What are some of the critical services offered by this conscientious and well run organization? The answer is: food, clothing, shelter, financial counseling and, above all, hope. That doesn't even cover it all. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud serves those in need in this community; those young and old and those of any faith background. As a volunteer, I see the staff dedicated to those whom they serve. I find it to be both inspiring and humbling. I choose to support them both with volunteer hours and financially as we can. It is time and money well spent.
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My exposure to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud has become first hand since I took their tours and started volunteering. In my opinion, this organization truly lives its mission to serve those in need. The services provided are so many that I will mention just the tours I have taken: Emergency Services (food, clothing and financial counseling), The St. Cloud Children's Home and Life Transitions Services. The professional staff, the programs and the respect with which clients and students were treated impressed me greatly. I now volunteer as needed at one of the St. Cloud locations and continue to be impressed with the commitment of those for whom I work.
40 years ago, we got one of the best gifts we could ever recieve from Catholic Charities, our son. 13 years later, we also got a niece there also.
As far as I can tell, wherever there are people in need in my community, Catholic Charities is there to help. Whether it is homes for disabled adults or the Children's Home, programs for families in crisis, counseling or hunger relief, I don't know what would become of St. Cloud if Catholic Charities was not here. It is a wonderful organization filled with loving, dedicated people.
I have either attended or worked on the Catholic Charities Mardi Gras fundraising event for many years. The Catholic Charities staff are exceptional people who are very committed to their mission. They are good stewards and are wonderful to work with!
I served on the Board of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud from 2005 through 2010. What amazed me over those years was the tremendous depth the organization has. They reach so many in need with emergency services (food, clothing, and financial help), mental health counseling, transitional housing for those struggling to become self sufficient, a residential treatment center serving children ages 8 to 18, homes for the mentally ill and physically impaired, and more. They are a well managed charity, serve people of all faiths, and adjust quickly to changing needs.
Over the years its been my privilege to see how Catholic Charities impacts lives in our area. I remember hearing a young woman share her story about how staff at the Children's Home helped her learn how to trust others and grow into a caring young woman. When I visted the food shelf, I learned how donations of food, clothing and household items help families in need. The volunteers take such care when talking with familes. Each person is treated with love and respect. Staff at Catholic Charities don't just talk the talk, they literally walk the walk in sharing the mission of Catholic Charities. They and all who serve families in the community truly are servants of all.
