I am a foster parent with Catholic Charities. We Choose Catholic Charites because out of all of the agencies, they put the child FIRST. They consider all factors when placing a child. They never put the child in a home where the child wouldn't thrive. Thank you Catholic Charities!
Things have changed over the past three-four years. My daughter, who was in an abusive marriage first sought help with living assistance away from her husband. She received that call for urgency, was helped with parenting, counseling, donations and linked her to other orgs to help set up her first apartment. We, as grandparents and caretakers then of our two grandsons received guidance. In the last three years, my husband and I became foster parents through Catholic Charities because of Catholic Charities.
I cannot say enough for what this non-profit organization has done for my daughter, my grandsons and ourselves. All of our contributions to United Way are not earmarked to Catholic Charities. We have met such wonderful, supportive and caring counselors in our travels. Our lives have forever changed due to the Catholic Charities. There are not enough words to express all of our gratitude! Don't look at the past, you need to look forward!!!
I was pregnant 15 years ago. My husband lost his job after serving in the Navy for 10 years. We were despite. I had no food in the house., and barely made rent. I was hooked up to an IV for severe vomiting. I was out of work waiting on disability. I went for help. I was given a 10 dollar voucher for Tops and was told I should have planned better. We are thankfully, in a much better position now and own our own home. But before that my whole family donated to the fund drive. In lauding myself. I was in need for 4 months until my husband found a job I was pretty much standing there with a door slammed in my face. Ya know who helped me... The American Red Cross. We donate to them every year and will NEVER donte to Catholic Charities!! Ever !
Unfortunately, the experience listed by "Licoricecat" is pretty much similar to the welcome I received when I called to offer my services as a volunteer mediator. I was rudely told that I was not needed. They weren't interested in my qualifications nor my experience. A friend of mine also called, this time for (non-monetary) assistance from them, and was rebuffed, as well.
I have asked for assistance a few years ago and was turned away. I have called several times and my calls were not returned. I was told to come in person, which I did and talk to the director. The director who I did not meet till this day, told me to leave the facility or he will contact the police, He stated that he would not help me and I must leave. I came in person because I did an intake and no one called me back for over 3 months and I left repeated messages with my phone number. I was told by the secretary to come in person and talk to him. To this day I still do not know why they will not service me. I was given the excuse that they will not service me because I kept calling and came into the office as told to do one time. My question is why was I rejected and my calls avoided for 3 months in a crisis situation when i needed counseling for a crisis situation and they continued to avoid my calls for help? When I physically went to the office the director did not want to talk to me privately and told me to leave in the reception desk. This is rude, unprofessional and a breech of confidentiality. I never did get an answer to this day why they would not help me. The only thing I was told is because I came to the office one time without an appointment because the secretary told me to come in and talk to the director. It was a crisis situation DV and I could not get help or counseling.
Review from CharityNavigator
