AWARE
What is AWARE?
Many of our views about people who are disadvantaged are developed through media reports and distant observations. These perspectives can be skewed and not include the myriad of causes and effects.
Catholic Charities is pleased to offer AWARE, an interactive, hands-on educational experience that helps to broaden people’s perspectives on those in need. AWARE exposes participants to realities that deepen their understanding and appreciation of the realities of life that affect our clients and guests.
Topics include exploring the challenges of people who are experiencing hunger and homelessness, people who are aging, families living in poverty, early childhood education, immigrants and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
AWARE is ideal for:
- Parish groups, including parish staff, parish councils, adult education, social justice committees, youth and other interested groups
- Corporations seeking to learn about the community while fostering teamwork and community service
- Individuals who seek to further understand social issues and take action
- Leaders-in-training in the faith community
- School-aged youth and college students
Participants can choose from the following Catholic Charities programs to learn about the realities of:
People who are hungry and experiencing homelessness:
Weinberg Housing and Resource Center
Our Daily Bread Employment Center
My Sister’s Place Women’s Center
People who are aging:
Jenkins Senior Living Community
Early childhood education:
Head Start of Baltimore City
Immigrants:
Esperanza Center
Individuals with intellectual disabilities:
Gallagher Services
State Legislative Advocacy:
Catholic Charities’ Advocacy Department
Q. How long are AWARE sessions?
A. AWARE sessions are typically 2-3 hours long, depending on the program.
Q. How many people are needed for each session?
A. Each session must have 5-8 participants. Some program sites can handle larger groups. Please contact us to see if that is an option for your group.
Q. Are there any age restrictions?
A. Generally, AWARE is for people aged 18 or older. However, it can be adapted for participants under age 18 with adult chaperones.
Q. How do I schedule an AWARE session for my group?
A. Have your group review the programs that offer AWARE and call us with a list of your top three choices. The Office of Parish Social Ministry will coordinate with you and our programs to find the best time to hold a session.
Sarah McIlvried
Social Ministry Coord., Parish Social Ministry
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
smcIlvried@cc-md.org
667-600-2020
Contact Sarah McIlvried, smcIlvried@cc-md.org, 667-600-2020
Project Aware in the News, Stories & Testimonials
Bobbi Tayman, Caritas House
Bobbie Tayman After working as a delegating nurse for 13 years at an area hospital, Bobbi Tayman assessed that she was most gratified when she interacted with geriatric patients. When a job as a delegating [...]
Sister Eileen Davis, Daughter of Charity, Returns to the Pastoral Care Program at the Jenkins Senior Living Community
Sister Eileen Davis is the coordinator of the Pastoral Care program at the Jenkins Senior Living Community. For eight years, she has offered spiritual care to the residents, families, and staff of St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation [...]
Management Makes a Difference to Everyone
Rosilyn Butler is the bright, cheerful manager of three Catholic Charities Senior Housing complexes, including St. Marks Place, where we spoke with her. After observing her for just a few minutes, you can see why she’s [...]
Catholic Charities’ new senior housing heeds Pope Francis
May 20, 2014 Below is a link to Maria Wiering’s article in The Catholic Review about the dedication of the new section of the senior community of Village Crossroads. The article also touches on the great need for affordable [...]
Old and Poor: America’s Forgotten
March 24, 2014 Last year, Catholic Charities participated in the filming of a short (approximately 8 minute)documentary by the Kaiser Family Foundation on the issue of poverty among our seniors. A resident of Basilica Place Senior Community, [...]
Jenkins Senior Living Campus Highlights
The Neighborhoods at St. Elizabeth Rehabilitation and Nursing Center provides a comprehensive array of individualized rehabilitation and nursing services, including short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, memory care, and in-patient hospice care. Caritas House Assisted Living [...]