Stephanie* is a likable 30-year-old woman, who has struggled with severe drug addiction, financial stress, homelessness, and limited family support throughout her life. Stephanie worked with St. Elizabeth|Coleman (SEC) in the past to make an adoption plan for her unborn child. When she was faced with another unplanned pregnancy and decided that she could not provide for a baby, Stephanie reached out to SEC once again.

While working with SEC, Stephanie selected and met a wonderful adoptive family who could provide stability, safety and a loving home to the new baby. The adoptive couple was overjoyed to grow their family through adoption and Stephanie felt relieved, knowing her baby would have a stable home that she was unable to provide. Additionally, SEC offered Stephanie counseling services to help her process grief and loss. We also gave her financial support to help her obtain clothing and groceries, attend medical appointments, and acquire a stable living environment.

The kids in our camp program are having a great summer. There are currently 12 children participating in fun activities like skating, swimming, and bowling while also doing educational activities to prepare for the upcoming school year. Given the transient nature of homeless families, many of the kids we are now serving will move on with their families and new kids will take their place.

We work hard to provide unique and fun activities each week for the kids we serve. Recently, they went to Top Golf with Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle. Our camp will serve around 80 homeless youth by the end of the summer. Our camp program enables parents at the shelter to focus on their goals of self-sufficiency and independence, because they know their children are in a consistent, reliable, and safe program that allows their kids to simply be kids.

As we anticipate the start of a new school year, we want to recognize our School Social Workers. Over 20 social workers provide professional counseling services to school children along with consultation services for teachers and parents in 27 Indianapolis metro area Catholic schools. They work year-round to help struggling students overcome the challenges they are facing at school and at home to become good students and people.

Who will support the work of Catholic Charities after you are gone? Including Catholic Charities Indianapolis in your will can continue your Corporal Work of Mercy for years to come. To learn more about how you can plan a lasting gift through legacy planning, contact our Director of Mission Advancement, Cheri Bush at 317-236-1411 or Director of Major and Planned Gifts, Kim Pohovey at 317-236-1568 or [email protected].

Virtual support groups for caregivers of older adults. The groups are not disease-specific. 

(Sponsored by Catholic Charities, the groups are open to all.)

Date: Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

Location: St Jude's - 5375 McFarland Road.

Details: Registration required. Please contact Monica at [email protected] or 317-261-3378.

Date: Thursday, July 22, 2021

Time: 4:15pm-5:30pm

Location: Virtual. Registration is required to receive Zoom link.  

Details: Registration required. Please contact Monica at [email protected] or 317-261-3378.

Date: Friday, February 25, 2022  

Time: 6:00pm 

Location: JW Marriott Indianapolis 

Details: The second annual Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala benefitting Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools and Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary.