2023-2024 Annual Report

Click here to read full Annual Report

Why Attend a Caregiver Support Group

Caring for an aging family member or friend can take a minute of your time as you pick up a prescription, or it may be consuming your time as you schedule, coordinate, and provide transportation to medical appointments. We can’t predict exactly how we’ll age or when we’ll need help and that can leave caregivers wondering if there is help, where to find it, and how to live with the emotional and physical impacts.

 

Caregiver support groups are one way to find resources and other people who are experiencing similar questions and situations. There are caregiver support groups that are disease-specific and ones that are for general caregiving. Groups share resources for community help, ideas for thinking about situations differently, and tips for making caregiving easier. Caregiver groups provide social care for caregivers who may be experiencing isolation and loneliness due to changing their lifestyles to accommodate caregiving tasks.

 

Catholic Charities offers two general caregiver groups in Indianapolis that are open to the community. Last year, in addition to having open discussions, community professionals from the Alzheimer’s Association, Ascension Living St. Vincent PACE, Indiana Legal Services, and Power Over Dementia shared insights. A retired psychiatric nurse educator talked about feelings, a Catholic Charities therapist lead a meditation, and a World Boxing Heavyweight Champion helped caregivers put on boxing gloves and throw some punches.

 

Sharing time and learning with other people who are caregiving can increase knowledge of resources as well as improve coping skills and psychological well-being—all which can lead to an improved quality of life for caregivers. To find a caregiver group in your area, contact your Area Agency on Aging. For information about the Catholic Charities groups, contact Monica Woodsworth, mwoodsworth@archindy.org, 317-261-3378.

Mental Health Counseling

Our Mental Health Counseling program is honored to receive a grant from the Kendrick Foundation for the 7th consecutive year! This incredible support allows us to continue working in Morgan County integrated with IU Health Morgan to provide mental health and case management personnel to help more adults and children struggling to obtain diagnostic assessment, counseling, and referrals to community resources.


Thank you, Kendrick Foundation, for helping us bring hope and healing to our community. Visit our website to learn more about our mental health services.

Immigration Program

Our Immigration program is working hard to serve the growing Haitian community. They do this by helping individuals apply for work authorization, temporary protected status, and asylum.


They interact with this community with the help of paralegal Joseph Timogene, intake coordinator Jacquie Wilhelm, and Cuban/Haitian entrants service coordinator Ben Horner. Their hard work has been instrumental in the services provided to the Haitian community, one that has been marginalized and targeted.


In addition, Mbarka Belkassim recently became a Department of Justice accredited representative. This allows her to engage in certain legal practices (filing applications with USCIS) and has been a tremendous asset to the team but also to the immigrant community. Click Here to learn more about the Immigration Legal Services Program.

Importance of Generational Giving Conversations

As a faithful Catholic, you understand the importance of giving back to God and the Church. Have you instilled this habit in your children? The future of the Church relies on generations being generous with their God-given blessings. 


What should you discuss?


·        We encourage parents to regularly discuss their giving with their adult children. Be sure to express to them your wishes regarding your estate and potential chartable bequests so that they understand and can carry through your intentions. Discuss with your adult children your desire that they follow in your footsteps in continuing the family tradition of charitable giving.



·        Even from a young age, instilling a sense of philanthropy can help your children grow in the habit of giving back. Discuss with children that everything we have is a gift from God and He calls us to not only give back, but to benefit others.


·        Did you know that a Donor Advised Fund with the Catholic Community Foundation is a great tool to facilitate generational giving?



For more information, please contact the Catholic Community Foundation at ccf@archindy.org or 317-236-1482.

Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala

Date: Friday, February 7, 2025

Time: 5:30pm

Location: JW Marriott Indianapolis

Details: Join us for a cocktail reception, dinner, program and award, live and online auctions, live music and more. To sponsor or purchase tickets visit www.archindy.org/LegacyGala

Caregiver Support Groups:

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 at the Catholic Center, 1400 N Meridian Street.


  • 3rd Tuesday at St Jude's, 5375 McFarland Road.
Support Catholic Charities Endowments

Supporting a Catholic Charities endowment shows your long-term investment in our mission of providing help and creating hope for those in need. By establishing an endowment through the Catholic Community Foundation, or contributing to an existing endowment, you are helping to ensure a sustainable source of funding for generations to come. Every donation, regardless of size, propels us towards a brighter future. Here is a list of endowments that support Catholic Charities Indianapolis programs:
 
-Catholic Charities: #600-0205
-Holy Family Shelter: #602-0154
-St. Elizabeth Coleman: #270-0240
 
Click here to support our endowments and be a catalyst for positive change. When donating using this secure online form, you will need to fill in the appropriate fund # from the list above. 
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For More Information

To inquire about Caregiver Support, contact Monica Woodsworth at

mwoodsworth@archidny.org 

or (317) 261-3378

To inquire about the Counseling Program, contact Beth Goodrich at bgoodrich@archindy.org or

317-236-1537x1


To inquire about the

Immigration Program,

contact Chase Davis at cdavis@archindy.org or

267-692-8344

To inquire about donating to

Catholic Charities Indianapolis, contact Cheri Bush at cbush@archindy.org

Help Catholic Charities by Shopping at
No Extra Cost to You!

Kroger Community Rewards Program

Did you know that every time you shop at Kroger, you can help support Catholic Charities Indianapolis? Here's how:



1. Register your Kroger Plus Card at Kroger.com/communityrewards (if you do not have one, they are available at the Customer Service desk at any Kroger).

2. Click on "Sign In" or "Create an Account".

3. Search for "Catholic Charities Indianapolis" or enter LM280.

4. Click "enroll".

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