October is Respect Life Month. This month, we reflect on the inherent dignity of every person, from conception to natural death. We are called to protect, nurture, and respect all lives, especially the most vulnerable. Catholic Charities Indianapolis reaffirms its commitment to upholding the dignity of every person. Through our Crisis Office, we address food insecurity and basic needs; our refugee and immigrant services help families find safety and hope in a new country; St. Elizabeth/Coleman provides support for pregnant women and adoptive couples choosing life; and our counseling services promote mental health and well-being. Each program reflects our belief that every life is valuable. Together, let’s promote a culture of life that values every person as a beloved child of God. | |
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Maria*, José*, and their 7-year-old son Roberto* entered Holy Family Shelter (HFS) after leaving a refugee shelter in Chicago where they had a negative experience. Roberto was suffering from a bacterial infection due to a leg injury he sustained at the refugee shelter. This required surgery, which caused Roberto both physical and emotional trauma.
During their time at Holy Family Shelter, the family worked diligently with their case manager to achieve their goals. Maria and José enrolled in the CCI Immigration Legal Service program which provided them legal services. They worked on finding employment and budgeting with their HFS case manager. Both were able to obtain full-time employment and save 75% of their income for housing.
Roberto was able to receive the necessary medical care, physical therapy, and mental health counseling he needed to fully recover from his injury. He participated in the HFS summer camp and summer reading programs. This family has successfully moved into stable housing and remains connected to community resources to ensure they have a smooth transition to this new chapter in their life. Click here to learn more about Holy Family Shelter
*Names changed for privacy
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Christmas will be here before you know it! The Christmas Store will open on November 21 to assist struggling families referred to us by 85 different community organizations. Last year, 250 volunteer elves were needed to help 875 families. Without the Christmas Store, these families may not have had a Christmas. To volunteer to be a Christmas Elf with Catholic Charities, donate Christmas gifts or make a donation for the purchase of Christmas gifts, please visit www.ArchIndy.org/ChristmasStoreHelp
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Kevin was referred to the Senior Companion program by his social worker at a mental health clinic for support for his severe depression. Kevin matched with Senior Companion Greg in September 2022, and they agreed to meet 15 hours a week. Upon meeting, Greg and Kevin quickly discovered they had many things in common. Within weeks, they were out in the community, visiting the community center and library and spending time at different dog parks. The original 15 hours per week quickly became 20 to 25. The two became friends and would complete housework and share meals together. Greg would make sure that Kevin made it to all his medical and mental health appointments on time.
In May 2024, Greg’s home burnt down. The first person he called was Kevin to tell him he could not be there the following day. One week later, when Greg called to check on Kevin, Kevin’s sister answered the phone and informed him that Kevin had passed away. Kevin’s family shared with Greg the positive difference he made in the last few years of Kevin’s life. Click Here to learn more about the Senior Companion Program.
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Counseling Program Receives Grant from
Franciscan Health
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Addressing mental health concerns is an important part of a person's overall health and wellbeing. Our Counseling program was recently award a Social Impact Partnership Program (SIPP) grant from Franciscan Health. Funds from this grant will be used to help benefit our clients. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, visit helpcreatehope.org for more information about our counseling services. | |
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Stress-free End of Year Giving | |
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As we enjoy the current fall days, we know the end of the year season of giving is fast approaching. Many donors choose to support Catholic Charities at the end of the year. While we understand that December is a popular time for our donors to be generous, we do encourage you to make these arrangements sooner than later.
Especially if you plan to make a gift of stock or give from your IRA or donor-advised fund, the earlier you arrange to make this gift, the better. These types of gifts normally take longer to process. The first step in making these types of gifts is to contact your custodian or broker to request the amount you wish to donate and to which charity. The next step is to complete our Archdiocesan form that informs us of your donation details so that we can anticipate your gift and follow through on your intentions. These forms can be found by clicking the appropriate button in the upper right-hand corner of our CCF website at www.archindy.org/CCF.
We experience a high volume of giving from now through December. Additionally, the Catholic Center will be officially closed for Christmas from December 20, 2024, through January 5, 2025. While we continue to monitor mail and gifts as they arrive, to qualify as a 2024 contribution, all gifts must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2024.
If you have questions, please reach out to us at ccf@archindy.org or call 317-236-1482.
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CCUSA Brand Awareness Campaign | | |
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Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis is part of a network of 168 agencies that make up Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the network’s national membership organization. CCUSA has launched an awareness campaign promoting the life-giving work undertaken each day by Catholic Charities agencies around the country. Through national and local advertising efforts, the campaign will shine a spotlight on the vast and varied services that the Catholic Charities network provides to millions of people in need each year. Learn more about this campaign at WeAreThere.US. | |
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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
Auction items are also needed. Contact Cheri Bush at cbush@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 at the Catholic Center, 1400 N Meridian Street.
- 3rd Tuesday at St Jude's, 5375 McFarland Road.
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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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Follow us on Social Media | | |
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To inquire about the Christmas Store or the Crisis Office, contact Michelle Gudger at mgudger@archindy.org or (650) 294-3033
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To inquire about the Senior Companions Program, contact Joyce Beaven at jbeaven@archindy.org or (317) 236-1552
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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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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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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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