When Pope Saint John Paul II visited the United States in 1995, one of his stops was to say mass at Camden Yards. Afterward, he had lunch at the Our Daily Bread dining room. Per his request, the Holy Father was served a typical ODB lunch. George Thompson, a regular ODB volunteer, prepared creamed chicken casserole, a perennial favorite among our guests. There were 22 invited guests for lunch that day, including clients representing Catholic Charities’ programs. For security purposes, the other 800 guests were served at St. Alphonsus School.

Realizing that to lift people out of poverty required comprehensive services, Our Daily Bread expanded it services to provide more than meals. In addition to Christopher Place Employment Academy, Catholic Charities began offering case management, health services, in conjunction with Healthcare for the Homeless, and employment preparation classes.