The faithful in many parishes across the Diocese of Cleveland will have another opportunity to support the 2025 Catholic Charities Appeal during Masses this weekend, May 31 to June 1. It is a follow-up to the February in-pew appeal weekend.
Help Me Grow, a vital service provided in all eight counties of the diocese, will be a beneficiary of this weekend’s appeal. The program helps new parents get the guidance and support they need as they begin their parenting journey. All donations to this second appeal will help babies and young children get the support they need to grow successfully and to make a positive impact on their communities.
In 2024, Help Me Grow assisted 400 families across the diocese with in-home visits and training to help navigate the years of early parenting and to ensure that children start life from a place of stability and trust. Help Me Grow offers education and practice for parents and child development resources, in addition to helping with the cost of necessities like diapers, formula and food for families.
The program helps to strengthen relationships between parents and children, leading to reductions in trauma cycles and childhood food insecurity.
One beneficiary of Help Me Gro is first-time mom Noelle, who started with the program after her son Harrison’s birth. Her home visitor, Jackie, said she’s watched Noelle and Harrison grow and develop together.
Watch a video (above) telling Noelle’s story about how Help Me Grow assisted her.
“Having someone like Jackie just come to check in on you and say, ‘Hey, we’re here for you if you need it,’ is incredible,” Noelle said. She encouraged all parents to take advantage of the program.
Help Me Grow offers a non-judgmental, compassionate approach. Home visitors share skills, knowledge and tools to help caregivers bolster their strengths and build confidence in parenting. The program has a staff of about 25 home visitors and supervisors who cover the eight counties of the diocese
Home visits provide a compassionate space for pregnant women, new parents and caregivers to ask questions, share thoughts and receive reliable information about a variety of parenting topics including healthy pregnancies, feeding and nutrition, child growth and milestones, household safety, discipline and development, plus connections to local resources for additional support.
“It takes a unique kind of person to develop a relationship with a stranger who will allow you to be in their private space – their home, on their couch, at such a vulnerable time,” said Brenda Hernandez, director, Help Me Grow. “When we are there to make that connection, we really become part of their families,” she added.
Those who missed an opportunity to support Catholic Charities earlier in the year are invited to consider making a gift this weekend. Envelopes and other campaign information is available at parishes across the diocese or click here to learn more online.
The goal of this year’s Catholic Charities Appeal is $15.3 million. The funds are used to provide diverse, critical services for nearly 400,000 people of all races and religions throughout the diocese.
Donations can be made online on the secure website, by using the pledge card included with a letter from Bishop Edward Malesic that was sent to households throughout the diocese, by texting CCHope to 4144, by calling 800-696-6525, Ext. 1910, or by sending a gift to Catholic Charities Appeal, 1404 E. Ninth St., eighth floor, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
For more information on the Catholic Charities Appeal, contact Sarah Gozur, 216-696-6525, Ext. 1910, email sgozur@CatholicCommunity.org or click here.