Catholic Charities Of The Diocese Of Fort Wayne-South Bend Inc

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF FORT WAYNE - SOUTH BEND, INC. SERVES THOSE IN NEED AS CHRIST WOULD HAVE US DO.

FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES: RESOURCE & REFERRAL: SERVICES ARE OFFERED BY APPOINTMENT TO PERSONS NEEDING HELP WITH MEETING BASIC NEEDS: FOOD, CLOTHING, LIMITED HOUSING ASSISTANCE, UTILITIES, HYGIENE SUPPLIES, DIAPERS AND PAPER PRODUCTS. AS PART OF THE AGENCY'S PROGRAM, THERE IS A BRIEF ASSESSMENT INCLUDING A BUDGET REVIEW AND APPROPRIATE SERVICE REFERRALS. CASE MANAGERS ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE SHORT-TERM ON-GOING CASE MANAGEMENT TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS IN WORKING TOWARD SELF SUFFICIENCY. THE RESOURCE AND REFERRAL PROGRAM PROVIDES CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN. REFERRALS PRIMARILY COME THROUGH SELF-REFERRALS FROM THE PUBLIC BUT ALSO FROM CATHOLIC PARISHES, UNITED WAY'S 211 REFERRAL PROGRAM AND OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. IN ADDITION, CATHOLIC CHARITIES RESOURCE & REFERRAL PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH ST JOSEPH COUNTY AND THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE TO ASSIST FAMILIES IMPACTED BY COVID WHO ARE FACING EVICTION OR LOSS OF UTILTITIES THROUGH THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. THE EAST REGION OFFICE PROVIDED SHORT TERM BASIC NEEDS SERVICES TO 857 INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE NORTH REGION OFFICE PROVIDED SERVICES TO 448 FAMILY MEMBERS AND THE WEST REGION OFFICE PROVIDED 1,414 SERVICES TO 355 UNDUPLICATED HOUSEHOLDS MADE UP OF 1076 INDIVIDUALS. HOMELESS SERVICES: CATHOLIC CHARITIES PROVIDES HOMLESSNESS CASE MANAGEMENT TO INDIVIDUALS RESIDING IN SHELTERS (SPECIFIC CONTRACTED OR RESCUE MISSION AND CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS) TO PROVIDE SUPPORT WITH THE TRANSITION FROM SHELTER LIFE TO COMMUNITY LIVING AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY. FOOD PANTRIES: SOUTH BEND AND AUBURN - THE OFFICES OPERATE EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRIES FOR CLIENTS WHO HAVE A HOUSEHOLD INCOME AT OR BELOW 185% OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL. HOUSEHOLDS ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE ONCE EVERY FOUR WEEKS OR WEEKLY FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY COVID WHO NEED ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE SOUTH BEND FOOD PANTRY IS A MEMBER AGENCY OF THE FOOD BANK OF NORTHERN INDIANA, THE AUBURN FOOD PANTRY IS A MEMBER OF COMMUNITY HARVEST FOOD BANK AND BOTH RECEIVE USDA COMMODITIES. THE SOUTH BEND FOOD PANTRY RECEIVES SUPPORT THROUGH PRIVATE DONATIONS AND GRANTS, THE UNITED WAY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, AND THE "PEOPLE GOTTA EAT" (PGE) INITIATIVE. THE AUBURN FOOD PANTRY RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS AND GRANTS. IN FY21, THE SOUTH BEND FOOD PANTRY SERVED 690 UNDUPLICATED FAMILIES/ 2219 UNDUPLICATED INDIVIDUALS WITH 2747 PACKAGES OF FOOD AND 44,971 POUNDS OF FOOD WERE DISTRIBUTED. THE AUBURN FOOD PANTRY SERVED 1,914 INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS. YOUTH MENTORING: THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROGRAM IS TO PREVENT DELINQUENCY, TRUANCY, DRUG USE, GANG INVOLVEMENT, TEEN PREGNANCY AND OTHER HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES WHILE IMPROVING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE. TARGETED TO AT-RISK YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 9 AND 17 WHO LIVE IN AREAS OF SIGNIFICANT COMMUNITY DISADVANTAGE, THE PROGRAM USES TRAINED ADULT VOLUNTEERS TO FORM NURTURING RELATIONSHIP LASTING NO LESS THAN TWELVE MONTHS. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES GROUP RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS CASE MANAGEMENT AND FORM OF FAMILY ASSISTANCE. THE PROGRAM MATCHED MENTORS WHO SERVED 7 AT RISK CHILDREN IN FY21. HISPANIC HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICES: THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL INTERPRETATION SERVICES TO THE SPANISH-SPEAKING POPULATION IN THE FORT WAYNE AREA. THIS PROGRAM HELPS PREVENT THE CHANCE OF MISCOMMUNICATION DURING MEDICAL TREATMENT. A CASEWORKER ACCOMPANIES THE CLIENT TO DOCTORS' OFFICES AND INTERPRETS BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER AND THE CLIENT. THE PROGRAM HAS ASSISTED 84 INDIVIDUALS DURING FY21. CATHOLIC CHARITIES MOBILE DIVISION: A MOBILE UNIT THAT HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF OUR TARGET POPULATION WHERE THEY LIVE, WORK AND GO TO SCHOOL. THE MOBILE UNIT CONDUCTS ROLLING RESEARCH TO LEARN THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF OUR TARGET POPULATION AND SUBSEQUENTLY TO DEVELOP EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES THAT ADDRESS THOSE NEEDS. THE MOBILE UNIT CREATES OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL FUNDING THROUGH COUNTY-SPECIFIC FOUNDATIONS AND INVESTORS; ESTABLISHES COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER AGENCIES, AND BRINGS IN PARTNERS WHO CAN ADDRESS NEEDS THAT DON'T FALL WITHIN THE SCOPE OF OUR MISSION. IT IS ALSO MEANT TO NURTURE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH PARISH COMMUNITIES, EXPANDING AWARENESS OF OUR AGENCY'S MISSION AND INCREASING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH PARISH MEMBERS. IN FY 21, THE MOBILE UNIT PROVIDED THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: UTILITY AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE IN ALLEN, NOBLE AND STEUBEN COUNTIES AND MULTIPLE COMMUNITY AND PARISH VISITS AS REQUESTED. DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE MOBILE UNIT WAS DISPATCHED TO LOCAL APARTMENT COMPLEXES WHERE VULNERABLE POPULATIONS (E.G., REFUGEES, DISABLED, LIMITED-ENGLISH SPEAKERS, ETC.) LIVE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE 2020 CENSUS AND EDUCATION ON SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONAVIRUS, HOW TO MITIGATE THE RISK OF CONTRACTING THE VIRUS, AND WHERE TO GET TESTED. CATHOLIC CHARITIES STAFF ALSO DISPENSED PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT, HAND SANITIZER, AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR DURING THESE OUTREACH EVENTS. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING: A CLINICAL LIAISON WORKS WITH PARISH PRIESTS OR THEIR DESIGNEES TO CONNECT THEIR MEMBERS TO EITHER OUR OWN QUALIFIED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS OR TREATMENT PROVIDERS IN OUR NETWORK, DEPENDING UPON THE UNIQUE NEEDS AND PREFERENCES OF THE PERSON, COUPLE OR FAMILY. CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAS BUILT A NETWORK OF HIGH-QUALITY CLINICIANS WITH EXPERTISE IN RESPONDING TO AND TREATING A WIDE VARIETY OF MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH CONCERNS, WITH PROFOUND RESPECT FOR THE SPIRITUAL LIVES OF THEIR CLIENTS. MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING: DUE TO AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR QUALITY COUNSELING SERVICES FROM A FAITH-BASED PERSPECTIVE, CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAS REBUILT ITS COUNSELING PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE DIOCESE. CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS AN INDIANA MEDICAID PROVIDER AND CONTINUES TO ADD COMMERICAQL INSURANCE PROVIDERS TO ENABLE US TO ACCEPT MORE REFERRALS FOR MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY AND ADDICTION TREATMENT. THE SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM PROVIDES MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, SKILL BUILDING GROUPS, CRISES INTERVENTION, CONSULTATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES TO A GROWING NUMBER OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE. IN FY21, THE COUNSELORS SERVED 106 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES THROUGH IN-HOUSE REFERRALS AND PARISH SCHOOLS ACROSS THE DIOCESE. CATHOLIC CHARITIES BECAME THE PREFERRED EAP PROVIDER FOR THE DIOCESE OF FORT WAYNE-SOUTH BEND IN ADDITION TO ADDING ANNULMENT MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATIONS FOR THE MARRIAGE TRIBUNAL IN THE DIOCESE. SOUTH BEND: ENTERED INTO A REFERRAL AGREEMENT WITH REAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO CAREGIVERS AND CONTINUES TO GROW REFERRALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SERVICES. VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAS RESPONDED TO THE NATIONWIDE EPIDEMIC OF SEX AND LABOR TRAFFICKING BY OFFERING CASE MANAGEMENT AND COUNSELING SERVICES TO VICTIM SURVIVORS. IN FY21, WE HELPED 6 TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS DEAL WITH THE TRAUMA OF THEIR CAPTIVITY AND ADJUSTMENT BACK INTO THE MAINSTREAM COMMUNITY. EDUCATION CREATES HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY (ECHO) PROGRAM: ECHO PROVIDES SUPPORT TO PREGNANT AND PARENTING TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS SO THEY CAN STAY IN SCHOOL AND CREATE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN. PARTICPANTS RECEIVE SCHOOL AND HOME-BASED CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, WHICH INCLUDE MONITORING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND GRADES, MONITORING ATTENDANCE AT PRE AND POST NATAL AND WELL BABY APPOINTMENTS, BUILDING LIFE SKILLS AND ACCESSING COMMUNITY RESOURCES TO MEET A VARIETY OF NEEDS. ECHO CASE MANAGERS HELP THE STUDENTS SET GOALS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THEM. ECHO STAFF ALSO WORK CLOSELY WITH PARENTS, ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, AND GUIDANCE COUNSELORS TO KEEP THESE TEENS IN SCHOOL SO THEY CAN GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL OR ACHIEVE THEIR HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY. FOR THOSE TEENS WHO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL AND CHOOSE TO PURSUE POST SECONDARY EDUCATION, CASE MANAGERS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR A SEVERAL YEARS. FOR THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM WITH THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR HSE, CASE MANAGERS PREPARE A TRANSITION PLAN WITH THE CLIENT AS THEY EXIT THE PROGRAM. IN FY21, THE EAST REGION OFFICE SERVED 53 STUDENTS PARENTING 57 CHILDREN. THE NORTH REGION OFFICE SERVED 1 STUDENT PARENTING. THE WEST REGION OFFICE SERVED 40 STUDENTS PARENTING 36 CHILDREN WITH FIVE OUT OF SIX SENIOR STUDENTS ACHIEVING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ON TIME AND TWO STUDENTS RECEIVING THEIR HSE WITH THREE STUDENTS EARNING COLLEGE CREDITS.

REFUGEE AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES RECEPTION AND PLACEMENT: THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE COMING TO THE UNITED STATES UNDER REFUGEE STATUS AS GRANTED BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE. CATHOLIC CHARITIES WORKS IN COOPERATION WITH THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES, WHICH HELPS NEW RESIDENTS ADJUST TO LIFE IN THEIR NEW COMMUNITY. SERVICES INCLUDE PRE-ARRIVAL PROCESSING, ARRIVAL SERVICES, ASSISTANCE WITH HOUSING, REFERRALS FOR MEDICAL CARE, ACCULTURATION, REFERRALS FOR ESL (ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND LANGUAGE) CLASSES, SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FOR THE CHILDREN AND OTHER EDUCATION SERVICES AS NEEDED. THIS PROGRAM SERVED 64 REFUGEES IN YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. REFUGEE HEALTH SERVICES: THE AGENCY HAS A CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF INDIANA TO COORDINATE THE PROMOTION OF REFUGEE HEALTH. THE PROGRAM ENSURES REFUGEES OBTAIN MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BEYOND MEDICAL SCREENINGS WHICH INCLUDES ACCESS TO CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY APPROPRIATE CARE. THE AGENCY ALSO DESIGNS AND LEADS EFFECTIVE AND INNOVATIVE HEALTH ACTIVITIES THAT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS IDENTIFIED PUBLIC HEALTH NEEDS AMONG THE REFUGEE COMMUNITY. IT ALSO INCREASES REFUGEE ACCESS FOR LONG-TERM HEALTH CARE. CULTURALLY SENSITIVE INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION SERVICES ARE ALSO PROVIDED FOR NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING REFUGEES. THIS PROGRAM SERVED 84 REFUGEES IN YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. MATCH GRANT PROGRAM: THE MATCH GRANT PROGRAM IS AN EMPLOYMENT-BASED PROGRAM, DESIGNED TO SUPPORT PARTICIPANTS IN BECOMING INCREASINGLY SELF-SUFFICIENT. PARTICIPANTS ARE ELIGIBLE BASED UPON THE CRITERIA OF JOB SKILLS, POSITIVE WORK ETHIC, FAMILY CHARACTERISTICS, AND A HEALTH EVALUATION. THE MATCH GRANT PROGRAM IS AN ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM TO MONETARY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE THAT IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST REFUGEES IN OBTAINING SELF-SUFFICIENCY WITHIN 4-6 MONTHS FROM DATE OF ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES. CLIENTS ELIGIBLE TO BE SERVED UNDER THIS PROGRAM ARE REFUGEES, CUBAN AND HAITIAN ENTRANTS AND VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING. THIS PROGRAM SERVED 19 REFUGEES IN YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. RESUGEE SUPPORT SERVICES (JOB DEVELOPMENT): CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAS A CONTRACT WITH THE STATE OF INDIANA TO PROVIDE JOB TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES TO ALL REFUGEES RESETTLED BY THE AGENCY AND THOSE RESETTLED BY OTHER VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, WITHIN FIVE YEARS OF ARRIVAL INTO THE US. THIS SERVICE IS ALSO OFFERED TO THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN GRANTED ASYLUM IN THE U.S. SERVICES INCLUDE: JOB READINESS TRAINING, WORKPLACE ENGLISH, ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL), ASSISTANCE TO OBTAIN INDIANA DRIVERS PERMITS AND LICENSING, ASSISTANCE WITH RESUME WRITING AND THE INTERVIEW PROCESS, JOB RECRUITMENT, JOB PLACEMENT, JOB RETENTION, JOB TRAINING, JOB REFERRALS, YOUTH MENTORING, AND OLDER SERVICES. THE PROGRAM SERVED A TOTAL OF 189 PEOPLE DURING THE FY21. EXTENDED CASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: SERVICES INCLUDE CULTURAL ORIENTATION, ADULT ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE CLASSES, LIFE SKILLS, HOME VISITS, PATH TO THE CITIZENSHIP CLASSES, LONG TERM INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT, HELP WITH OBTAINING FSSA BENEFITS, ASSISTANCE WITH APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS, AND ASSISTANCE WITH OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES TO ENHANCE THEIR LEVEL OF SELF-SUFFICIENCY. THIS PROGRAM SERVED 162 REFUGEES IN YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2020. HOMEWORK HELP PROGRAM: HOMEWORK HELP PROVIDES HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE TO BURMESE REFUGEE CHILDREN LIVING IN A FORT WAYNE AREA APARTMENT COMPLEX WHERE MANY REFUGEE FAMILIES HAVE SETTLED. WITH THE SUPPORT OF VOLUNTEERS AND INTERNS FROM LOCAL UNIVERSITIES, TUTORING SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENT WITHIN SCHOOL SETTINGS AND SOCIAL SKILLS FOR INTERACTING IN THE COMMUNITY-AT-LARGE. IMMIGRATION SERVICES: THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE (DOJ) RECOGNIZES CATHOLIC CHARITIES IMMIGRATION SERVICES AS A PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES ACCURATE AND AFFORDABLE SERVICES TO IMMIGRANTS WHO SEEK TO ADJUST THEIR STATUS, REUNITE WITH FAMILY MEMBERS, OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION OR FILE PAPERWORK TO MAKE OTHER STATUS ADJUSTMENTS THROUGH U.S.C.I.S. (U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES). CITIZENSHIP CLASSES AND ASSISTANCE WITH THE PROCESS OF NATURALIZATION ARE PROVIDED. FROM 07/01/2020 TO 06/30/2021, THERE WERE 270 IMMIGRATION CONSULTATIONS COMPLETED INITIAL GUIDANCE TO THOSE SEEKING IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. DURING THIS YEAR, 416 IMMIGRATION APPLICATIONS WERE FILED AND APPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES (USCIS) AND THE NATIONAL VISA CENTER. OUR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM ASSISTED 2 STUDENTS THROUGH CITIZENSHIP CLASSES. 648 PAGES OF TRANSLATIONS WERE COMPLETED

OLDER ADULT SERVICES: 1) SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (SCSEP) (TITLE V) SCSEP IS AVAILABLE TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS IN ALLEN COUNTY AND 5 SURROUNDING COUNTIES. THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO ASSIST OLDER WORKERS TO ACHIEVE GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICES AND TRAINING. SCSEP PARTICIPANTS ARE PLACED IN HOST AGENCIES WHERE THEY RECEIVE ON-THE-JOB TRAINING. THE HOST AGENCIES ARE LOCAL NONPROFITS AND/OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. SCSEP PARTICIPANTS ARE ASSISTED IN FINDING UNSUBSIDIZED EMPLOYMENT. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED TO THE PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE CREATING AND DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL RESUMES, EMPLOYMENT CLASSES, INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES, COMPUTER TRAINING, AND OTHER JOB READINESS CLASSES. THE PROGRAM ASSISTED 86 PARTICIPANTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021. 2) RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) THE RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ENGAGES, RECRUITS AND MANAGES PERSONS 55 AND OLDER IN VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO MEET CRITICAL COMMUNITY NEEDS AND TO PROVIDE A HIGH-QUALITY EXPERIENCE THAT WILL ENRICH THE LIVES FOR ALL WHO VOLUNTEER. VOLUNTEERS MENTOR AND TUTOR CHILDREN, DELIVER MEALS TO THE HOME-BOUND, ASSIST IN FOOD PANTRIES, LIBRARIES, HOSPITALS AND LOCAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS. IN FY21, THE RSVP PROGRAM WORKED WITH 129 VOLUNTEERS AT SITES IN DEKALB, NOBLE, AND STEUBEN COUNTIES. ANOTHER AREA OF RSVP IS THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) PROGRAM. VITA OFFERS FREE TAX HELP TO PEOPLE WHO MAKE $54,000 OR LESS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, THE ELDERLY AND LIMITED ENGLISH-SPEAKING TAXPAYERS WHO NEED ASSISTANCE IN PREPARING THEIR OWN TAX RETURNS. IRS-CERTIFIED VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE FREE BASIC INCOME TAX RETURN PREPARATION WITH ELECTRONIC FILING TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. IN FY21, THE VITA PROGRAM PREPARED TAXES FOR 940 INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES, FILED 1,435 RETURNS TOTALING $764,021 IN REFUNDS. THE RSVP PROGRAM PARTNERS WITH LOCAL CLUBS, CHURCHES, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS ON OUR ANNUAL COAT DRIVE. CATHOLIC CHARITIES PROVIDES HUNDREDS OF COATS, HATS, MITTENS, GLOVES AND SCARVES TO DEKALB, NOBLE, LAGRANGE AND STEUBEN COUNTIES. IN FY21, 1,484 COATS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO CHILDREN AND INDIVIDUALS IN NEED.

PRO-LIFE PREGNANCY COUNSELING AND ADOPTION PLANNING: CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS A LICENSED CHILD PLACING AGENCY IN THE STATE OF INDIANA. ADDITIONALLY, THE AGENCY HAS EXPERTISE IN PROVIDING PRO-LIFE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING AS WELL AS HELPING PARENTS WHO CHOSE ADOPTION AS AN OPTION DESIGN THEIR PLAN AND GUIDE THEM THROUGH A LEGAL ADOPTION PROCESS. FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO PARENT, BUT FACE CHALLENGES SUCH AS POVERTY, HOME SAFETY, MENTAL OR EMOTIONAL HEALTH CONCERNS, WE ALSO OFFER A MULTITUDE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO SUPPORT HEALTHY PARENTING AND A SAFE AND NURTURING HOME ENVIRONMENT. IN FY21, THE PROGRAM SERVED 13 CLIENTS.