Women who have found themselves in need — short on money or education, pregnant or parenting, possibly alone and scared — often go to a Catholic Charities agency for assistance, maybe because they’ve been referred there by a friend or even the court system.
They may not have a place to live, enough food to eat, enough diapers or reliable transportation. They may not have gotten appropriate health care for themselves while pregnant or for the baby, once it’s born. They may have no idea how to parent a colicky or special needs child, or even a tired and fussy baby.
We are there for them.
Jenna was pregnant and in rehab. She’d lost custody of her older children, 6 and 12, and was about to deliver a third when she arrived at Catholic Charities. Through the First Step Program for expectant parents and families with children ages 0-3, she met a case worker who listened to her story, provided tangible assistance, and linked her with services in the community that could offer additional help.
At Catholic Charities agencies in the Diocese of Youngstown, we offer compassionate, non-judgmental services for women and families in crisis situations. Our goal is to help parents and children grow into strong, healthy families, able to deal with life’s challenges and to make decisions that lead to a brighter future.
“Last year, our Catholic Charities agencies serving the Diocese of Youngstown were privileged to provide pregnancy and family support services to 4,512 adults and 2,883 children. Each of these individuals represents a story of hope and resilience. Our commitment is to stand by them, offering the support they need to build strong and loving families. It’s an honor to be part of their journey and to witness the positive impact of Catholic Charities’ services on their lives”, says Rachel Hrbolich, Diocesan Director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown.
Kara recently said, “I know I can always get help and see a friendly face without being judged,’’ she went on to say, “and the lobby makes it easy for me to bring the kids in and keep them busy while I meet with my caseworker!”
We offer many opportunities for others to accompany us in this mission, from donating to volunteering. Our dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors make our work possible. Because you are there for us, we are there for them.
The Catholic Charities network of 168 agencies, along with Catholic Charities USA, the network’s national membership organization, has launched an awareness campaign promoting the life-giving work undertaken each day by Catholic Charities agencies around the country. Through national and local advertising efforts, the campaign will shine a spotlight on the vast and varied services that the Catholic Charities network provides to millions of people in need each year. Learn more at WeAreThere.US.