Message from Agency Director

As we enter this season of gratitude and giving, I am reminded of the many ways our community comes together to create hope for others. Every day, Catholic Charities Indianapolis helps families find stability, supports older adults in maintaining their independence, and provides compassionate care to neighbors facing difficult circumstances.

In this newsletter, you will meet individuals whose dedication exemplifies our mission. From team members who help families overcome barriers to volunteers who offer friendship and support, these stories demonstrate how one act of kindness can have a lasting impact.

You may also notice our refreshed Catholic Charities brand. While our visual identity has been updated to align more closely with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, our mission

remains unchanged. We remain committed to providing help and creating hope for all.

Thank you for your partnership, generosity, and support. Together, we continue transforming lives and building a stronger, more compassionate community.

With gratitude,

Gabrielle Neal

Agency Director

Catholic Charities Indianapolis

Senior Companion Program

The evening before Judy’s outpatient procedure, senior companion Kathie called to introduce herself and confirm the morning pickup time. Kathie’s friendly voice immediately helped Judy feel more comfortable about the day ahead.

The next morning, Kathie arrived on time and drove Judy to her appointment. They talked throughout the ride, turning what could have been a stressful trip into an enjoyable conversation between two new friends. Kathie remained in the waiting room during Judy's procedure so she would be there when Judy was ready to leave and escort her safely back home.

During their time together, Kathie told Judy about the Senior Companion Program and shared that she had served as a companion for more than 15 years. Kathie loves spending time with older adults who may be lonely or simply need a caring friend. She also enjoys getting to know the people she transports. Many participants become repeat riders and ask for Kathie by name.

Kathie’s compassion and dedication made such a powerful impression that Judy decided to join the Senior Companion Program herself. Today, Judy is a senior companion, providing rides, companionship, and support to older adults in our community.

One caring ride created a lasting connection and inspired another person to serve. We are deeply grateful for Kathie, her many years of dedicated service, and the wonderful example she provides for others. 

Become an RSVP Volunteer Driver

Are you age 55 or older and interested in making a meaningful difference? Join Catholic Charities Indianapolis and RSVP AmeriCorps Seniors as a volunteer driver.

Volunteer drivers help older adults get to their outpatient procedures and other medical appointments. Depending on the assignment, drivers may:

• Pick up an older adult and provide transportation to an appointment
• Offer friendly conversation and reassurance
• Remain at the medical facility during an outpatient procedure
• Assist with a pharmacy stop when needed
• Make sure the participant returns home safely

Schedules are flexible, and volunteers may accept assignments based on their availability. Volunteers receive training and support, and Catholic Charities pays for the required background screening.

To learn more about becoming an RSVP AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer driver, please contact:

Joyce Beaven at 317-236-1552 or Jbeaven@archindy.org

Christmas Store

Preparations for this year’s Christmas Store are in full swing, and we could use more community elves to prep the shelves, assist as shoppers, and greet the nearly 700 struggling families that have been referred to us by over 80 community organizations. Our first shoppers will arrive on December 1, 2026.

To volunteer to be a Christmas Elf, please register at helpcreatehope.org/christmas-store

Holy Family Shelter

Holy Family Shelter is fortunate to have dedicated team members who walk alongside families as they work toward stability and independence. One of those individuals is Rosemary, who joined Holy Family Shelter as a social work intern last year and was hired earlier this year as a full-time case manager.

Rosemary brings both experience and passion to her role. Before coming to Holy Family Shelter, she worked as a housing case manager in a rapid rehousing program, helping individuals experiencing homelessness secure stable housing. She was drawn to Holy Family Shelter because she wanted to work more closely with families and gain shelter experience while completing her social work education.

Since joining our team, Rosemary has made a significant impact. Her commitment to supporting families and helping them navigate barriers has helped more families successfully transition from shelter into stable housing and greater independence. She approaches each family with empathy and understanding, recognizing that every situation is unique. As she describes it, a case manager is "part cheerleader, part assistant," helping families identify their strengths, connect with resources, and create realistic plans.

What stands out most about Rosemary is her belief that everyone in the family deserves a voice. She takes time to get to know everyone, ensuring that both parents and children feel heard and supported as they work toward their goals.

In addition to her work at Holy Family Shelter, Rosemary is currently pursuing her master's degree in social work to become a licensed clinical social worker. Her dedication reflects the same commitment she brings to serving our families every day.

We are grateful to have Rosemary on the team and look forward to the many lives she will continue to impact through her compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping families achieve lasting stability.

Save the Date

Archdiocese of Indianapolis United Catholic Appeal Intention Weekend

Date: November 14 & 15

Details: Support the work of the Church in central and southern Indiana, including Catholic Charities Indianapolis, by contributing to the annual Archdiocesan United Catholic Appeal during Intention Weekend. Learn more at www.archindy.org/uca

Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala

Date: Friday, February 5, 2027

Time: 5:30pm

Location: JW Marriott Indianapolis

Details: This event benefits all the Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese, as well as Catholic Schools and Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary. Join us for a cocktail reception, dinner, program and award presentation, online auctions, live music and more. Learn more at www.archindy.org/legacygala

Support Catholic Charities

Your generosity to Catholic Charities Indianapolis creates transformational change. Whether through a one-time gift, a contribution to our endowment, or another type of donation your support helps our neighbors in need.

We welcome your partnership in this life-changing mission, offering several giving options to meet your philanthropic needs.

One-Time or Recurring Gift

Cash gifts can be used right away to meet urgent needs. A quick click here will allow you to make a one-time or recurring gift.

Catholic Charities Indianapolis Endowment Funds

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.

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".

Follow us on Social Media

For More Information

• To inquire about the Senior Companions Program, contact Joyce Beaven at jbeaven@archindy.org or (317) 236-1552

• To inquire about the Christmas Store or the Crisis Office, contact Sarah Aylworth at saylworth@archindy.org or (317) 364-4295

• To inquire about Holy Family Shelter, contact Rachelle Frink at rfrink@holyfamilyshelter.net or (317) 635-7830

Over 90 cents of every dollar is used to provide critical support, genuine care, and gentle relief for those who

seek our help.