We, the Church in central and southern Indiana, strive to live the gospel by embodying the compassion of Christ and exercising leadership in:
- Advocating policies and action that protect human life and dignity
- Promoting awareness of human needs and participation in social justice issues in light of Catholic social teaching providing human services rooted in Catholic social values
We commit ourselves to generosity, accountability, openness and responsiveness to the human needs of diverse people and communities.
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There has been a significant increase in the demand for our services. Since August, the number of people reaching out for help with their mental health has tripled! To help meet the needs of our community Catholic Charities Bloomington hired a new therapist, Jessica Ullrich. Jes worked with CCB over the past year serving clients as an intern. She earned her M.S.Ed in Mental Health Counseling from Indiana University, and describes herself as an advocate for her clients.
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Twelve women and nine children stayed at Becky’s Place this Christmas.
The Bedford community was generous in sharing the spirit of Christmas with them by providing “room at the inn.” Becky’s Place continues to follow CDC safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 as our case managers work with residents to secure and sustain stable employment and housing.
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The Catholic Charities Indianapolis Christmas Store served over 400 families in 5 weeks throughout November and December. Holy Family Shelter served 34 homeless families this holiday season, including over 70 homeless children. We look forward to a great 2021 as we continue to provide help and create hope for those in need in our community. |
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We are saddened to share the passing of Amy Sczesny, director of A Caring Place Adult Day Services. She was a wonderful person who cared for the participants of A Caring Place with dignity and compassion. She will be missed by the Catholic Charities family. Please keep Amy and her family in your prayers.
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While holiday gatherings were impacted by COVID-19, the holiday spirit was still present at St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities in New Albany. The traditional Holiday Dinner typically brings agency staff, Council, clients and families all together to share a meal. Due to the pandemic, the event had to be reimagined. Staff and Council members provided, prepared and coordinated carryout and delivery of delicious Thanksgiving meals for our clients and their families so everyone could partake safely.
Christmas celebrations were also different. While the fun, games and fellowship of the Supported Living Program Christmas Party were missed, a Secret Santa made sure clients had their wish lists fulfilled and each received special deliveries to their homes. Through the generosity of many local parishes, businesses, individuals and families, our shelter residents and their children were also blessed with gift cards, household and personal care items, clothing, baby gear and of course toys that were on their wish lists.
Click here to check out the St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities 2020 year in review.
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After 14 years as Director of Catholic Charities Tell City, Joan Hess retired at the end of 2020. She was a constant in the Tell City community and a compassionate voice for those struggling with rural poverty in Southern Indiana. We thank Joan for her years of hard work and dedication to Catholic Charities Tell City. You can find a Criterion article about Joan’s retirement here and an article from the Perry County news here. |
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We would like to welcome the new Catholic Charities Tell City Director, Sr. Michele (Sr. Shellie) Intravia. Sister Shellie is an Ursuline Sister of Mount St. Joseph in Owensboro, Kentucky. She has been a Sister of Mount Saint Joseph for over 40 years. She comes with fifteen years of service in Catholic Charities in Louisville, Kentucky. She previously served as the director of the Sister Visitor Center which is an emergency assistance program that provides the most basic of human needs: food, clothes, assistance with rent, utilities, furniture and medicines. We are excited to have her join us at Catholic Charities Tell City.
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The Ryves Youth Center teaches children that, while important, there is more to life than only being responsible for themselves. Through activities, sports, mentoring and positive adult relationships, we help them understand the importance of helping others and caring for all of God’s creations.
There are no religious requirements for the children who attend Ryves, but several of our programs and activities indirectly share the idea of caring for all of God’s creations. Partnering with national groups like Girl Scouts USA and Boy Scouts of America along with local organizations like ReTHink Inc., the youth gain valuable tools to help them be good environmental stewards. Whether learning to garden at our Eden of Ryves, practicing “leave only footsteps” on a hiking trip or learning about healthy eating habits and sustainability with the Salsa Club.
We pray that Ryves Youth Center is improving the lives of its children both today and providing them with a solid foundation for a productive future as an adult. Part of that foundation is teaching the youth to be good stewards to all of God’s creations.
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Anti-Trafficking Ministry |
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January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis started an Anti-Trafficking Ministry in 2020 as part of the Secretariat Social Concerns Ministry. This ministry works to educate on the scourge of human trafficking, to advocate for an end to modern day slavery, and to provide training and technical assistance about this issue. Click here to learn more about this new ministry.
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Catholic Charities Terre Haute Soup Bowl Benefit |
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Becky's Place Shelterbration
Date: Thursday, March 11th, 2021
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Virtual
Details: Join us for our virtual Shelterbration featuring resident’s success stories, silent auction and the Becky’s Place awards. More information can be found at www.beckysplacebedford.org
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Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala (rescheduled due to COVID-19)
Date: Friday, April 16th, 2021
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Virtual
Details: The first annual Archdiocese of Indianapolis Legacy Gala benefitting Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools and Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary. Chancellor, Mickey Lentz will also be honored for her 60 years of service. For more information about the event click here.
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