Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland delivers more than 150 services at 60 location to more than 400,000 people annually. During the COVID-19 health crisis, those services are even more important as people continue to struggle with discrimination, unemployment, addiction and poverty amid the worsening pandemic.
But thanks to a $100,000 matching grant, donors to the 2020 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal can double their impact and make a difference by helping to fund these vital programs.
Patrick Grace, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation, which fosters faith-based stewardship in the community, said there is a growing need throughout the diocese for the programs offered by Catholic Charities.
“There is great stress and strain,” he said, referring to the pandemic, but he noted that “People are rising to the occasion and we need to continue to do so.” He said the faithful in the Cleveland Diocese always respond to the challenge and have given generously throughout the years to support the work of Catholic Charities, which continues to work diligently amid COVID restrictions to assist those in need.
Catholic Charities has behavioral health programs including prevention, mental health and substance abuse; camps and athletic programs; human life and advocacy programs including migration and refugee services; and programs to assist families, children and community services, including adoption and foster care, child care and education disability services, early learning and Head Start, emergency assistance services, employment services and services for older adults and Hispanics. The programs are scattered throughout the eight-county diocese.
“The Church of Northeast Ohio is as diverse as the community it serves,” said Bishop Edward Malesic.
And while there is much to be grateful for, the bishop said this is a critical time in our community. “The hope of Christ guides us to find opportunities among the challenges,” he said, adding that supporting Catholic Charities is one way to make a difference.
He said Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland is recognized nationally as one of the most extensive networks of social service programs in the country. “Catholic Charities has been hard at work throughout this crisis to help those in need, regardless of their faith.”
Both the bishop and Grace said they are grateful to those who have stepped up to help support Catholic Charities. As the 2020 campaign nears its conclusion, they remind the faithful that the need continues and that now their gift can have even more impact, thanks to the $100,000 matching gift.
Click here for more on the 2020 Catholic Charities Annual Appeal, to make a secure online donation or to see stories of some who were helped by Catholic Charities. For more information, contact Karen Joyce at 216-696-6525, Ext. 1910 or email kjoyce@catholiccommunity.org.
“Catholic Charities began in 1919 on the heels of the 1918 influenza pandemic and more than 100 years later, it remains vigilant and at the forefront of addressing the needs in our community,” Grace said.