The vital importance of unrestricted giving
Catholic Charities hosted its first Leadership Breakfast 40 years ago. A simple meal prepared and served by our staff, it lasted only one hour and raised $50,000. Today, the Leadership Breakfast Campaign has grown into the largest source of unrestricted support for the agency's mission and work, fueling more than 80 programs that serve people [...]
In a difficult transition, a taste of happiness
On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 21,000 calls, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. That's an average of 15 calls every minute. "If it wasn't for Catholic Charities' women and children shelter programs, I would've ended up back with my abuser or on the streets," said Debbie, who escaped an [...]
One more sign of promise in Cherry Hill – the community’s first bank opens
Over the next several years, JP Morgan Chase plans to open 20 branches and 40 ATMs as part of a broad expansion across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. But none may carry as much promise as the branch that opened its doors in mid-September in Baltimore's Cherry Hill Town Center. That Chase branch, the first [...]
COVID-19 adds to a precarious housing situation for many in Maryland
As the financial and health effects of the COVID-19 crisis exacerbate longstanding inequities in housing in Maryland and across the U.S., government and nonprofit leaders are focused on how to cushion the impacts and help stave off homelessness for many. A panel gathered by the United Way of Central Maryland discussed the state's housing challenges [...]
A few more restrictions but no less joy as child care re-opens at Sarah’s House
In normal times, the start of the day at the child care program at Sarah's House is a joyful and rambunctious scramble. Parents gather to sign in their children while kids rush into classrooms to greet friends and choose from shelves full of toys and books. During a pandemic, that scene looks very different. When [...]
The powerful first step to find housing
There are an average of 2,193 people experiencing homelessness in Baltimore City on any given day, according to a 2020 report for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Every person included in that statistic has a name, and one of their names is Diamond. The Baltimore native suffered severe injuries in a car [...]
As the state enters “stage three” of COVID recovery, Catholic Charities holds steady
As Maryland relaxes restrictions related to COVID-19, officially entering its "stage three" of recovery in early September, Catholic Charities remains thoughtful and deliberate in determining the best ways to serve while keeping colleagues, volunteers, clients and its communities safe. Since the first patients with COVID-19 were identified in Maryland six months ago, the organization has [...]
No gift like the present for seniors at Holy Korean Martyrs
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present." This recognizable quote, often attributed to American cartoonist Bil Keane, resonated particularly well with the seniors at Holy Korean Martyrs Senior Housing recently. In the days of COVID-19, one thing has been made abundantly [...]
With Saint Agnes Hospital, My Brother’s Keeper launches new primary-care services
This month, My Brother's Keeper is launching an on-site primary care clinic in partnership with Saint Agnes Hospital, adding to the wide spectrum of services it offers as a one-stop shop for West Baltimore neighbors in need. Launching the clinic required upgrading the health suite at My Brother's Keeper, a Catholic Charities program, to add [...]
As college students return to some kind of education, degrees still prevent poverty
The American dream has evolved over the years. At one point it wasn't uncommon to graduate high school, get married, and find a lucrative job that allowed you to feed a family of four and purchase a home. In today's climate a high school education alone may not afford you the same lifestyle as years [...]