As he continues to become more familiar with the ministries throughout the Diocese of Cleveland, Bishop Edward Malesic visited the Elyria offices of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland and the St. Elizabeth Center in Lorain.
During his visit, the bishop blessed the new Elyria offices, which are on the grounds of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. The former convent and one floor of the former school building are used by Catholic Charities. Among the programs offered are child care and education, emergency assistance services, employment services, families and children, mental health and substance abuse services.
Patrick Gareau, Catholic Charities’ president and CEO, Fredy Robles, chief program officer, and Amber Bundy, Lorain County director, escorted the bishop through the two buildings and answered questions.
Bundy said the offices recently moved to the new space at St. Vincent de Paul, which she called a good fit for their needs.
(See photo gallery above.)
As he toured the offices, the bishop greeted and chatted with various staff members, including mental health counselors. They talked about how needs have changed since the pandemic and how Catholic Charities is working to fill those needs – regardless of the client’s faith or ethnic background. Bundy said they are very busy serving area schoolchildren and families.
“We are the preferred counselors in several schools and some are asking for additional counselors,” she added.
Bundy said there is a great need for parenting programs and parent education as families and children struggle with substance abuse, mental health and impulse control issues.
The bishop expressed his appreciation for the dedication of the counselors, noting it is a difficult and exhausting job. Some of the counselors said they enjoy their work because it can provide a sense of fulfillment.
“You’re doing something positive,” he told them.
At the Help Me Grow offices, most staff members were making family visits but the bishop got an overview of the program and how it helps lay a solid foundation for development in infants and younger children. There is a wait list for the program and they hope to hire additional staff.
“This is a vocation. It’s a calling to help people with your gifts,” he said, noting that Pope Francis often speaks about accompaniment. “These people have dignity and they’re loved. They are children of God and like the Good Samaritan, you’re doing what you can to help someone in need. Thank you on behalf of the Church of Cleveland as you try to bring a little bit of heaven to earth.”
The bishop also posed for a group photo with the staff before heading to the St. Elizabeth Center in Lorain for a brief visit.
At the St. Elizabeth Center, he visited with some of the people who drop in daily for a hot lunch. He also went upstairs to see the overnight shelter that occupies the top floor of the building, which formerly housed a Polish fraternal organization.
The St. Elizabeth Center is named after St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a wealthy woman who lived a life of prayer and service to the poor. She ministered to the sick and performed many works of charity.
The center is a community center offering hot meals, help with basic needs, a food pantry, fresh produce, rental and utility assistance, the overnight shelter that can accommodate up to 50 men, coordinated entry and case management services for Lorain County.