My Journal on a Journey to Israel
by Bill McCarthy For several years, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has brought Marylanders to visit the ancient land of Israel. Their goal has been to provide a unique opportunity to witness, first-hand, how individuals have overcome adversity, organized themselves, and thrived with dignity. The objective has been to present Israel to participants so [...]
Living Our Values: Peace
by Bill McCarthy As the social justice arm of the Catholic Church, Catholic Charities is distinctly Catholic. And we are also an Agency comprised of staff, volunteers and partners from many different religious traditions. We are rich in our diversity! It is the same in the larger community and in our world. This great diversity strengthens us [...]
Gallagher Services’ Carol Baker
For nearly 22 years, Carol Baker has been the site manager for Gallagher Services Residential Services South in Anne Arundel County. She manages two group homes for men with developmental disabilities. “These guys are my extended family. Between the two houses, there are a total of 12 residents. Nine of them have been living here [...]
Executive Director Bill McCarthy Takes the Food Stamp Challenge
by Bill McCarthy Bill's Final Thoughts I have taken a few days to reflect on my experience with the food stamp supplement challenge that I participated in last week as well as the events surrounding the challenge, the comments, e-mails, and conversations I have had with so many about hunger, access to affordable, nutritious and [...]
Fabiola Finds Great Reward in Volunteering at the Esperanza Center
Fabiola Sanzana Hawkins Sometimes I found myself thinking about the responsibility of assisting others, just to experience the simple and extraordinary action of help. It doesn’t matter if you don’t receive anything in return; just the fact that you help others to learn makes you feel the peace and the spirit that just God can [...]
Phyllis
This story is told by WHRC Case Manager Associate Judith Han The very first client that I worked with at WHRC was Phyllis James. Phyllis came to Weinberg full of life, energy and joy. Every time I saw her, she would have a grin so wide you couldn’t see her eyes and she gave the [...]
Chef Robert Blanchard
Chef Robert Blanchard Blows into Baltimore from the Windy City of Chicago to serve as Chef for ODBEC and CPEA Robert Blanchard worked as a chef FOR A DECADE in Hyde Park, Chicago, the former neighborhood of President Barack Obama. In 2016, he moved to Baltimore and began working at ODBEC in 2017 as [...]
The Power of Transformation
Believing in someone’s ability gives them confidence to transform their life. The men in Christopher Place Employment Academy (CPEA) grapple with many significant challenges including substance abuse, incarceration, homelessness, inadequate education and unemployment. Through CPEA, the participants learn to emphasize their assets and improve life skills, behavioral modification, reading and math skills, GED preparation, addiction [...]
From Farm to Food Pantry
First Fruits Farms supports ODBEC to feed people in need. It starts with the gift of fertile fields and plantings and ends with a feast for the eyes and tastebuds. The lush fields of Freeland, Maryland are home to First Fruits Farm, a non-profit Christian ministry that donates all of its produce to feed [...]
The difference a smile makes…
The men of Christopher Place Employment Academy (CPEA) are grateful recipients of Dr. James Tanneyhill’s free dental care offered every Wednesday at Our Daily Bread Employment Center (ODBEC). After years in private practice, Dr. Tanneyhill retired in 2012 and partnered with ODBEC, to provide his dental services free of charge to those less fortunate. “I [...]