Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago

For 76 years, Catholic Charities has been providing Christmas gifts to thousands of individuals and families in Cook and Lake counties. More than 2,000 volunteers work like elves from August to December, connecting with donors to provide gifts to families and children. These Catholic Charities partners are essential to the success of this special holiday tradition. Join us! Learn how you can help: https://lnkd.in/g_MtUmM6

Join Catholic Charities and other young professionals on Tuesday, November 12 for an evening of listening, discernment, and networking to discover ways to make meaningful impact in the community. We're excited to welcome as our featured speaker Anne Kelly Williams, a veteran public affairs strategist and management consultant who advises organizations on board development and strategic planning, internal and external communications, and fundraising. Anne is also a board member of Catholic Charities.   The Catholic Executive Speaker Series is a free event open to all, in which executives share their career and faith journeys with young professionals, challenging them to "Work in Witness for Christ." This event is co-hosted by  Catholic Charities and Young Catholic Professionals Chicago. Register to join us: https://lnkd.in/gZ_WHFcC

Since 1917, Catholic Charities has served people in need, regardless of their faith, gender, race, or ethnicity. Today, partnerships are as essential as ever to continuing this mission! The Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball is one important way to help. Thank you to the incredible sponsors of the Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball who already have committed to support our programs and the people we serve! And thank you to all who will sponsor and join us on Friday, December 6. Purchase your tickets or sponsorship today: https://lnkd.in/g2Kfu4FK

“We need people to read about (domestic violence), talk about it and speak up against it,” says Laura Kuever, Associate Vice President of Catholic Charities. “Domestic violence is still under so much secrecy. ... We have to create safe spaces in parishes so people know that if they say they are unsafe at home, they’ll be believed and someone will call Catholic Charities with them.” Read more about how you can help raise awareness and support survivors in this Chicago Catholic article: https://lnkd.in/gcAUSS2P

The House of the Good Shepherd gives survivors of domestic violence safety, support, and a path toward self-sufficiency and independence. Purchase your sponsorship or ticket by Wednesday and join us this Sunday, November 3, at the Glow of Hope Brunch to help raise funds for this life-changing ministry: one.bidpal.net/fy24hgswbe

As Halloween approaches later this week, Marilu Gonzalez reminds us that, for some people, a chocolate bar can mean so much more... "This work is relationship building... It’s seeing the other person as you would want to be seen... All of us give and receive through this welcome and through this work. When that young man asked for a chocolate bar, he was really asking to be heard. The primary aspect of our faith is respecting every individual for who they are, and understanding that when they walk through the door, they are really seen, not simply looked at." Read more in this month's Voice of Charity column: https://lnkd.in/gsy9YKi2

Thank you to Holy Family Catholic Community and to all who joined us there at the Mass & Mission Celebration on Sunday, October 20. It was a beautiful fall day, celebrating how support from our Catholic Charities partners fuels our mission and transforms lives throughout Cook and Lake counties. After Mass, guests and parishioners visited Catholic Charities program leaders to learn how our programs support and empower mothers, families, and seniors, and provide direct assistance to people who are most vulnerable. View photos from the day at https://lnkd.in/gkA6U5ha

The need for services for survivors of domestic violence is on the rise in Illinois. Since 1859, the House of the Good Shepherd has opened its doors to empower women and children to break the cycle of violence and embrace a future full of hope and independence. Join us next Sunday, November 3, at our annual Glow of Hope Brunch at the Four Seasons and help the Women's Board of The House of The Good Shepherd raise funds to foster long-term healing for survivors. Purchase a sponsorship or ticket today at one.bidpal.net/fy24hgswbe!

In June 2023, Janice Roche, a retired Chicago police officer and long-time Catholic Charities volunteer, and her husband, Bill Flamm, were asked to provide Holy Communion to migrants staying at a police station in Englewood. Their friend, Susan Poole, accompanied them that day. They were so moved by the situation, they immediately banded together to help. Read more about their story: https://lnkd.in/gP2U7yi8

Many more people are struggling than official government counts show. In nearly half of our communities, approximately 1 in 3 households earns less than what is needed to afford essential household expenses. Learn more in this issue of Spirit: https://lnkd.in/gpmsZ9-a