The staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities Indianapolis are called by the Gospel to uphold the dignity of all people. Guided by Catholic social teaching, we consider it a privilege to deliver compassionate and caring service to help and empower those in need.
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As we begin the new year, I am reminded of all we accomplished together last year and am incredibly hopeful for the future. Your friendship and commitment inspire me and have allowed us to serve hundreds of our most vulnerable neighbors last year and will allow us to continue that service into the new year. I have been so inspired by our clients who are faced with circumstances many of us could not even imagine. I am inspired by the Catholic Charities staff and their commitment to serving those in need.
For many of us, regardless of our place in life, the world can seem like a cold and dark place. But together we can bring light. I am so blessed for the light you bring into my life and the light we can bring into the lives of our neighbors who are most vulnerable.
Pope Francis has said, “God will not ask us if we felt righteous indignation, but whether we did some good.” Catholic Charities is doing good, you are doing good. Together we are doing the work of the Gospel. As we embark on this new year, let us remember to be kind to one another and provide a hand to those in need.
Sincerely,
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David J. Bethuram
Executive Director
Secretariat for Catholic Charities
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Couple Finds Hope and Stability
at Holy Family Shelter
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Sam* and his wife, Sara* struggled to get by on his veteran disability benefits. They eventually found themselves on the streets of Indianapolis. In their 50s, being homeless quickly took a toll on their health and they ended up in the emergency room. The hospital social worker referred them to Holy Family Shelter. The shelter staff admitted them and provided hygiene supplies, a hot meal and a warm place to sleep. They also met with a case manager to complete an assessment of barriers to permanent housing and created a plan to overcome them.
Sam and Sara both had health issues so access to medical care was a priority. The couple was able to enroll with HealthNet and get coverage to meet their needs. They needed additional income because Sam’s disability income was not enough, and Sara’s health prevented her from finding a job. Their case manager helped Sara obtain the documents needed to apply for public benefits, including a photo ID and Social Security card. This qualified them for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
benefits, which provided an increase in income and allowed them to purchase food. During their stay at Holy Family Shelter, they participated in life skills classes to increase their potential for self-sufficiency.
When Sam and Sara were ready to leave Holy Family Shelter, they were referred to St. Vincent de Paul, which provided furnishings for their home. Sam and Sara left Holy Family Shelter with a new set of life skills and gratitude for the lessons learned. This couple is stable for the first time in a while and have a plan to make it last. To learn more about Holy Family Shelter and its programs visit:
www.holyfamilyshelter.net.
*names changed for privacy
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Catholic Charities Closes Out Centennial Year
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Catholic Charities closed out its centennial year with the 100th Anniversary Mass and Dinner on November 20th. 140 people gathered for mass at the Cathedral, celebrated by Archbishop Charles Thompson, and dinner at the Catholic Center to celebrate the century of service. Sr. Donna Markham, OP, PhD, President of Catholic Charities USA, was the keynote speaker for the evening and spoke on the “long history of extraordinary dedication to people who are suffering.” It was a celebration of the work that Catholic Charities does to provide help and create hope for so many across the Archdiocese.
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IU Health Morgan and Catholic Charities Indianapolis Kendrick Foundation Partnership Update
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IU Health Morgan and Catholic Charities Indianapolis collaborative partnership has entered a 2nd year beginning October 1, 2019. This effort is to provide accessible and affordable mental health counseling services for both adults and children who are patients of IU Riley and Southern Indiana Physicians. The partnership is made possible by grant funding from the Kendrick Foundation.
This integrative health care collaboration is an approach characterized by the sharing of resources, ideas and best practices related to patient care. It also establishes a comprehensive care plan to address the physical, psychological and emotional needs of Morgan County families.
Located at 2209 John R Wooden Drive in Martinsville, the collaboration has seen significant growth since the partnership began in October of 2018. The number of counseling appointments being provided each month has increased by 107% and has positively impacted 326 Morgan County residents between October 1, 2018 and September 30, 2019. The partnership now looks to impact over 400 individuals by September 30, 2020.
Problems like depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse are being addressed through this collaborative effort. In the last 12 months, 74% of patients served have indicated progress towards addressing their presenting problems and reaching desired goals. Kristen Malicote, works in the Catholic Charities office in Martinsville, says that she sees the need for our services and knows from interacting with clients that it is making a difference. She is proud of the partnership that has been created and glad that these services are now available in the community.
In addition, the Kendrick Foundation partnership extends these services to patients regardless of their ability to pay. By offering reduced fees when there are financial hardships, or a lack of insurance coverage the mental health services are available to everyone.
Overall, the benefits of the Kendrick Foundation partnership include increasing the available options for counseling services to residents of Morgan County. Additionally, it provides a critical resource for local physicians to link patients to timely consultation, assessment and treatment of mental health needs. The overall goal is to provide an improved continuum of affordable health care for Morgan County residents.
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Simple Soup and Bread Luncheon to benefit the Crisis Office
Date:
Holy Thursday, April 9th
Time: 11:30am
Location:
Catholic Center
Details:
A time for reflection, prayer and sharing a meal. Each guest receives a decorated bowl created by Cardinal Ritter students.
Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala
Date:
Friday, April 24th
Time:
6pm
Location:
J.W. Marriot Indianapolis
Details:
The first annual Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala benefiting Catholic
Charities, Catholic Schools and Bishop Simon
Brut
é College Seminary.
World Refugee Day Celebration
Date:
June 2020
Details:
More information will be available as the event approaches. Stay tuned to e-mails and Facebook for more information.
Caregiver Support Groups:
Northside: Indiana Interchurch Center
1100 W 42nd Street 46208
Fourth Thursday of the month, 5:30 -7p.m.
Southside: St. Mark Catholic School
541 E Edgewood Ave, Indianapolis, 46227
Third Monday of the month, 5:30- 7p.m.
Details: Support groups are for family and friends caring for adults aged 60 and older. Registration for groups is required. Please contact Monica Woodsworth at (317) 261-3378 to reserve your spot.
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Help Catholic Charities by shopping
at no extra cost to you!
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Call 877-CCI-2340 (877-224-2340) to make your tax deductible arrangements for your vehicle donation.
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