Newsletter April -May 2026 | | |
Dear Friends of Catholic Charities,
As we enter the month of June, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, community, and service to those most in need. Every day at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, we witness hope and resilience through the individuals and families we are privileged to serve.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, we continue to provide vital support to families facing hardship, seniors in need of care and companionship, and individuals seeking stability and hope for the future.
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As we also prepare for the start of hurricane season, Catholic Charities remains committed to standing ready to assist our communities during times of need and uncertainty.
As you and your family enjoy the slower pace of summertime, I extend my appreciation for your continued prayers and support of our mission. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our neighbors each day.
With gratitude and blessings,
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Ellen T. Wayne, Ed.D.
CEO
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20 Years of Accreditation with Nonprofits First
For 20 years, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach has maintained continuous accreditation—demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence, accountability, and service to our community. Here’s to two decades of impact—and many more to come!
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Immigration Assistance Fraud
Please be aware of a scam posted on Facebook and using WhatApp fraudulently offering Immigration Legal Assistance through Catholic Charities USA.
Catholic Charities does not solicit services through random Facebook ads or WhatsApp messages. Scammers are targeting vulnerable individuals with misleading promises of free immigration help.
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20th Annual Bernard & Betty Egan Memorial Golf Classic
The 20th Annual Bernard & Betty Egan Memorial Golf Classic, held on May 16 at Pointe West Country Club, raises $195,000 for The Samaritan Center in Vero Beach.
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Do we get to stay here? Never have six words said so much
In this powerful story from Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, those six simple words capture the hope, and life-changing impact of safe, stable housing. Read how compassionate support is helping families move from crisis to security—and why moments like these remind us just how vital this work truly is.
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Samaritan Center Nominated for "In His Shoe's" Award with Treasure Coast Homeless Services
Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center was honored to be nominated for an award at the 2026 In His Shoes Award Celebration, hosted by the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council - committed to addressing homelessness and supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.
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Long Sleeve Relief Drive
Our team delivered protective tee shirts to the Farmworkers Association in Fellsmere to shield farmworkers from harmful sun and pesticide exposure - making a difference in daily safety and health. Thank you to all who donated.
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Employee of the Quarter Q4
Catholic Charities is proud to recognize Jill Martin, our Peer Support Specialist, for her outstanding work in serving victims of human trafficking.
Congratulations Jill!
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Donor Spotlight: Pete Ritenburg
For more than 2 decades, Pete has quietly and faithfully supported the Elder Affairs Guardianship Program - a commitment rooted in a deeply personal experience of the program's care for his Uncle when in need.
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Koch Foundation
We are honored to receive a $10,000 grant award from the Koch Foundation in April 2026 to support Catholic Charities Prison Ministries, bringing spiritual support, hope, and human connection to the incarcerated.
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Building Hope Together: Thank You to the John's Island Foundation for critical Samaritan Center Roof Replacement, awarded in May 2026. Our Samaritan Center provides transitional housing to homeless families in Indian River County.
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Catholic Charities is honored to announce receipt of a $50,000 grant award from the Town of Palm Beach United Way in support of two vital programs serving the vulnerable: Bakhita Empowerment and Elder Affairs.
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We are grateful to the Jake Owen Foundation for a $10,000 grant awarded in May 2026 to support the Samaritan Center, transitional housing for homeless Indian River County families.
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We are grateful to the First Horizon Foundation for a $2,500 grant awarded in May 2026 to support vulnerable guardianship clients served through the Elder Affairs Program.
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We are honored to recognize the support of United Way of Indian River County through a $57,000 Community Impact Grant benefiting the Samaritan Center transitional housing program.
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Bob McLaughlin: Disaster Recovery Volunteer Spotlight
Catholic Charities has been blessed over the past year with the dedication and compassion of Bob McLaughlin, whose outreach brought hope and relief to families recovering from disaster. We are grateful for Bob who stepped forward in times of crisis to help those in need.
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Volunteer Appreciation Brunch, Seeds of Hope, Recap
Catholic Charities welcomed more than 80 volunteers to it's annual Volunteer Appreciation bruch, themed "Seeds of Hope, on April 22. The gathering served as a heartfelt celebration of the individuals whose time, compassion, and commitment make the agencies mission possible each day.
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Join our Mission: Career Opportunities
View our open positions in various programs and locations throughout the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast. Come make a difference!
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A New Way to Stay Connected
Beginning this summer, Catholic Charities will transition from quarterly newsletters to monthly updates so we can share more stories of impact, community programs, volunteer opportunities, events, and ways your support is changing lives throughout our community.
We look forward to staying more connected with you each month as we continue serving those most in need.
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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Inc.
| 561-775-9560|
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