2009 Greater Boston Magazine

greaterAn Annual Journal of Greater Boston Catholic Charities December 2009

Greater News Greater Services Greater Leadership Greater Support

Catholic CharitiesArchdiocese of Boston

Richard D. Armstrong Jr. Service Award

Catholic Charities Greater Boston is pleased to announce the inauguration of the

honoring those who live the Catholic Charities mission through service and an ongoing commitment to caring for those in need.

Richard D. Armstrong Jr., a life long resident of Massachusetts, has lived a life long commitment to service and the church. He was educated in Catholic schools and reports that he was a favorite of the nuns are not surprising to those who experienced his charm over the years. As a boy he carried out his service through the boy scouts and St. Agatha’s in Milton. He honed his future lawyer skills in national debate tournaments.

The president of his class at Boston College School of Arts and Science, Richard continued his education at BC earning a law degree while he also enlisted as a medic in the reserves, a role that furthered his commitment to taking care of those who were in need of help. Ultimately Richard earned another master’s degree in Labor Law at Georgetown University.

Richard has used his law degree to help countless people in difficulty through extensive pro bono work throughout his career.

Richard pursued his commitment to service through the church through his work with Catholic Charities and the Order of Malta. After participating every year in the Order’s service trips to Lourdes, helping those with serious disabilities experience all that Lourdes has to offer, Richard decided to pursue taking his vows with the order and in 2009 took his final vows as a Knight of Justice, one of fewer than 100 in the world.

At Catholic Charities it has been our honor to have Richard as part of our service team. We thank him for his years of service through the church and other channels and will continue to remember that service each year as we award the Richard D Armstrong service award to an individual who lives the mission of Catholic Charities through service to those most in need.

3 | GreAter | www.ccab.org

Greater LeadershipOn behalf of everyone at Catholic Charities, welcome to the

Greater Boston Christmas Gala! It is a sincere pleasure to have you join us as we celebrate Christmas and the promise

that Christ’s birth brought to the world. It feels as if there could be no better time to be reminded of that promise, and to celebrate it with great joy—and perhaps a little dancing!

Last year, when I wrote you this letter, I noted that we served close to 10,000 people a month through Greater Boston, distributing 14,000 pounds of food per month. Last month, we provided clients with 11,000 pounds of food in a single week. That is just one indicator of the tremendous need we are responding to during the current economic crisis, and the tremendous import of your support. I can’t thank you enough.

Within these pages, you will learn again what we do at Catholic Charities. We wrap ourselves around the entire family, from children, to parents, to elders. We help support their basic needs, while working with them to improve their education, language and work skills. We give teens a safe, productive after school environment, and support individual health and well-being.

It is particularly rewarding to be introducing the Richard Armstrong Award this year. Richard’s service to the Greater Boston Advisory Board, and his daily example of how to respond to God’s call to service, have been an absolute gift. It will be an honor to be able to recognize his legacy by honoring others in future years who uphold it themselves. This first year, though, the focus is, rightly, on Richard himself.

This holiday season, I find myself wanting to count my blessings more than ever. These are staggeringly difficult times for our clients. I believe that will continue to be the case for at least another year. It has been decades since the need for us to live the Social Justice Vision of the Catholic Church has been so strong. Thank you for striving with us to live it every day.

Tonight, however, I hope you’ll strive with us to have a wonderful time. I write this note in advance, but I know you look terrific and are having fun, because you do every year. I am glad to be celebrating with you.

With my warmest Christmas wishes to you and your families,

Tiziana C. DearingPresident, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston

It has been decades since the need for us to

live the Social Justice Vision of the Catholic

Church has been so strong. thank you for

striving with us to live it every day.

Greater Leaders

GreAter | www.ccab.org | 4

Chair: Michael Gilleran

Richard D. Armstrong, Jr.Karen BakerSusan H. Butler

Honorable Kathleen E. CoffeyJoseph L. Doherty, Jr.Steven P. DuffyJohn J. Griffin, Jr.Neal J. Harte

John D. HughesRobert B. Hutchinson, Jr. Honorable Francis J. LarkinMary F. LarkinAli Malihi

It has been a year since I last had the opportunity to invite you into the world of Catholic Charities. And it has been quite a year. We opened our newly renovated Teen Center and started a credit recovery program at the

center. We obtained national accreditation for our Healthy Families program. We more than doubled the amount of food handed out each week at our food pantries. We celebrated new collaborations with St. Cecelia’s parish in Boston, St. Albert’s parish in Weymouth, and St Mary’s parish in Hull. We formed a new partnership with the Boston College School of Social Work that has brought four MSW students and some wonderful research partnerships to our programs. We welcomed our new board member, Kevin Murphy, who has done such a marvelous job leading our Christmas fund raiser this year. Mike Gilleran rode in the Rodman Ride and lots of our teens participated in the Walk for Hunger.

I’m proud of these successes and so many others. But our successes are not the only thing I’m going to remember about 2009. I will also remember how often we had to say “I’m sorry but we can’t help today.” We gave away more than 1,600 dinners at Thanksgiving, but had to say “sorry” to hundreds more. For every family who we were able to help with their rent or utility bills there were 50 more who we couldn’t help. Twice this fall we gave away more than 11,000 pounds of food in less than a week and still ran out of food, because almost every day there are 30 or more new families coming to us looking for food.

So more than ever, I need to say thank you to all of you who have been so generous with your time, you support, your expertise, and your money. Because of you, we are able to feed so many who are hungry, shelter so many who are homeless, and provide a safe haven for so many teens. I know that I am honored to play a part in your efforts.

There are two special people I need to thank here. When I first came to Boston six years ago, Richard Armstrong reached out with his guidance, and he became a mentor and a friend. He has been a huge part of making our Christmas dinner a success for the last several years and has helped so many people through his work with Catholic Charities, the Order of Malta, the church, and his professional and personal life. I am sad that I will not be dancing with him this year, but I look forward to telling him about the night and am thankful for the way he lived the gospel in his life every day.

I also need to thank a special woman who is not at the dinner for the first time in 16 years. For five years, every morning when I came to work, Brenda McLean smiled and fixed my crooked collar or the tag that was sticking out. She helped me get to know many of you, and whenever I needed anything, Brenda was right there. Most of you know her. She was the one who greeted you at the Christmas dinner and likely took both your coat and your money with a smile. We lost Brenda this year but I know she is here with us, watching over us and smiling. So, on her behalf as well as mine, let me say, “I’m so glad that you are part of our family. Can I take your coat?”

Best,

Vivian SoperDirector, Greater Boston Catholic Charities

meet OUr ADVISOrY BOArD

Because of you, we are able to feed so many who

are hungry, shelter so many who are homeless, and provide a safe haven

for so many teens.

Today I wear a suit to the office. I wear a tuxedo to the Catholic Charities Christmas Dinner.

But when my father was a little boy he and his sisters had food to eat, clothes to wear, and a warm place to sleep, due to the kindness of strangers.

Until very recently, when we heard of such desperate neediness, it often took place long ago, or far away. The neediness in our own families happened a generation or two ago, and was the stuff of legend. The neediness of others was in some town or city or state not our own, and was something that happened to others and not to our own kind.

Now, in the last fifteen months, all the world has changed. Neediness is not long ago, or far away. It is taking place right now. Joblessness is not abating and is happening now. Shutoff of heat and light is happening now. Hunger is happening now.

Nor is neediness far away. Layoffs are taking place at our own places of business. Foreclosures are taking place in our own communities. Loss of income is near at hand.

Desperate neediness is a thing that exists in our own time and place. We can no longer be of the facile conclusion that it is something far away and foreign. We can no longer be of the easy conscience that it reflects some character flaw. We can no longer be of the lazy assumption that it will end with the latest government bailout.

Why should we respond to this desperate neediness that is here and now? Jesus told us the answer: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”

Let us resolve to love this world that God has given us by loving those in it. Let us give of our bounty to those who are without. Let us give of our hearts to those who are not loved. Let us do all this through Catholic Charities, a gift to us and our forebears that we love.

Most affectionately yours,

Michael C. GilleranBoard Chair of Catholic Charities of Greater Boston

Until very recently, when we heard of such desperate neediness, it often took place long ago, or far away. the neediness in our own families happened a

generation or two ago, and was the stuff of

legend.

Michael A. ManzoRahaun J. MartinJohn H. McCarthyTeresa McGonagleJean S. McKeigue

Christy MurphyKevin MurphyDavid H. O’BrienDon RodmanJames A. Rullo

Kevin W. QuinnJohn ShaughnessyMatthew M. SoldanoCarolyn R. StallAnh Vu

Support our programs and servicesLog on to www.ccab.org/give to make a gift. You can designate Catholic Charities Greater Boston or a specific program. Or give us a call at 617-506-6600.

VolunteerTutor a teen or an adult, help out at the Yawkey Center Food Pantry, volunteer at a shelter, or visit a homebound elder in the community. Visit www.ccab.org/volunteer or call Emily Dingwell at 617-506-6668.

Sponsor-A-CamperYour help is needed to Sponsor-A-Camper for a gift of $75 for one day, or $375 for a week. For more information, contact us at Catholic Charities, 51 Sleeper Street, Boston, MA 02210 or call (617) 482-5440. We can also be reached by e-mail to [email protected].

Planned Gifts With a planned gift, a reliable stream of income will be provided for yourself and your loved ones. In addition, you may avoid or reduce capital gains taxes on long-term appreciated assets, such as securities or real estate.

BequestsAn individual may leave cash, real estate, securities or other personal property in his/her will to Catholic Charities, and the value is deductible from the estate of the donor. We strongly recommend that you consult an attorney in the preparation of your will and to supervise its execution so as to comply with your state requirements.

If you are considering a planned gift or bequest, please call Kenneth P. Binder at 617.451.7962, or Rev. Phillip Earley at 617.451.7981.

Stock GiftsGifts of stock or other securities are a great way to reduce your tax liability while benefiting Catholic Charities. You may receive a charitable deduction for the market value of the stock at the time the gift is made. You should always consult with your financial or tax advisor before making a stock gift. For more information on how to make a stock gift to Catholic Charities, call Kenneth P. Binder at 617.451.7962 or visit our website at www.ccab.org/give.

Sow Generously.


Greater SupportthANk YOU! To the wonderful people of St. Cecelia’s parish in Boston who have adopted our food pantry as their cause and help us feed the hungry with their contributions and labor every week.

To the members of our new Sunset Point Camp committee, who have provided the leadership, talent, and labor to create a promotional effort for the camp that includes a new web page, a sponsor a campership drive, informational meetings, and printed materials promoting the camp and seeking donations. Their efforts will serve the inner city youth of Boston this year and for many years to come.

To the Charles Hayden Foundation for believing in the work we do at the Teen Center and for putting their financial support behind that belief year in and year out.

To the Duffy family for their very generous support over many years.

To United Way, the Greater Boston Food Bank, Project Bread, and Healthcare for the Homeless who partner with us every day to take care of those struggling to get by.

To Dorchester Youth Collaborative and DotWell, our Safe City partners in helping keep the teens in Dorchester safe and healthy.

To all of the parishes that help us provide Thanksgiving and Christmas for families that would otherwise go without a special meal or gifts.

To those who rode in the Rodman Ride or helped at the Walk for Hunger in the name of Catholic Charities.

To all of our volunteers who work with our families in our shelters, unload trucks and stock shelves in our food pantries, provide free labor, visit shut in elders, tutor and read to children and teens, share their expertise, and help raise money for our programs.

To all of our staff who work so hard and give so much of themselves to make sure that people get the best service possible. Thank you for giving so much of yourselves.

And to all of you who make it possible for Catholic Charities to live our mission and give hands and feet to the gospel.

As an anti-poverty agency, Catholic Charities responds to the needs of the poor and working poor in our communities. With

sites throughout the Greater Boston area, including Dorchester, Somerville and the South End, Greater Boston’s Basic Needs Programs provide immediate assistance to people struggling to meet the most basic of their needs. Our Basic Needs programs at the Yawkey Center in Dorchester and Union Square in Somerville, provide a wide range of support, including food pantry assistance, fuel, rental and utility assistance, counseling in emergency situations, and at times, assistance in providing furniture, baby supplies, clothing and other household necessities. Greater Boston’s Basic Needs Emergency services provides holiday assistance for the time of the year when many families struggle to make ends meet and cannot afford a warm holiday meal or gifts for their children.

Our food pantries, which have seen the demand double this past year, are open daily and provide services in three languages, with interpreters available for other languages if needed. Evening hours have been added at our Dorchester pantry to meet the increase in demand. We also work in partnership with Project Bread and the Greater Boston Food Bank along with local parishes, schools, and volunteers to help reduce hunger in their neighborhoods.

Emergency financial assistance can help keep a family from losing their home by helping with a month’s rent or mortgage in a time of crisis. We help families heat their homes in times of crisis by providing emergency funds for paying heating and utility bills. Financial assistance is dependent upon the availability of funds that come through grants, United Way, donations, and FEMA.

All Catholic Charities clients are connected to various community services in their area to help address their underlying needs and prevent future crisis situations. Y

BASIC NeeDS


Greater Services


More than 9,000 families served in our food pantries this past year. More than 600 families received emergency assistance this past year.

Loneliness is a part of life, but for many seniors it can be more than the occasional bout of depression, it can be detrimental to their health. There have been several studies that monitor the

correlation of poor aging and feelings of isolation, like a recent study from the Association for Psychological Science which found: “loneliness contributes proportionately to the wear and tear of aging.”

While scientists and doctors continue to conduct research on this topic, Catholic Charities of Greater Boston has been doing something to combat it. For over thirty years, Catholic Charities’ Friendly Visitor Program has offered companionship and friendship to elders and persons with disabilities of all faiths, enhancing their quality of life.

Located in Jamaica Plain, the program serves the southwest Boston area as well as several surrounding communities, offering much needed companionship to area seniors.

The program coordinator works with a crew of friendly visitors comprised entirely of volunteers who donate their time and smiling faces, precious commodities for several elderly adults who live alone with limited contact with the outside world. The supervised volunteers visit seniors or persons with disabilities for an hour or more each week in their homes, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

A visit from a volunteer provides the human interaction that means so much to those in need. It might include a quiet chat, a shared meal, help with shopping or getting to a doctor’s appointment, or even just telephoned reassurance that someone is thinking of them. All visits and services are provided to the seniors at no cost.

Many of the volunteers in the Friendly Visitors program are recent retirees, looking for positive, constructive uses for their new found free time. A study published by the Journal of Psychological Science, notes: “The results of a survey of a large, ethnically diverse sample of older adults showed… that those who gave social support to others had lower rates of mortality than those who did not, even when controlling for socioeconomic status, education, marital status, age, gender, and ethnicity.” Reports show that volunteering also has a positive effect on people’s mental state and their self image, such as bolstering one’s sense of purpose. And positive physiological health is often correlated with improved physical health. Volunteering is an opportunity for retirees to help their community while enhancing their own lives.

But the studies really only tell us what we already knew. People’s lives are better when they are not isolated. Our seniors’ basic need for human contact, a listening ear, and a concerned set of eyes watching out for them can often be met right at home when there are people ready to give of themselves. And in the end, both the visited and visitor are better for the experience. Y

FrIendly VISItor


Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeSG

reAter

SerViCeS


GreAter | www.ccab.org | 12 GreAter | www.ccab.org | 12

Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeSteeN CeNter At St. peter’S

The Teen Center at St. Peter’s serves youth ages 12 to 19 from the Bowdoin/Geneva neighborhood of Dorchester.

Through the center, we provide teens with work opportunities, access to various support services, and a safe place to recreate. Programs and activities aim to provide the skills necessary for academic success, while also increasing self-esteem and enhancing the perception of teens as a positive force in the community.

There are approximately 260 members of the Teen Center with as many as 150 participating in educational or recreational activities daily. While teens of all ethnicities are encouraged to participate, the program is particularly focused on the area’s Cape Verdean adolescents who have been disproportionately involved in area violence. Catholic Charities’ Teen Center at St. Peter’s is part of the Safe City Partnership together with Dorchester Youth Collaborative and DotWell. Together Safe City provides safe haven and services for more than 1,000 teens each year. Y



Though many Catholic Charities of Greater Boston programs differ in regards to the services they provide or the clientele to

whom they cater, they all share one common goal: to strenthen and preserve families. Our Healthy Families programs assist first-time young parents, ages 20 and under, by offering parenting education and support groups.

Enrollment takes place any time from pregnancy until their child’s first birthday. Once enrolled, the participants and their babies are served by the program until the child’s third birthday. The first three years are an important time in a child’s development and for a parent to get the support and education they need to properly provide and care for their kids.

Healthy Families home visits are conducted by trained staff and involve the entire immediate family as well as extended family members. Staff members encourage participants to develop, at their own pace, the information, skills, and support networks necessary to be strong parents. Home visitors speak English as well as the languages represented by the community they serve.

The main goals of the Healthy Families program are to:

Promote optimal parental health and wellnessAchieve optimal child health, growth, and developmentReduce repeat teen pregnanciesEducate in job/life skillsNurture parental skills to reduce child abuse and neglectTighten the family bond Strengthen local communities Y

heALthY fAmILIeS


Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeS

GreAter | www.ccab.org | 16 GreAter | www.ccab.org | 16

You all know the story, Mary and Joseph, Mary great with child, seeking shelter from the elements on the night that Jesus was to

be born. They were dependent on the charity of strangers to keep them safe and warm. We cringe when we hear of the people who turned them away, closing their doors and their eyes to a family in need

of shelter. Two thousand years later, we still have not found

a way to keep everyone safe from the elements each night. Every day more and more individuals and families find themselves on the streets for one reason

or another. You may or may not know them if you see them on the street. Who they are might surprise you, the mother and her baby, the 19 year old who aged out of foster care, the family who lost their home or apartment to foreclosure, the family who were making it work until they lost a job.

This year has not been a good one for the homeless people living in Massachusetts. State budget cuts mean the loss of shelter beds, making fewer beds available at a time when even more are needed. At Catholic Charities we will continue to provide shelter

and food for homeless women and homeless families. But that will only be possible because

of the continued generosity from our friends and supporters. We all must continue to fight for the day when

no one is told that there is no room at the inn. Until that day, thank you for helping us keep so many people safe and warm. Y

SheLterS


Brigid’s CrossingBrigid’s Crossing serves young mothers primarily between the ages of 16 and 21 who come from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Teens receive services which include individual therapy and group counseling, family assessment and case management, medical care, pregnancy prevention education, parenting and life skills training, help in acquiring a high school diploma or GED, and employment training.

Genesis IIGenesis II is a 22-bed family treatment shelter, which provides homeless mothers and fathers struggling to maintain sobriety with inpatient treatment without them having to place their children in foster care. Residents also receive assistance with housing, parenting skills, job readiness skills, budgeting, household management, nutritional planning, and medical care. A full-time case manager and a full-time family life advocate work with residents on the implementation of an individual/family treatment plan that includes intensive substance abuse counseling and attendance at self-help groups. Mental health treatment also is available.

Nazareth Residence for Mothers & ChildrenNazareth Residence provides an opportunity for families to begin rebuilding their lives. Families served are homeless mothers and their children. Families are able to maintain their independence while they transition to permanent housing. The community-like atmosphere, supportive services, and 24-hour staffing create a safe and secure environment for life and living.

Robert McBride House The Robert McBride House is a 17-unit apartment building for individuals and families. This affordable, permanent housing is designed for independent living and is enhanced by a common living room, kitchen, dining area, and community room. A wide range of services

is available to support the needs of the residents.

Seton Manor Seton Manor provides supportive housing services for 19 homeless, single men and women. It provides individual bedrooms with congregate areas for dining and leisure and 24-hour staff coverage. Seton Manor is a home, not an institution. The home is non-restrictive, relatively unstructured, and takes into account each resident’s dignity, right to privacy, self-determination, and independence. It offers a family of caring relationships with other residents, staff, and volunteers.

St. Ambrose Family Shelter The goal of St. Ambrose Family Shelter is to provide shelter, support, and hope for homeless families in transition. First and foremost, families’ basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are met. Household chores are shared by all residents and group dinners are planned and prepared on a rotating schedule. All families are referred to St. Ambrose by the Department of Transitional Assistance. While at the shelter, families are prepared for successful and independent living through formal education and practical skills training. Through referrals to local GED-preparation courses and tutoring provided by staff and volunteers, parents are encouraged in their efforts to further their education. Residents also receive life-skills training in practical areas such as parenting, family planning, and budgeting.

St. Patrick’s Shelter for Homeless Women St. Patrick’s Shelter for Homeless Women houses 30 women in emergency beds on a night-by-night basis as well as 10 transitional program participants each night. In addition to breakfast and dinner, the women are provided with referrals for health care, mental health services, and housing. A host of supportive and educational services are available to help families move toward a better future.

Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeS


SheLterSWhen folks think of

Christmas at Catholic Charities they inevitably think of providing

toys for families. Although many of the women in our shelter have children or have raised families prior to becoming homeless, we have no children here at the shelter. When our women wake up on Christmas morning they are alone. This day can be a very difficult emotional time for our guests.

Knowing this, the staff makes every effort to provide a special day for the women. The shelter is decorated, including a tree. Presents are distributed while the women eat brunch, and as each guest opens her gifts, the women comment on what is received and anticipate their gifts. Later a special Christmas dinner is served.

We try to provide new, warm clothing items for each guest and the staff spend a lot of time sorting through donations, selecting presents in a guest’s favorite color, and shopping for a particular item that a guest needs. For example, one year we had two women who were working outdoors in construction. The guests were so happy when they received heavy weight, thermal lined hooded sweatshirts to wear to work. We make sure the size of an item is correct and try to match the style of a garment to a guest to make them feel that this gift is just for them.

When I think back on the many Christmases celebrated at the shelter a few moments stand out.

For fifteen years we had a long term, very schizophrenic guest who every year would stay in bed hidden under her blankets

for most of the day. About a week after Christmas she would show up at my office door to ask if she had any presents. Of course they were still there waiting for her.

The most poignant moment I remember was a year when I was at the shelter early on Christmas morning. Most of the women were still in bed. The sun was not yet fully up and the only lights in the dining room came from the Christmas tree lending a beautiful glow to the room. I came out from the kitchen to find a guest staring at the tree with her eyes full of tears. During the night the overnight staff had placed all of the gifts under the tree. This guest, in her late twenties, turned to me and asked “Are those for us?” When I answered yes, she said, the tears fully flowing now, “I always dreamed of a Christmas like this. We never had a nice Christmas in our house.”

This is the pathos that we see every day at the shelter. The women come in each day for a safe, clean place to lay their heads, have a nutritious meal, watch TV, read or play cards. The atmosphere is as “homey” as we can possibly make it, and the women, on the whole enjoy each other’s company. But the reality is, it is temporary, it is not a home. Any day the security may be shattered at the pick up site when we have more women waiting than we have beds back at the shelter and we have to turn women away. Though we have added beds over the years, doubling in size, bed lotteries are once again becoming a regular occurrence. I look forward to the Christmas Day when the best gift we can give each woman is to be in her own home.

Nancy Kavanagh is program director of St. Patricks Shelter for Homeless Woman

A Christmas at St. Patrick’s By Nancy Kavanagh

Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeS


in her words From a resident at St. Patricks shelter

Growing up the youngest of six children in an Irish Catholic family, I was always surrounded by people who loved and cared for me. Sure I fought with some of them; sure there were rules I hated to follow or that I thought weren’t fair. But I always knew my older brother

wouldn’t let me be bullied or picked on; unless it was by them and that taught me how to stand up for myself. They taught me how to throw a football and how smoking isn’t cool for anyone let alone a “jock.” My sister’s always taught me how to be “cool” either by teaching me stripes don’t go with plaids or that Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors album was totally cool but that Kiss’s Destroyer album was for little punks who didn’t know cool music. Somewhere in my twenties alcohol and bad choices I made caused me to lose my connection to my family. I forgot how great being surrounded by people who actually cared about me could be. I was often alone, definitely lonely, forgot about my dreams, and definitely lost my way. After a number of years of my struggles with alcohol, drugs, struggles to get sober, clinical depression, my HIV infection, working with my doctors, my therapists, my support groups, I have been able to start to rebuild me life. Here at Seton Manor, I have found a new family; one that also is here to help me, to teach me, to support me, to allow me to remember my dreams and reminded me I don’t have to be alone anymore. Seton Manor has made me part of the community again. Catholic Charities had made that possible.

Brian

The first day I arrived at St. Patrick Shelter I was not impressed. I was thinking, “I have to find somewhere to stay. I can’t do this”. I sat in the back of the dining room

crying and trying to eat my dinner. One of the staff came out and asked for a volunteer to do the dishes and I raised my hand. Never in my wildest dreams did I think or even know I was on my way to recovery, to healing in my life. Later that night, I met the social worker for housing, another opening to a good start.

You see all my bad decisions and choices I had made was what allowed me to be at the place where I stood. I was sexually assaulted at the age of 46 years and went on a long road to drugs and alcohol, losing all my children’s respect. I really had given up on hope for myself.

Being here at St. Patrick’s they don’t make you do anything. All they want you to do is be sober and clean, the rest is up to you. St. Patrick’s has everything you need, but it is up to you to use the resources that they have.

Shortly after being here I started doing the laundry for a saved bed. Helping myself was very good for me. I took little steps, kept all my appointments with my social worker, housing worker and doctor’s appointments. And I started working on my faith in God, praying and asking for help and acceptance for myself and all of my mistakes. This has been a long, slow process but a very rewarding one.

Staff at St. Patrick’s are very special to me. Staff started trusting me and trust is a big thing for me. I can’t even express how great I felt. When I started a Community Nursing Assistant training program, staff helped me with transportation money and a pair of scrubs. Oh how my heart cried tears of joy – I said “Thank you God, these people see me” and it was a good feeling.

Now I have my own room in the transitional program. I work in a nursing home. I have a chance. I have been here for almost 11 months and am still growing. Oh, I still make mistakes but now I ‘m taking a part in this purpose of life. I’m living life on life’s terms and taking root and growing. Life can be so great once you can see yourself in life’s mirror. And the mirror came from me being here at St. Patrick Shelter for women. I’m very blessed and grateful for this shelter. My prayers are for St. Patrick’s and all the women in it. This is the place where I found myself, my chance to live again.

I ‘m also grateful for all of the connecting services that come here. My warmest thanks to all the staff at St. Patrick’s and all the resources they offer. Post Script: This guest “graduated” from the transitional program 3 years ago, is still working and remains in permanent housing.

in his words From a resident at Seton Manor



Although many Catholic Charities of Greater Boston programs differ in regards to the services they provide or the clientele

they cater to, they all share one common goal: to strengthen and preserve families. The Family Stabilization Services provided by Catholic Charities of Greater Boston works to help keep new, first, and second generation immigrant families in Boston together. Referred by the Department of Social Services, these families face the normal

hardships of living in the urban neighborhoods of Boston – economic hardship, crime, drugs, personal and family challenges – as well as added stressors including legalization issues, language barriers, and adapting to a different culture. Many of these families are reluctant to seek help but are in need of assistance and support in keeping their children safely at home.

Catholic Charities provides social workers with the cultural and linguistic abilities to help them. The social workers develop trusting and

supportive relationships with families that are often very difficult to engage. They then provide intensive case management and counseling, meeting with families several times each week, helping them meet their basic needs, working with them to understand and negotiate a system that is often confusing to newcomers, especially those with limited English literacy, and helping them work with the cultural shifts that happen as the children “become Americanized”, often

to the dismay of the parents. Social workers are available “24/7” to

their families, often providing support well into the night and on weekends.

The Family Stabilization Program is fortunate to have the skills, commitment, and devotion of 3 social workers and a supervisor who together bring eight languages and more than 55 years of Catholic Charities service to the table. We currently offer specialized services to Vietnamese, Chinese, Cape Verdean, and Haitian families. The program is also open to other families who speak English or Portuguese. Y

fAmILY StABILIZAtION

Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeS

fOSter GrANDpAreNtS

Our Foster Grandparents Program (FGP) trains volunteers, aged 60 to 95, to be in the classroom where they enrich the lives of students, and give

over-worked teachers a desperately needed helping hand. This federal program is part of the government’s Corporation for Senior Citizens initiative, which works to better the lives of our nation’s elders. In 2008 we placed 65 Foster Grandparents in classrooms. They work in day care programs, head start programs, elementary, and middle schools. The volunteers stay in the classroom throughout the day, acting as a grandparent—giving hugs and words of encouragement—and like a teacher’s aide—helping kids with their studies and lessons.

Each Foster Grandparent gets 20 hours of service training, learning their role in the classroom, what to expect from the experience, and how to anticipate the needs of the kids. The training helps them understand the culture and rules of the school and how to best utilize their skills.

Being a Foster Grandparent means that while they’re looking after students, someone in turn is looking out for them. The interaction between teacher, students, Foster Grandparents, and our FGP staffs means that

the seniors in our program are an important part of a hard-working and loving team. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that exercises their minds, bodies, and spirits. Y


fOSter GrANDpAreNtS

Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeS


Sunset Point Camp, located in the seaside South Shore community of Hull, serves as a vacation from the city for 300 kids every summer. The children come from all over the Greater Boston area, representing

the many different races, cultures, and religions that make up the Boston community. Most of the campers come from lower income households or homes recently affected by extenuating circumstance like death or separation.

Due to severe reductions in state funding, we were not able to operate the camp in 2009. However during the hiatus year, we were able to organize a community leadership group dedicated to fund raise in order for us to open again in the summer of 2010 and beyond. This group has developed a campership program that allows anyone to sponsor a camper for one week of safe, fun activities for a total cost of $375 per camper, per week. We have also designed a website for donors to contribute and people to converse with each other and update the community on current events.

The camp itself consists of two bunkhouses, an indoor gym, a kitchen, nurse’s station, staff quarters, an arts and crafts center, and grand hall complete with a stage and fireplace.

Outside, Sunset Point provides the campers with an in-ground pool, a basketball court that doubles as a roller skating rink, swings, and a beautiful grassy courtyard for structured activities as well as lazy summer lounging.

Summer is obviously the busy season for Sunset Point, but its connection to the campers is a year round commitment. At Christmas campers are given gifts (donations from local parishes and companies) that are distributed at various Catholic Charities of Greater Boston sites or hand delivered by their favorite camp counselors.

If needed, campers’ families are also given referrals to other Catholic Charities of Greater Boston services, like its Basic Needs Program, Family and Youth Services, or Initial Response assistance.

Each year, employees of Bank of America volunteer to clean and prepare the camp prior to its opening, so by they time the kids arrive it’s in tip top shape. In addition to making the camp look great, the money saved in repair and maintenance costs goes directly back into the program budget. Surplus money means more kids are able to attend and more resources are available for those that come.

The local Knights of Columbus provide a weekly ice cream social as well as occasional awards ceremonies to recognize the hard work and community spirit of the campers. The Proparvulis Club and Guild of the Infant Savior lend much needed financial support to ensure the best experiences for the campers money can buy.

The camp has been around since 1919, and since its inception has hosted over 40,000 inner-city children for a great summer on the shore. Y

SUNSet pOINt CAmp


Gr

eAter Ser

ViCeS


Sovereign Military order of Malta

BoSton area

wishes to salute

fra richard d. arMStrong Jr. KJ

for his outstanding work with Greater Boston Catholic Charities

2009


Greater N

ews

In February 2009, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston and Mayor Thomas Menino, joined Tiziana Dearing, President of the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston, Jack Connors, Chairman of the Campaign for Catholic Schools and members of the Dorchester community to celebrate $4 million in renovations to the Teen Center at St. Peter’s. The renovations were made possible through the support of the Campaign for Catholic Schools, the 2010 Initiative for Catholic Education, and the Yawkey Foundation and include new computer equipment and youth development programming provided by WARM2Kids. The Teen Center at St. Peter’s offers Boston teens a safe environment in which to focus on academics and recreation during after-school hours. “Our young people need us now more than ever to help guide them and to foster programs and environments that enrich their lives,” said Cardinal Seán. “We are blessed with the extraordinary support of the many people and

organizations who collaborate to make productive, enriching programs available for the young women and men who find hope and affirmation at the Teen Center.”

Catholic Charities and the Campaign for Catholic Schools partnered to spearhead the renovations to the Teen Center which were completed by Suffolk Construction. The renovations include a new library and classrooms, a gymnasium and kitchen as well as a recreation room, dance studio and family center. Also unveiled at the Teen Center was the Connors Family Learning Center. Donated by Jack Connors, the center includes an enhanced security system, and computer lab, and access to WARM2Kids, an online information

resource and e-learning tool on relevant teen topics for youth, families and mentors founded by Celtics legend M.L. Carr. Y

Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley and Mayor thomas Menino Celebrate Opening of the Newly renovated teen Center at St. Peter’s

As a proud supporter of our local communities

Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C.

Congratulates Richard D. Armstrong Jr.

on being the first to receive the

Richard D. Armstrong Jr. Service Award

honoring those who live the Catholic Charities mission

through service and an ongoing commitment

to caring for those in need.

Proud to support Greater Boston Catholic Charities and

Richard D. Armstrong, Jr.

53 State Street 38th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 617-742-9666 www.uhyadvisors-us.com


2008 Greater Christmas Dinner The 2008 Greater Boston Christmas Dinner was a great success! Despite two snow storms, nearly 150 guests attended the dinner with special guest Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley. Special thanks to Paul Soper and 25 of his young parishioners who entertained attendees with Christmas music, and to Paulo Debarros and the Teen Center dancers who began post-dinner entertainment with dancing! Y

Gr

eAter N

ewS


Greater News

Healthy Families, Healthy HarvestIn October, Greater Boston’s Healthy Families program hosted a Harvest Event for children and parents of the program. Children dressed in costume for Halloween, getting their faces painted and endulging in a good book with the help from Raising-A-Reader program.

On November 19th, students at Somerville’s Brown School loaded 40 bags of food into a Catholic Charities van and helped to restock its near-empty shelves.

The food drive, which was held throughout the month at the Brown School school, began when Catholic Charities’ Foster Grandparent Daisy Monsalve asked the students to help fill the near-empty shelves at the Catholic Charities food pantry.

Tara Anderson, initial response worker at Catholic Charities’ Somerville Pantry, notes“It’s just another example of the Greatest Generation giving back during times of need, and showing the next generations to come.” Y

Foster Grandparent brings Brown Bags to Brown School

In recognition of the designation of September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, The Massachusetts 9/11 Fund held a local “Day of Service” in June at the Yawkey Center food pantry. Fifteen family members who lost a loved one on September 11th spent the afternoon packing more than one hundred bags of food for the Dorchester community served by the Yawkey Center.

These local 9/11 families chose this food pantry as the recipient of this Day of Service because Catholic Charities was an integral part of the “Community of Care” which stepped forward to assist 9/11 families with basic needs assistance, mental health counseling, and case management services in the days, months and years following September 11th. Y

Massachusetts 9/11 Fund holds Day of Service at Catholic Charities Yawkey Center

All politics is local. And so are the best ways to give back.

That’s why supporting tonight’s Christmas Dinner and organizations like Catholic Charities is part of who we are.

O’Neill and Associates is committed to helping organizations that make a difference in our community, and to celebrating the contributions of those like Richard D. Armstrong Jr. whose service inspires us all.

We’ll never forget where we came from. And we want to be part of where our community is going.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS - PUBLIC RELATIONS - COMMUNITY RELATIONS

617 646 1000 www.oneillandassoc.com

BOSTON - WASHINGTON D.C.

Gr

eAter N

ewS

BoSton JoSeph a. MIlanopresident tel (617) 227 - 2750

Fax (617) 227-2306

Richard, our thoughts and prayers are with you! Your Oyster House Family

Richard:

The institution of this service award bearing your name is a well-deserved recognition of your outstanding and unstinting contributions to the welfare and happiness of others. Since we first met at Boston College more than forty years ago, we have treasured our friendship with you. You exemplify the Jesuit model: You are truly “a man for others.” We salute you.

Joe and Mary Ellen Fitzpatrick Jim and Monica McIntyreGeorge O’Toole and Lucy Flynn Paul and Mary Beth Sandman


Catholic Charities provided Thanksgiving meals to 8,000 families in need throughout Eastern Massachusetts this year and last year, during its annual Turkey Giveaway the weekend before Thanksgiving. Greater Boston Catholic Charities alone distributed 4,000 of the turkeys and all the “fixins” in 2008 and 2009. The enormous support of the community was possible thanks to the support of private donations, United Way, the Greater Boston Food Bank, a partnership with Salvation Army of Boston, and a large

donation of turkeys from the NBA Player’s Association.“On average, rent is over $900 per person. With prices on the rise, more and more working and unemployed families are feeling the systematic squeeze from all sides,” Dearing said. “Many are finding it difficult to provide for their basic, daily needs, including putting food on the table.”

Greater Boston also had more volunteers this year, thanks to the support of United Way and NSTAR employees. Y

2009 turkey giveaway draws thousands

Gr

eAter N

ewS


Greater News

St. Ambrose finds great support in Eddie Everett’s fifth grade

At the Edward Everett School’s fifth grade graduation ceremony in June, the fifth grade class presented the St. Ambrose Family Inn with a special gift of journals, pens and pencils for each family at the shelter. Each journal also contained a poem chosen by the students. In addition, the students collected more than 1,000 non-perishable food items and assembled baskets containing toiletries and other necessities to give to families at the shelter. These efforts were a part of the school’s Kids Care Club which encompasses all students and teaches them that they can do something to impact their school, their community, and the world in a positive way.

Later in the year, the new 5th grade received a $300 grant from the Children for Children Foundation. The students chose to use the funds to feed the 15 families at the shelter—and even spent the day doing the cooking themselves! Y

In Loving Memory of

James P. Duffy

May 29, 1926 - July 27, 2009

“A good time was had by all” - Jim Duffy

DUFFYP R O P E R T I E S

One of the founding Partners of Duffy Properties

Catholic Charities

Greater Boston

185 Columbia Road • Dorchester, MA 02121 www.ccab.org

Documents

2009 Greater Boston Magazine