Every day, for the past 105 years, Catholic Charities has helped families find peace, healing and a sense of belonging.
Whether it is through adoption, adult day care, pregnancy and parenting support, or counseling, Catholic Charities is available to help. They also respond to a range of needs, including hoarding, crisis relief, and services for refugees and immigrants.
The organization has responded to the call to serve the needs of people affected by poverty, providing professional services with dignity and respect. Last year, the agency reported more than 50,000 people positively impacted by the work of Catholic Charities, with 97 percent of those served living at or below the poverty level. Operating throughout 10 counties in southeastern Wisconsin, hundreds of volunteers and 70 professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving others are behind the success of Catholic Charities.
As the new CEO of Catholic Charities, Paul Eberle said that Catholic Charities embodies the Gospel call to love our neighbor.
“This is not just in words but through concrete acts of service,” he said, adding, “Whether it’s counseling, case management or crisis response, our programs are a direct expression of our Catholic faith in action. I’m humbled to join an organization that meets people with compassion and dignity.”
Through care and compassion, Catholic Charities has helped individuals such as a birth mom who was searching for a loving family and future for her baby. She lovingly chose adoption, and thanks to the support of Catholic Charities, she found Victoria and Matt, who matched her hopes and dreams for her daughter.
After an arduous journey from Cuba with her young son, Zunen arrived in Milwaukee, wide-eyed and hopeful, but with many unanswered questions.
Catholic Charities enveloped Zunen with love and compassion, making her feel welcome.
Her case manager, immigration attorney, and the Refugee and Immigration Services team helped Zunen and her son start a new life. Surprisingly, a community member with a heart for newcomers reached out to Catholic Charities wanting to rent to a refugee or immigrant family. Thanks to the kindness of this individual, the two found a place to call home.
At the heart of Catholic Charities’ mission is a commitment to live out the values of our Catholic faith by serving those most in need, not because they are Catholic but because we are, explained Archbishop Jeffrey S. Grob.
“How intimately faith and action are interwoven in the Letter of James, where we read: ‘For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.’ (James 2:26),” he said. “To me, these words summarize the purpose and mission of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. For this local Church, Catholic Charities is the human face and expression of our Catholic faith.”
