From the Director
This year, Catholic Charities celebrates the 100th anniversary of service and ministry in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. I am very proud and grateful for the wonderful staff, volunteers and donors who meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable in our communities. Every one of our programs provides a respectful atmosphere for all those who come through our doors.

September is “Hunger Awareness Month.” This is a good time to reflect anew on the women, men and children who are food insecure. Did you know that Indiana ranks 23rd out of 50 states for food hardship in households with one or more children? According to a report by the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), one in 5 Indiana households with children struggle to afford enough food. This means that every night, 20% of Hoosier children go to bed hungry.

Catholic Social Teaching encourages us to stand in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable and to put their needs ahead of our own. I encourage you to visit us at www.helpcreatehope.org and see the many ways that you can do something to #BeTheLight to our sisters and brothers in need. 

Together, we make a difference!
David J. Bethuram
Executive Director
Secretariat for Catholic Charities
Sharing the Blessing of Friendship and Support
Mike is a 92-year-old, African American male that lives with his niece, who is his primary caregiver. Heritage Place Home Services became aware that Mike’s niece needed some help and connected her to the Catholic Charities Senior Companion Program. The Senior Companion Program helps vulnerable and home-bound older adults and their caregivers by providing a companion to offer company and respite. Mike was matched with Bob, one of the senior companions. Bob provides companion services 5 hours a day, 3 days a week. Mike and Bob spend their time chatting about the “good ole days” and play cards. This provides Mike’s niece with a break and time for personal and family matters. His niece recently stated that Bob is now considered part of the family and that she cannot imagine life without him.

The Senior Companion Program is sponsored by Catholic Charities Indianapolis which assures that companions are carefully screened, and receive pre-service and continuing training and support. There are currently 78 Senior Companions. The Corporation for National and Community Service provides federal funds and administers the Senior Companion Program. Learn more about this program at www.helpcreatehope.org. 
Catholic Charities 100 th Anniversary Mass and Dinner


The evening will begin with mass at 5:30pm at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. A reception and dinner will begin at 6:30pm at the Catholic Center (1400 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, 46202). Sr. Donna Markham, OP, PhD, president of Catholic Charities USA, will be joining us and speaking during the program. More information about purchasing a ticket can be found  here.
Save the Dates
Planned Giving Workshop
Date:  Wednesday, October 2nd
Location:  Holy Family Shelter
Time : 11:30 am
Details:   Learn about planned giving, donor advised funds, IRA rollovers and Charitable Gift Annuities. There is no cost to attend and a light lunch will be provided. For more information and to RSVP please contact Cheri Bush at (317) 236-1411 or cbush@archindy.org.
 
Planned Giving Workshop
Date:  Thursday, October 17th
Location:  St. Elizabeth Coleman (2500 Churchman Ave, Indianapolis 46203)
Time : 11:30 am
Details:  Learn about planned giving, donor advised funds, IRA rollovers and Charitable Gift Annuities. There is no cost to attend and a light lunch will be provided. For more information and to RSVP please contact Cheri Bush at (317) 236-1411 or cbush@archindy.org.
 
St. Elizabeth | Coleman Fall Festival
Date:  Saturday, November 2 nd             
Location : St. Elizabeth Coleman (2500 Churchman Ave, Indianapolis, 46203)
Time : 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Details : St. Elizabeth | Coleman invites you to celebrate Adoption Awareness Month with a family-friendly Fall Festival. Enjoy FREE activities such as face painting, games and more! We will also offer food and drinks for a small fee. Come and spend an afternoon with our staff; meet new and old friends and discover their connection to adoption.
 
100 Years of Providing Help, Creating Hope, for All
Date: Wednesday, November 20 th
Location:  Catholic Center (1400 N, Meridian St, Indianapolis, 46202
Time:  Mass - 5:30 pm, Reception - 6:30 pm
Details:   Liturgy at the Cathedral and ticketed dinner reception with Archbishop Thompson celebrating 100 years of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. More information and tickets can be found at http://www.archindy.org/cc .
Christmas Store
Dates: Tuesday, November 27th through Tuesday, December 18th
Help Catholic Charities by shopping at no extra cost to you!
Call 877-CCI-2340 (877-224-2340) to make your tax deductible arrangements for your vehicle donation.