Homecoming, a little at a time, for the Esperanza Center
Two and a half years after a nearby fire rendered it uninhabitable, Catholic Charities' Esperanza Center is moving back home. "It's been a long time in the making," said Matt Dolamore, Esperanza Center program director. [...]
A family legacy hits home on a new employee’s first day of work
The evening before Tara Runge started her new job at Catholic Charities, she walked her dog through her neighborhood and – as she often does – talked quietly to her parents, who have both passed [...]
WWII veteran receives military medals after 75 years
The surprise and honor of a lifetime. That's how Melvin Jonczak Sr. describes the moment his family presented him with military medals he earned 75 years ago, while serving in the United States Army during [...]
Anxiety, grief and thoughts of what’s next – supporting COVID-19 contact tracers
When COVID-19 contact tracers in Baltimore City start their jobs, Aimee Hoffman is one of the first people they see. The Catholic Charities therapist is part of their orientation to the demanding work, offering advice [...]
Working for justice, even when it hurts
William J. McCarthy Executive Director As I was getting ready to watch the inauguration, I was having a difficult time. This has been an incredibly draining three weeks. In fact, it has been an exhausting [...]
A legislative session where nothing looks the same – except our mission
As the Maryland General Assembly opens the 2021 legislative session, nothing looks the same. Hallways that usually teem with advocates, interns and the public are eerily silent. In-person rallies are cancelled. Plexiglass or empty seats [...]