summer 2016 vol 17 • no 3

Comfort the Afflicted

roundtable parish profile last word Anti-Violence St. Clement Parish Peace Corner 4 6 18

SPIRIT magazine contents summer 2016

summer 2016 vol 17, no 3

interim editor Kristine Kappel writers Communications Department Development Department Program Service Areas photos Catholic Charities Communications and Program Archives creative director Jennifer Sirota art design Kathleen Gabriel

editorial board Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland president Kathy Donahue senior vice president, program development & evaluation John Ryan Comfort the Afflicted chief of staff Judith Silekis director of development Kristine Kappel director of communications monsignor boland roundtable 2 Walking with the 4 Comforting the Afflicted Less Fortunate in the Wake of Violence

parish profile 6 St. Clement Parish spirit magazine

© Catholic Charities 2016 program news

Catholic Charities 9 of the Archdiocese of Chicago

721 North LaSalle Street events Chicago, Illinois 60654 14 Spirit Magazine is published by Catholic Charities of the the last word Archdiocese of Chicago Turning the Corner for its friends, clients 18 on Violence and benefactors. Spirit Magazine Editors and Staff Phone (312) 655-7010 [email protected] Postage paid in Chicago, IL 60654 Postmaster: Send change of address to: Spirit Magazine 721 N. LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60654 2016 Jubilee

www.catholiccharities.net/spirit of Mercy

2 SPIRIT summer 2016 monsignor boland

Walking with the Less Fortunate

Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland president of catholic charities

In celebration of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, each issue of Spirit magazine is focusing on a different work of mercy. With a violent and heartbreaking story making news almost every day in our great city, we felt “Comfort the Afflicted” would be an appropriate and most welcome theme for our summer issue. Catholic Charities is continually comforting the afflicted in some of the most violent and poverty-stricken neighborhoods throughout the Archdiocese, spreading God’s mercy and bringing hope to troubled communities.

Catholic Charities is blessed to comfort and “raise up” those who have been several Catholic Charities programs that provide both types of comfort to the afflicted “struck down” by…difficult – we compassionately walk with those who are suffering, and we provide professional and circumstances. practical support to help them rebuild their lives. Especially in distressed neighborhoods, Catholic Often “Comfort the Afflicted” is referred to Charities presence is a beacon of hope, reminding as “Comfort the Sorrowful,” and we think of community residents that they have not been helping someone endure the storm of loss and abandoned or forgotten. We know that breaking grief. It is difficult to find exactly the right thing to the cycle of violence in turbulent areas often say to grieving friends, but sometimes the best means breaking the cycle of poverty, and so we use comfort comes from just being there, of letting our professional expertise to address the many our friends know that they are not alone. We challenges of poverty head-on, improving and bring the sympathy of Jesus simply by being a stabilizing communities…one person, one family compassionate presence and walking with those at a time. who are suffering. Catholic Charities is blessed to comfort and “Comfort the Afflicted” can also take on a more “raise up” those who have been “struck down” by rigorous connotation. In its Latin roots, “afflicted” violence, poverty, addiction, grief, or other difficult means to be struck down, weakened, or injured. circumstances. It is inspiring to see Catholic To comfort a person that has been weakened Charities staff bolstered by thousands of dedicated in the more literal sense means to restore him volunteers, donors, and board members who to strength, and build courage and skills so he are strongly committed to changing lives for the can face life with renewed energy and vigor. This better. Together, we are bringing hope to troubled type of comforting often takes special skills, and communities and giving our brothers and sisters perhaps even professional expertise. the strength, skills, and opportunity to lead lives On the following pages you will learn about that are reflective of their essential human dignity.

SPIRIT summer 2016 3 Comforting the Afflicted in the Wake of Violence

All day, every day, Catholic Charities works to help rEV. monsignor end cycles of poverty and violence through our mICHAEL bOLAND 150 programs at 160 locations throughout Cook President and Lake counties. These locations act as “field Catholic Charities of the hospitals,” places where people’s needs are met with Archdiocese of Chicago immediacy. Our staff works diligently in our most vulnerable and most violent communities to shine the light of faith-based works of mercy. This issue’s roundtable features the reflections of our president Janice Williams Monsignor Michael Boland and two of our staff Site Director members working on the frontlines of anti-poverty Child, Youth, and Family and anti-violence initiatives. Services, Catholic Charities

What does comfort the afflicted mean to you and how can we provide that comfort to those around us? MONSIGNOR Comforting the afflicted is the loving attitude and Angel Gutierrez actions that transform despair and trauma through the Vice-President compassionate embrace of a community of support. We Community Development, can provide comfort in ways both simple and complex. and Outreach Services, From a hot meal to a warm greeting, we are able to Catholic Charities extend love to those who we can see are struggling as well as those who we pass in our everyday lives without knowing their stories. JANICE To me, it means responding sensitively and with compassion to the suffering of individuals, to aid or assist someone who is under a very heavy burden, and also to relieve the pressures of another’s life circumstances. ANGEL It means meeting people where they are in their life journey. People’s lives are filled with complicated histories. Every person has gifts to contribute but

4 SPIRIT summer 2016 roundtable

The Peace Corner Youth Center provides a safe haven from gang violence and drug activity perhaps they have yet to realize these gifts. It means food and employment deserts, and opportunity, hope accompanying people along their respective journeys. and dream deserts as well. This takes on many forms, from providing services to helping navigate systems and emotions like grief, to What more can we do as a community to bring comfort advocating for new or potential changes in their journey to the sorrowful and those suffering in pain? toward self-sufficiency. MONSIGNOR How do you see Catholic Charities comforting the There is always more we can do to comfort those who afflicted in our communities? are suffering. We have more than 400 community partners that we can continue to reach out to and branch MONSIGNOR out to those in the most afflicted, violent communities Our behavioral health services are designed to so that they, too, can partner with us to provide provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for youth, comprehensive wrap around services. We can also, as adults and families through counseling for those who always, rely on prayer to help us seek help, comfort and have experienced or witnessed violence, as well as a support for those who we serve and also those who are multitude of other traumas, such as grief, substance faithfully serving. abuse, and mental illness. I am always inspired, JANICE humbled and grateful for the work I see done by our I believe we can bring more comfort to the community staff as well as the comfort provided through the through outreach in more violent communities by compassion of our board members, parish partners, providing more opportunities and activities for teens donors and volunteers. ages 13-18. I think this would deter teens from making JANICE gangs their first choice. We can empower them with We comfort through the holistic approach of supplying sound resources and counseling. housing and counseling, and being an advocate and safe ANGEL haven through mental health, education, and health care. It is important for the community not to just speak, ANGEL but through action, show that we truly care about the We respond and engage in public-private partnership suffering and pain that people are in, and demonstrate to help train and employ youth and adults from this by trying to bring our services to the communities communities that are not only crime havens but also that have the most need.

SPIRIT summer 2016 5 St. Clement Parish chicago

Parish Profile

Rooted in the richness of Catholic tradition, Saint Clement is a welcoming, respectful, and vibrant parish community, on a common journey toward holiness. Uncovering Talents and Empowered by the liturgy, “We are thankful for Serving Those in Need we worship together and our strong partnership deepen our faith in Jesus Nestled in the quiet Chicago Christ through Sacraments, neighborhood of Lincoln Park is St. with St. Clement and Clement, a passionate parish that prayer, service, spiritual strives for deeper holiness, greater its commitment to formation and education. communion, and wider service. Home to 4,500 households, St. Clement sharing their collective Grateful to God for our reaches beyond their city blocks to gifts of mercy to help many blessings, we have a achieve that vision of service to God and sacred responsibility to share community with a shared commitment our clients.” our gifts, serve the common to belong, pray, serve, give, and learn. Monsignor Boland good, make a meaningful From longstanding service programs to ideas parishioners bring to life, difference in people’s lives, St. Clement has a vibrant sense of the church community; our mission and respond to the challenge stewardship where each individual is reach out,” said Maggie Hanley, to live the Gospel every day. is encouraged to understand their St. Clement’s Director of Community unique gifts from God and prayerfully Outreach. “We draw our strength by Parish Misson Statement decide how they can use those self- asking our parishioners to discover discovered talents to serve God and the and donate their skills and gifts. We are community. proud and inspired to help make that “Our mission is to not just stay within meaningful connection of service.”

6 SPIRIT summer 2016

parish profile

has been working with Madonna House, father involving young adults and families in a variety of ways to help women and children get back on their feet.” Simpson That commitment to serve starts early for students at St. Clement’s Father Ken parish school where children often Simpson has participate in volunteer activities or been Pastor of follow their “elder” parishioners’ St. Clement since example and create their own programs 2007, following Community Helping – including a recent stuffed animal assignments at which collected hundreds of several Chicago Community cuddly toys for children in need. area parishes and universities Through the years, Catholic Charities Every spring, St. Clement celebrates including Niles College Seminary of and several of its locations have been Service Day where parishioners Loyola and Northwestern University, recipients of St. Clement’s pioneering combine their talents and go out where he spent 15 years as Director/ spirt of service and generosity. Some Chaplain of the Sheil Catholic Center of St. Clement’s current community “We draw our at Northwestern University. engagement efforts include organizing “From grammar school to food, toy, and clothing drives; serving strength by asking adulthood, service is central to meals to the homeless; sponsoring and everything we do at St. Clement mentoring families as members of the our parishioners to thanks to our talented staff and welcome committee for our Refugee discover and donate volunteers who help direct our Resettlement Program, and helping attention and provide opportunities domestic violence victims and their their skills and gifts. for our parishioners to share their children at the Madonna House and natural skillset and serve in many House of Good Shepherd. We are proud and different capacities,” Fr. Ken said. “We are thankful for our strong Fr. Ken has a longstanding partnership with St. Clement and its inspired to help make relationship and appreciation for the commitment to sharing their collective that meaningful programs Catholic Charities offers. gifts of mercy to help our clients,” said As a seminarian in the late 1970s, Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland, connection of service.” he worked with clients at a Catholic President of Catholic Charities. “The Charities alcohol rehab program on spirit and passion to give back at St. Maggie Hanley Chicago’s Skid Row. Clement is strong – several of their “Finding that personal talent or parishioners have even joined us as into the community together. This niche to best serve is important,” members of the board or leaders of year’s event included 445 people who he said. committees.” travelled to 27 sites across Chicago, Since then, he has stayed connected The outreach grows stronger every including some Catholic Charities to Catholic Charities through St. year as many parishioners have gone programs. There was even a separate Clement’s strong collaboration and above and beyond to develop or group of activities planned for children parishioners, who have dedicated enhance programs for those in need. to get involved. At the end of the day, their time and talent to serve, launch “We brought the idea of St. Clement the group gathered for mass to reflect and enhance programs. adopting Madonna House as a on the day’s efforts. “We gladly refer interested to Fr. Ken about five years ago and he volunteers and organize programs seized on it immediately,” said Molly PHOTOS Service Day with Catholic Charities as there’s a (LEFT) More than 445 parishioners took passionate confidence that a program Perry, a St. Clement parishioner and part in the annual Service Day. (RIGHT) member of Catholic Charities Board of Parishioner Service Day team that served at will sustain and succeed in helping Advisors. “Ever since then, the parish Madonna House. people,” he said.

SPIRIT summer 2016 7 budget update

catholic charities funding Keeping Hope Alive

For nearly a century, Catholic Charities has faced a Senior Community Care participant who attends many challenges and has, in partnership with a Catholic Charities day center in Oak Park. friends and supporters, overcome them all to help As the safety net unravels, and the need for those most in need. assistance grows, more individuals and families Over this past year, we have faced an are turning to Catholic Charities for help. unprecedented challenge: the state budget “All of our emergency assistance sites have impasse. Impacting agencies across Illinois, the seen an increase in people coming to them for social service safety net for those most in need help for basic services like food, rent, and utilities is crumbling across our communities. Some as the agencies around them are closing,” said agencies have been forced to close their doors or Monsignor Boland. reduce programs and services. Throughout this past year, Catholic Charities At Catholic Charities, critical state-contracted has made incredibly difficult decisions, including services at-risk due to non-payment include those significant administrative budget cuts and for seniors, pregnant women and teens, children implementing a hiring freeze, in order to keep the and their parents, veterans, as well as families that doors open and to continue to help those most in were previously homeless. need in our communities. In response to the state budget impasse, we Today we are asking for your help. have launched the Keeping Hope Alive initiative We ask you to consider making an extraordinary to raise $4 million in extraordinary gifts by the end gift to help fortify our ability to serve those most of summer to sustain our at-risk programs and vulnerable and in need. When the state budget services. As of press time, generous supporters is resolved and we begin to receive our state have already stepped forward with commitments payments, funds raised during Keeping Hope of over $2.56 million to fortify our impact on those Alive will be transferred to our endowment to help most vulnerable during this time. ensure our agency’s impact for the next century Keeping Hope Alive means Catholic Charities will and beyond. remain a pillar of strength for those most in need This is not a political matter, it is a matter of while weathering the storms of unpredictability people’s lives. and unprecedented need. To give an extraordinary gift in this time of need, “I just couldn’t make it without it. It’s very please visit catholiccharities.net/keepinghopealive, important to us that we have something like return the envelope in this magazine, or call Judith Accolade Senior Day Center,” said the daughter of Silekis at (312) 655 -7289.

Every 30 Seconds Someone Turns to Catholic Charities for Help

GOAL $4 million RAISED $2.56 million

8 SPIRIT quarter 2016 programs community development and outreach services Partnering with City Youth Employment Program Offers Youth Summer Jobs and Safety

School’s out for summer which means warm weather in Chicago but also an increase in youth violence. Offering an alternative to danger on the streets, Catholic Charities has partnered with the City of Chicago to launch One Summer Chicago Summer Youth Employment Programs (OSC), an opportunity for young adults (ages 16 to 24) to learn workplace skills, earn money, and broaden their network and perspective of the world. This summer, as a partnering agency, Catholic Charities will work with 200 to 300 young adults from the Englewood, Bronzeville, Roseland Catholic Charities WIC food centers provide job opportunities for youth. and Austin neighborhoods. OSC is more than just a summer job and path to one day be self-sufficient.” employ 50 youth in civic engagement. making money; youth learn new skills, In addition to the One Summer Partner employers recognize the understand a company’s expectations Chicago program, Catholic Charities fresh perspective youth bring and for employees, build relationships, is employing 200 youth who live in appreciate the opportunity to mentor develop emotional maturity and get Uptown, Rogers Park, Humboldt and coach the next generation to know the community through civic Park and Edgewater through the of workforce talent. In fact, every engagement trips and activities. Chicago Housing Authority Family employer we partnered with last “OSC participants gain valuable Works Summer Youth Employment summer will participate again. knowledge and learn career-readiness Program, and the City of Chicago has Youth often participate the first behaviors that are usually scattered asked Catholic Charities to employ an year in the program because it is an throughout several programs,” said additional 160 youth through a youth opportunity to make money for the Gina Cleggs, Associate Vice President employment expansion program. summer but continue the following of Community Development and Finally, one of our newest agency summer because they appreciate Outreach. “It’s inspiring to help a programs, Peace Corner Youth Center the exposure, knowledge, and young adult learn and assist them on a in the Austin neighborhood, will connections they receive.

600 Youth employed across the city in our summer employment program

SPIRIT summer 2016 9 child, youth, and family services Recovering After the Trauma of Violence

Community Family Service Centers (CFSC) and programs in Title 1 Catholic schools. Located in Chicago neighborhoods with high crime rates and poverty, the Title I schools focus on improving academic performance while CFSC provides trauma-focused therapy services. Both programs work with clients who have suffered trauma due to domestic violence, death or absence of a parent, a parent’s own mental health issue, drug or alcohol abuse, gang involvement, or community violence. “We feel very privileged that clients allow us to enter into their lives and allow us the chance to work together toward improving their lives,” said Sandra Villwock, Program Director of Using art as a safe way to communicate difficult emotions the Community Family Service Center. Throughout the school year, both When Derek* was in seventh to school where he continued to excel programs have provided academic grade, his gang-involved father was and became known as a leader excited counseling to 176 students, mental incarcerated. Derek was very angry to start high school in the fall. health counseling to 250 students and and didn’t want to listen to anyone. Unfortunately, many kids affected office-based mental health services to School was especially difficult; he by trauma aren’t as lucky. Scientific 392 children and families. talked back and rebelled. His principal research shows that there is a “Helping someone through their referred him to the Catholic Charities strong correlation between trauma pain and move toward happiness Community Family Service Center. experiences and social-emotional again is a privilege and an inspiration,” After many counseling sessions, Derek functioning. Trauma can influence said Hector Rivera, Supervising was able to express his feelings about adolescent health, teen pregnancy, Therapist in Child, Youth, and his father’s incarceration and refocus substance abuse and mental health, Family Services. “Our clients are our attention on school. Summers in his along with other issues. inspiration.” neighborhood with gangs were difficult To help, Catholic Charities provides but he stayed away and looked forward individual and family therapy through *Names changed for client privacy.

250 392 Students received academic and mental health Children and families received counseling throughout the school year office-based mental health services

10 SPIRIT summer 2016 programs family and parish support services Partnering to Offer Comprehensive Care in Crisis

When people who struggle with mental health are in severe distress or crisis, options for help are limited. Patients are often taken to an emergency room, or in extreme circumstances taken to jail after a disturbance – not the therapeutic environment they need to recover. This worsens with long waiting times, a lack of ER psychiatric specialists, or struggles to find the right inpatient care due to limited beds with local facilities. With this lack of emergency support, patients do not get the help they need so their Through a new partnership with Holy Cross Hospital/Sinai Health, Catholic Charities will downward spiral will continue. provide substance abuse and mental health counseling to those in crisis. To help bridge this gap, Catholic Charities is partnering with Holy addition, there are plans to develop to connect with patients and offer the Cross Hospital/Sinai Health on the an outpatient behavioral health center services the neighborhood desperately Chicago’s Southwest side to create a co-located with Catholic Charities needs, particularly in the area of more comprehensive solution to serve Services at the nearby St. Casmir addiction counseling and other wrap more people in crisis. The hospital center. With this continuum of care, around services.” currently has an existing 14 bed Crisis patients in crisis will be able to access Catholic Charities provides many Stabilization Unit. Initial outcomes the appropriate level of care before the specialized mental health counseling are proving to successfully direct crisis erupts and after a crisis ensues. services including In-Home Behavioral patients to the appropriate type of “As part of our strategic plan, Health and Addiction Counseling care and reduce inpatient care. This we have pledged to respond to Education Services (ACES). ACES is less traumatic for behavioral health shifting demographics and evolving is an outpatient substance abuse patients and less costly of a system. community needs like mental program that helps individuals learn Early outcome studies also indicate health resources and social services to address addiction problems and that near 80% of persons in crisis integration in overall health care make decisions in a healthier manner. also present with a substance abuse approaches,” said Kathy Donahue, With hard work, focus and care, ACES problem. Building on this knowledge, Senior Vice President of Program clients have persevered and bounced plans are underway to expand the Development and Evaluation at back to live healthier lives and rebuild Crisis unit to a larger state of the Catholic Charities. “We are proud to relationships with their friends, art Crisis Unit with 23 beds. In partner with Holy Cross/Sinai Health families, and communities.

SPIRIT summer 2016 11 housing services Helping Our Veterans Find a Home

housing assistance focus, veteran clients are referred to support at other Catholic Charities agency programs to help them get back on their feet including a Veteran Employment Program, Mary’s Closet professional clothing program, food pantries, counseling, and a strong connection with the VA for referral to other mainstream benefits. Veteran Peggy Smith* is a great example of the results and dignity the programs provide. After a referral from a friend, Peggy first came into the Catholic Charities office depressed, unemployed, behind in rent, and facing eviction. Our SSVF Veterans at Bishop Goedert Residence staff quickly worked with her to find affordable housing. Later, the Returning from the stress of war Participants are staff connected her with the VEP leaves many veterans distraught, and Department of Rehabilitation depressed, and homeless. Catholic accepted regardless Services for a vocational assessment, Charities has partnered with the transportation pass, and interview Veteran’s Affairs (VA) to administer of their substance attire which soon led to a job. Support Services for Veterans (SSVF), abuse, mental health, “Since then, Peggy has said that a program first introduced in 2001 Catholic Charites and our staff saved to eliminate veteran . or criminal history. her life as the SSVF program was there The program is designed to provide when she had no idea of how she was case management and help homeless which began during World War I. going to survive,” said Magalie Oscar, veterans access housing as quickly as Funded by two grants, Catholic Department Director for SSVF. “Our possible. Participants are accepted Charities SSVF program provides staff was honored to help and thanks regardless of their substance abuse, the capacity to serve 300 households her for persevering and doing all the mental health, or criminal history. each year in Cook, Lake, Kankakee, hard work.” Catholic Charities has a long, Iroquois, Will, DuPage, Kendaln, and committed history of helping Veterans Grundy counties. In addition to the *Name changed for client privacy.

Since 2001 300 Program introduced after September 11 Veteran households receive to eliminate veteran homelessness support services each year

12 SPIRIT summer 2016 programsheader senior services VAR – Speaking up for Vulnerable Seniors

Every day, our Vulnerable Adults Reporting (VAR) case managers advocate for seniors who suffer from self-neglect. These seniors are often isolated from friends and family and unable to navigate the vital community resources and services they need to survive. The program operates in the northern part of the City of Chicago, Harvey area, Arlington Heights, and Lake County. Stepping in to offer a helping hand, VAR’s compassionate case managers assist vulnerable adults in building a support network to receive the needed services to remain independent in their homes or act in the best interest of the client to make sure a safe plan or transition to a facility is in place. “Every day brings a new struggle Vulnerable Adults Reporting (VAR) senior case managers advocate on behalf of seniors who for our clients,” said Alexis Waxman, suffer from self-neglect. Supervisor in the Adult Protective Services Program. “Some days we An extension of adult protective nursing homes for extensive care, arrive in people’s homes to find services, VAR has served nearly 600 costing the state a lot of money. them unresponsive or distraught clients since it began in July 2015 “My team inspires me with their with mental illness and in desperate and the need continues to grow with relentless work ethic, empathy, and need of medical care. Other times, at least 35 new referrals a month. respect for the vulnerable adults we we encounter bed bug infestations, If VAR wasn’t in place, hundreds of serve,” said Waxman. “The program bodily waste, structural issues, or seniors and adults with disabilities wouldn’t be possible without their relationship conflicts. You name it, – especially in urban areas – would care and compassion; they roll up we’ve seen it; that’s why collaboration be without service and fall through their sleeves to help and work together with community resources is the cracks. Some would be evicted to find more effective solutions so our important so we can work together to which would increase the homeless VAR clients can live with the comfort make living conditions safe.” population, others would turn to and dignity they deserve.”

600 100s 35 Seniors served by of seniors and disabled adults New referrals to VAR VAR since 2015 would fall through the cracks a month and growing

SPIRIT summer 2016 13 Annie Ryan Run – the Ryan family Holy Family Villa Dinner – Chaircouple, Meals on Wheels – Jim Knaff family Jerry & Christine Bern

13th Annual St. Patrick’s Day emcee for the evening was Robin staff, and food, and Louis Glunz Wines Celebration Baumgarten of WGN-TV. generously sponsored the event. This year’s Silver Plate Award was On Thursday, March 10, the West Holy Family Villa Dinner presented to Jim Knaff for his years of Regional Advisory Board held the 13th Holy Family Villa’s 6th Annual Dinner dedicated volunteer service delivering Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration was held on March 20 at Gaelic Park. meals to our seniors. Jim’s selfless at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn. The festive The dinner raised more than $100,000 generosity is a blessing to Catholic event featured entertainment by the with generous support from the 328 Charities and all those we serve. More McNulty Irish Dancers, The Shannon guests in attendance and sponsors. than $41,000 was raised to benefit Rovers, and members of the Irish Proceeds will help fund current capital the Meals on Wheels program in Lake Musicians Association-Chicago. needs of the Villa, while the special County. Event Founder and Board of Advisors paddle raise will fund new therapy Member John O’Leary was recognized equipment. Awards were presented 27th Annual Hearts for Hope with the Heart of Charity Award. The to the following faithful supporters Dinner & Auction event was attended by 307 guests, of the Villa: Richard and Christine The 27th Annual Hearts for Hope raising a record $56,000 to benefit Guzior, Monsignor John McNamara, Dinner & Auction was held on April homeless services in the West Suburbs. and Richard & JoAnn Pisarski. Catholic 16 at the Schaumburg Golf Club. 18th Annual Helping Hands Charities thanks this year’s Chaircouple Archbishop Blase J. Cupich was in and Presenting Sponsor, Jerry and attendance and expressed his heartfelt Dinner & Auction Christine Bern. appreciation for the work that the Spring Fling was the theme of the Meals on Wheels Benefit volunteers and the honorees do for 18th Annual Helping Hands Dinner & people in need. Queen of the Rosary Auction, held on March 12 at the Silver The 18th Annual Meals on Wheels Parish in Elk Grove Village received the Lake Country Club in Orland Park. The benefit was held at Maravela’s Parish Partner Award, the Duchossois event was attended by 231 people, Banquets and Catering in Ingelside on Family received the raising more than $26,000 to support April 2. More than 180 guests enjoyed Community Spirit Award, and Mr. homeless services in the Southwest musical entertainment provided by Pat Cox received the Heart of Charity Suburbs. Honorees included the Alpha Ernie Garner, a silent auction, and Award. The event was attended by Baking Company; St. Gerald’s Parish in raffle in support of the Meals on 285 supporters and raised more than Oak Lawn; Patricia and Ron Wilfinger; Wheels Program in Lake County. $70,000 in support of Catholic Charities and Kathy and Michael Olson. The Maravela’s donated the event space, Services in the Northwest Region.

All Event Dave Gardner Director of Regional & Program Special Events Ticket (312) 655-7907 Information [email protected]

14 SPIRIT summer 2016

events

Legal Lifelines – John Grothaus, Christie LOSS Brunch – Rev. Charles Rubey, Starzec, Pat Salvi, Msgr. Boland J. Patrick & Anne Gallagher

Legal Lifelines individuals and families who have lost 2016 Gala of the Arts The Legal Lifelines Cocktail Reception a loved one to suicide. Highlights of took place on Thursday, April 21, at the event included the presentation The 15th annual Gala of the Arts the Union League Club. More than 200 of the 2016 Charles T. Rubey LOSS returns to the stunning Grand people joined in raising $172,500 for Award to Dr. David Clark and a special Ballroom at Navy Pier on Friday, Catholic Charities Legal Assistance. award presentation for Fr. Rubey who September 9, with a theme Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom celebrated his 50th Anniversary of his “Swingin Gala.” The event will LLP was recognized for their service to Ordination to the Priesthood in April. feature music from the Rat Pack era from Rich Daniels and the the community with the Justice for the 27th Annual Art of Caring Poor Award. A new award, the Justice City Lights Orchestra with special for All Award, was presented to Illinois The Women’s Board of Catholic guest Ron Hawking. Works of art Supreme Court Justice Bob Thomas. Charities, Lake County Services hosted from more than a dozen artists CCLA offers a wide range of legal the 27th Annual Art of Caring event in a wide variety of mediums and services to low-income individuals who at the Exmoor Club in Highland Park styles will be for sale with at least otherwise could not afford an attorney. on May 21 for a sellout crowd of 260 50% of sale proceeds to benefit Event Co-Chairs Pat Salvi, Christie guests. Archbishop Blase J. Cupich Catholic Charities. Starzec and John Grothaus, along with joined Monsignor Boland in welcoming The 2016 Mandatum Award their Committee, planned a successful, guests. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Carlson will be presented to Deacon Stan memorable evening in support of CCLA. served as Honorary Chairs along with Strom, D.Ed. for his living example Co-Chairs Michele Medzigian and Ann of fulfilling Christ’s mandate to 25th Annual bLOSSoms of Patterson of Lake Forest. Jim Miller serve the poor, through sustained Hope Brunch served as the evening’s auctioneer. acts of charity. The Silver Anniversary of the Highlights for the evening included In addition to musical bLOSSoms of Hope Brunch was an art sale from over a dozen entertainment and art sale, guests held on Sunday, April 24 at Drury distinguished area artists, a cocktail will enjoy a cocktail reception, Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, with more hour, spirited live auction, paddle silent auction, and delicious than 900 people attending, raising raise, and Grand raffle drawing for a four-course dinner. More than more than $130,000. The Brunch $5,000 cash prize. 500 of Chicago’s philanthropic, supports the Loving Outreach to More than $250,000 raised to benefit civic and community leaders will Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) program, Catholic Charities programs in Lake come together to support Catholic which provides support services for County. Charities Emergency Assistance Program. Your support of this event ensures we will continue to help those most in need.

$845,500 PHOTO Guests admiring artwork for sale at raised at Spring fundraisers the 2015 Gala of the Arts to support programs and services

SPIRIT summer 2016 15 foundations & corporate partners

Private Partners Provide Vital Funding

Lloyd A. Fry Foundation The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation’s Board of Directors pledged a two-year grant to support an innovative collaboration between Catholic Charities and Sinai Health System’s Holy Cross Hospital to better coordinate services, improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions. Catholic Charities USA/Walmart Foundation Catholic Charities USA, through a sub-grant from the Walmart Foundation, has supported the Summer Food Service Program. These funds will provide children Summer Food program and youth throughout Cook County with the nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and snacks they need to learn, play, and grow throughout the summer months. Roundy’s Foundation The Roundy’s Foundation supported the Emergency Assistance Department’s food pantries efforts to help provide nutritious well-balanced meals to families in need throughout Cook and Lake counties. Daniel P. Haerther The Daniel P. Haerther Charitable Trust graciously continued their support of the important work of our Emergency Assistance Department’s food pantries. The Trust has been a generous contributor to Catholic Casa Catalina food pantry Charities since 2009. Wells Fargo Foundation The Wells Fargo Foundation provided vital support for our Community Family Service Center. This funding will allow the Community Family Service Center therapists to provide counseling and services to families and children in need. Enterprise Holdings Foundation During their spring cycle of community grants, the Enterprise Holdings Foundation gave a generous contribution to our Casa Catalina Basic Needs Center. Casa Catalina’s food pantry serves an average of 300 Community counseling services are provided families a week in Chicago’s Back of the Yards/New in English and Spanish City community.

16 SPIRIT summer 2016

board relations

Members of the Advisory Board in Springfield Tim Rivelli, Michael Scudder, and Monsignor Boland at the Spring Social

Advocacy Days consultation and professional Junior Board business attire as they seek The Junior Board kicked On April 12 and 13, members of employment or begin jobs. The off its May Madness the Board of Advisors traveled to program has assisted veterans, initiative promoting 500 Springfield for Catholic Charities resettled refugees and adults hours of service to Catholic Advocacy Days. The state has been participating in our employment Charities programs at its without a budget, compromising based programs. general meeting on May 5. payment to Catholic Charities for On May 20 and 21, the Mary’s Throughout the month, critical services rendered, including Closet Planning Committee conducted Junior Board members came services to seniors, adolescents, Encore, a designer resale event. together in service: reading youth, and veterans. Proceeds of the sale fund the to the children living in our Board members met with legislators program. Congratulations to the Madonna House Shelter; and their staffs, sharing information entire Mary’s Closet committee, led playing bingo and providing about Catholic Charities services by Heide and Gerry Kenny, Mary brunch to seniors living at in their respective districts and the Slobodian, and Molly Perry on raising Ozanam Village, serving positive impact of these services on more than $40,000 for Mary’s Closet! and sharing dinner with the lives of their constituents. Their The success of this program is due veterans at Cookes Manor, message to legislators was to work to the commitment of this team and and packing food at the to pass a bipartisan budget for the the of professional attire Emergency Food Pantry current fiscal year, and next year. they collect. To learn more or to make located at 721 N. LaSalle We invite you to join our Board a , please contact Sharon and at the Mother and Child members in their advocacy efforts. Tillmon at (312) 655-7516. (MAC) food warehouse. You can find advocacy alerts and Members had a great time template letters to send to your Board Spring Social interacting with our program representatives and state leadership participants while getting to on our website home page at On May 18, 114 members of the know each other better. catholiccharities.net or contact our Catholic Charities Board of Advisors The Junior Board also Government Relations department at and Junior Board gathered for their welcomed Carlos Rinconeno (312) 655-7020. 7th Annual Spring Social. The event provided an opportunity for Board as its new Director in Mary’s Closet-Encore members to connect and learn April. To learn more more about Catholic Charities and about the Junior Board Mary’s Closet is a program of opportunities to lead, volunteer and and to become involved, Catholic Charities that began as an support the mission of the Agency. contact Carlos at (312) initiative of the Catholic Charities Chip Mulaney and Michael Scudder of 874-4356 or crinconeno@ Board of Advisors in 2011. Through the Executive Committee of the Board catholiccharities.net. this program, Catholic Charities hosted the event at Skadden, Arps, PHOTO participants receive personalized Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Chicago. Junior Board Members

SPIRIT summer 2016 17 the last word

Turning the Corner on Violence

Seth El-Jamal Director Peace Corner Youth Center

When volunteers come to teach at Peace Corner Youth Center, they always tell me they were the ones that ended up learning – from our kids. The same thing happens to me, every day, as director of Peace Corner. After 15 years working in youth development, I can say I’ve never seen more resilience and determination than what I see in the minds and hearts of Participants in Peace Corner’s youth program the people I have the blessing to work with. This is all despite the community service projects like number of tragedies that occur peace marches and building “Peace Corner daily in our community. community gardens. Not only provides a place The Austin community is much are we keeping them safe, we’re like any underserved community teaching them to be responsible for young people in Chicago. Here, our kids community members. see rampant unemployment, Throughout this year, I‘ve to feel safe, to underfunded schools, and a seen our youth grow by leaps lack of community resources. and bounds. One of my favorite grow in their Statistically, a shooting happens stories is of a young lady who told understanding of in our neighborhood once every me she “hated science” and was 2.5 hours. I’ve been at Peace refusing to do her project. We sat how to cope with Corner for nine months, and in down and discussed it and found that time, I’ve seen five young that it wasn’t that she “hated life’s challenges.” people shot. Thankfully, no one science” but that she didn’t Seth El-Jamal has been killed, but I am wary of feel any connection to it. So we the reality that it could happen. changed the focus of her project Even with the fear of violence, to something more creative and challenges and develop life skills the kids remain resilient. They she loved it. I was almost brought that will help them succeed. We keep coming to Peace Corner to tears of joy when she brought want youth to believe that they instead of turning to gangs and in a bright red “B+” accompanied can be the change that they want violence. We offer athletics, by a huge smile. to see. For more information, academic programs and games, Peace Corner provides a place visit www.thepeacecorner.org. and field trips to places like for young people to feel safe, Peace Corner joined the Catholic the Adler Planetarium and to grow in their understanding Charities family of programs in the Indiana Dunes. We host of how to cope with life’s January 2016.

18 SPIRIT summer 2016 Support Catholic Charities While Increasing Your Income

Pro- of Life mot- for the ing a Com- Cul- mon ture Good

A charitable gift annuity is for Catholic Charities supporters who want to make a gift and receive secure, stable income for life.

• With our high payout rates you may receive more income than you are currently earning from your investments. • Receive an immediate tax deduction for part of your gift. • A portion of the annuity payments are tax-free.

Payments are a fixed amount and depend on the number of beneficiaries (up to 2) and their ages. Minimum age is 55. Minimum amount is $10,000 in cash or stock. Sample rates, based on your current age: age 65 – 5.2%; age 70 – 6.3%; age 80 – 7.3%.

A gift annuity is easy to set up. We’re happy to help. Contact us without obligation: Margaret Hughes, Director of Annual Fund (312) 655-7012 • [email protected]

www.catholiccharities.net Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago 721 North LaSalle Street Chicago, Illinois 60654

2016 GOLF events

july aug pATRICK j. rYAN gOLF OUTING charities william e. Joyce Thursday, August 18 Golf classic golf invitational St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, West Chicago Monday, July 25 Monday, August 1 (312) 948-6797 The Knollwood Club The Knollwood Club Lake Forest & Shoreacres Crystal Tree Golf & Lake Bluff Country Club, Orland Park (312) 655-7907 (847) 782-4115 sept HOLY FAMILY VILLA BRIGHTER FUTURES golf invitational GOLF INVITATIONAL GOLF OUTING Wednesday, July 27 Wednesday, August 10 Monday, September 12 Cog Hill Golf & Country Club Gleneagles, Palos Park Oak Park Country Club Lemont (630) 257-2291 (312) 655-7290 River Grove (708) 329-4022

www.catholiccharities.net/events 20 SPIRIT summer 2016