Love and Serve.” 

Click here to download the devotional

Catholic Charities Terre Haute Soup Bowl Benefit

Date: Saturday, February 3, 2024

Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm

Location: Maryland Community Church

Details: Click here for more information and to purchase tickets

Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala

Date: Friday, February 9, 2024

Time: 5:30pm

Location: JW Marriot Indianapolis

Details: Join us for dinner and open bar, awards, auction, music from The Bishops. To sponsor or purchase tickets visit www.archindy.org/LegacyGala. If you are a young adult (18-39), take advantage of our special pricing. This event supports Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools, and Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary.

Becky's Place Shelterbration

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Lawrence County Expo Center

Details: Join us for dinner from Carla’s Catering, awards, live and online auction and music once again by My Yellow Rickshaw  Click here for more information on sponsorships and how to register.  

Catholic Charities Indianapolis Simple Soup & Bread Luncheon

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024

Location: The Catholic Center

Details: Join us for our annual Holy Thursday Soup & Bread Luncheon. Click here for more information.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities Gala

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024

Location: The Galt House

Details:  St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities Annual Gala will be on Thursday, April 18 at The Galt House in downtown Louisville. Stay tuned for updates at stecharities.org

Interested in making a charitable gift that

also pays you income for life?

A Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) provides you or a loved one with fixed income payments for life, and remaining funds provide a legacy gift to your favorite parish, school or Archdiocesan ministry upon your passing. There’s no better time in invest in a CGA as the payout rates are at their highest level in more than a decade! As the donor, you receive an immediate income tax deduction and possible capital gains benefits. You must be 60 years old to create a CGA, however, if you are 70 ½ or older, you may be able to establish a CGA with assets from your IRA through a qualified charitable distribution.

To learn more about how you can receive fixed income for life, and help your favorite Catholic charity, please contact ccf@archindy.org or call 317-236-1482.

Dennis Craig

Catholic Charities Bloomington

Interim Clinical Director

Natalie Watson

Becky's Place

Interim Program Director

www.archindy.org/cc