Catholic Charities of Salina

Catholic Charities has long held a commitment to reducing poverty in America. This year our national office, in grappling with the critical link between race and poverty approved the document, “Poverty and Race: Overlapping Threats to the Common Good”. This is a follow up to our Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America. These policy papers are available online at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

I can quote for you a few disarming statistics from the paper such as the fact that 37 million people—about 12.6 % of the population—live below the poverty level. Poverty rates are higher in central cities and in rural areas and the majority of people in poverty are the working poor. But recently, because of a staff vacancy, I have seen it first hand in our offices as I have stepped in to provide some of the direct services to our clients. Some of the poignant stories of people who come in to our offices out of desperation because they have no where else to go would break your heart. Because of our pregnancy maintenance program, we see many women who are lacking in resources during this particularly difficult time. Yesterday I met with two families. In both cases the husband was working but the family did not have health insurance and the wife had not been to a doctor for prenatal care because they could not afford it even though she was already about seven months pregnant. They needed $400 to be seen at a clinic plus there would be monthly charges and then the delivery charges from the hospital. We were able to pledge a portion of the initial fee, but I know this is going to be a huge hardship for the family.

I’ve seen another family in which the main wage earner was injured and not able to work for two weeks. Because of that, he lost his job. The family is applying for our adopt-a-family program for Christmas because this loss of income and medical care has produced a crisis in their lives which will take them some time to recover. In our rural areas we see the problems exacerbated by lack of both medical care and transportation. A call for help came in the other day from someone an hour away from the nearest service center. But what happens when the individual doesn’t have reliable transportation or money for gas? I know many people suffer in silence. I also understand why my staff tells me the top priority needs to be funding for emergency assistance and why they get discouraged when they are not able to adequately help those with legitimate need.

I do promise that we will do the very best we can within the capacity of our limited staff and financial resources to be there for those in need of help. It may be listening and helping them identify additional resources to help as well as committing our own financial aid within our capacity to do so. It may be providing counseling for depression or marital issues. But overall, I think the largest numbers of problems that bring people into our offices revolve around central themes of lack of health coverage and loss of jobs and transportation issues which lead to all kinds of other issues.

That is my soapbox right now because I do see an increase in numbers and type of requests coming into our offices right now. People in the lower income brackets experience the effect of rising gas prices and other commodities to a greater degree and spend a much greater percentage of their income on basic needs.

The Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America has published a list of things we can do to address poverty. Since I want to end on a more positive note, I will share with you some of these recommendations which you and your family might want to incorporate into your advent reflections and giving.

Things You Can do to Address Poverty
From The Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America

Reflect
• Pray for those whose lives are impacted by poverty.
(http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty/pray.cfm)
• Use Scripture to deepen your understanding of poverty.
(http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty/pray.cfm#scriptures)
• Familiarize yourself with Catholic social teaching on the poor.
(http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty/cst.cfm)
Get Informed
• Educate yourself about poverty in your community and in the United States.
• Identify an issue that you are passionate about and can take action on.
Get Organized
• Develop or join a working group within your church and community-to help spread the word and raise concerns about issues of poverty-make sure to involve some low-income families on your work group.
• Share what you have learned with others in your community and encourage them to take action too.
Get Involved
• Help in the local food bank, or other organizations helping the poor.
• Contact your local elected officials with specific concerns about poverty in your community and ask for a staff contact for follow up.
Volunteer
• Learn about volunteering with Catholic Charities in your community. Contact your local Catholic Charities agency to find out how you can serve your community. (khauser@salhelp.org)
Donate
• Support your diocesan Catholic Charities’ efforts by donating. (You may designate to a specific office or program.)
Catholic Charities of Salina, Inc.
P. O. Box 1366
Salina, KS 67402-1366
785-825-0208
www.catholiccharitiessalina.org

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HELP US BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS FOR NEEDY FAMILIES

During Advent, we prepare our hearts for Christmas. This Advent, please open your heart in helping us prepare a Christmas for families that do not have the resources to provide their own.
Sacred Heart Students
The families we are helping are in crisis situations asking for basic necessities. This year we are seeing an increase of families in need, and they do not receive assistance from other agencies. Last year, thanks to the generosity of many, we were able to help 46 families. As we see gas, groceries, utilities and other basic needs rise, our hope is to help provide the toys, clothes, food and other special needs, which will make the holidays brighter for the children and their parents. “It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35”
Family at Christmas
We will be glad to accept monetary donations; or call us for details on the toys, clothes, food, or special needs, if you wish to do the shopping yourself. We hope to have all donations collected by December 7th, if possible.`

Make this Advent a special one, by helping us make the holidays brighter for our families. To contribute to the project, please call Maribel Panuco, at 785/827-4517, extension 15.

Thank you, from all of us at Catholic Charities!

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AGENCIES' PROJECTS SHOW SUCCESSES

Intern Reports Her Observations of Catholic Charities

By Molly Suter, Kansas Wesleyan Intern

Children on Playground Catholic Charities is busy with projects such as the after school youth program. The children meet after school around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays for various activities. Through grants and donations they have a playground, computers and three rooms of simple but fun and educational activities for the children. This is all made possible with the help of grants and donations. On October 21^st they participated in a pumpkin carving project and they also celebrated Halloween with a party at the skating rink. On regular days they can use the computer lab or get help with homework. Activities involve small and large motor dexterity as well as focus on the development of language and social skills.

The adult programs at Catholic Charities are also still going well. The first “Marriage is for Keeps” class finished up in Manhattan in October and the second one begins in February. In the meantime, couples have the opportunity to participate in supplemental activities such as the “10 Great Dates” program. It seemed to be a success. Children in Computer Lab

The organization also recently had a high school observer. Karen Hauser stated that, “A student from South high observed at the Salina office. It’s an opportunity to find out how services are provided. It gives youth a look at the work environment and provides information about career opportunities in the social service field. We try to educate students about the important role of faith-based organizations in helping the poor.” Children at Halloween

One of the former volunteers turned employee of Catholic Charities stated, “What’s unique about our charity is that we have multiple focuses, whereas other organizations may choose one area to focus on.” That is completely true; Catholic Charities offers services from adoption, respect-life information, programs for youth and children, marriage counseling, legal immigration services, loan programs, and other financial programs for the poorer individuals.

Molly Sutter is learning about feature writing in her class at Kansas Wesleyan and decided she wanted to learn more about Catholic Charities.

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CONCORDIA OFFICE HELPS MILITARY COUPLE

Military Couple Becomes a Family with Help from Catholic Charities of Concordia

James and Sally Butler (*not their real names) called Catholic Charities in desperation to see if they could find a way to get help with adopting their niece, Abby*. Sally had been told by several agencies that because of their military status, as a family they would not be eligible for services.

Husch Hathorne, LSCSW social worker from the Concordia office took Sally’s call and decided to find a way to assist the Butler’s with their quest to adopt their niece and provide the baby with a permanent home.

The Butlers are a military family living on Fort Riley in housing provided by the base. They were married seven years and attempted to have children on their own, but were never successful due to Sally’s infertility. When Sally’s brother informed the family he was not able to parent the baby (the baby’s birthmother was drug dependent), Sally saw an opportunity for the baby to have a permanent family, and, the couple to create their family. She offered to become guardian for the baby and her brother agreed.

That was 19 months ago and now they are going to be able to finalize the adoption through the help of a private attorney who asked the couple to contact Catholic Charities for a last step in the process-a home study evaluation.

James Butler, is a Staff Sergeant in the Army and has served two rotations of duty in Iraq. He enlisted in the Army thirteen years ago and is a career soldier in the Infantry. Sally relays that James may be called for yet a third rotation in Iraq, perhaps as soon as fall 2008. James is stoic about his service to his country. He relays that he has suffered some difficulties from the tours of duty and he is hopeful about not having to return for one more rotation-but adds if he is called, he will go. James describes Abby as “the light of my light” and adds that Abby is a “Daddy’s girl” all the way.

Abby was born with multiple special needs and has needed specialized medical and rehabilitation care. The couple just gets by on a small military income and finding funds to pay for the adoption has been a struggle.

As a way to support this family in their remarkable service to their country, Catholic Charities has provided the home study service to the couple as a Thank You for their service. We hope for a peaceful coming year in which James will be able to stay closer to home with his wife and new daughter.

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HISPANIC YOUTH PROGRAMS OFFERED

By Maribel Panuco, Hispanic Services Coordinator, and Corrie Christy, Intern

In the past decade, Catholic Charities has established Hispanic youth programs to meet the growing needs in Salina. Some statistics suggest that Hispanics make up 10 percent of the population in the city. A number of Hispanics are served by Catholic Charities in applying for residency and citizenship. The children of these immigrants live in split worlds—a world that is split by language, economics, and by minority status. This organization strives to give the youth opportunities that might otherwise not be available to them. We provide leadership opportunities and encourage them to continue education, abstain from drugs and alcohol, and to stay away from gangs. We are a safe place for the Hispanic community’s youth to socialize and we enjoy being active and a positive influence in their lives. We hope that these programs will encourage the growth of healthy, happy, productive citizens for the future.

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FINANCE OFFICER VISITS MODEL PROGRAM

Jose Arias, Finance Officer for Catholic Charities of Salina, was recently selected to review an award winning model program of Catholic Social Services in North Carolina. His report follows.

By Jose Arias

·   “I get to work on time thanks to the caring people at Catholic Social Services (CSS), and now I can supply for my family.”
·   “It was not the first time a set of keys have been put in my face; but this time I actually got to keep the car, it was the best feeling I have had for a long time.”
·   “I have six children and was pregnant with my seventh: low paying job, minimal education, and the worst, a husband who hardly provided for us. I was on the verge of disparity; but not until I found CSS and with their help I am back on track. I was able to go back to school and recently received my Registered Nurse certification and two of my six kids are now in college.”

These are just some the success stories that were told during my site visit to North Carolina, to view the Family Strengthening program that C.S.S. provides in four different counties; Cherokee, Clay, Graham, and Swain, Clay being one of the poorest ones.

There are three important factors in the success of their program, the first can be contributed to Far West Families First (FWFF), an outreach ministry that matches families in need with ecumenical faith teams who provide support and encouragement as they strive to reach goals they have set for themselves.

“The support teams that are set up with the families play a key role in helping them achieve their goals, without them it would be more difficult,” said Netta McFaddin, FWFF Coordinator.

The second important factor would be the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), which provides grants to assist economic development activities of organizations committed to sustainable economic growth in western North Carolina through funds provided by a restricted Diocese of Charlotte Economic Development Fund.

The third and final is a financial literacy program called ABLE, this program offers individuals and families the opportunity to attend financial literacy workshops and seminars. They meet with a trained counselor from On Track Consumer Credit Counseling Services for “one-on-one” sessions to develop a plan of action for debt repair, debt repayment or budgeting one’s resources. The OEO is capable to offer these classes in their newly Msgr. West Financial Literacy Computer Lab that holds fours computers, printers, faxes, and financial software programs.

As part of Catholic Charities I am proud to say that we are not to far from achieving the same goals as North Carolina; we offer Emergency assistance and with our new endeavor, a micro-loan and a financial literacy program, I believe we can have the same success stories.

Claudie Burchfield, program Director for OEO, said “The most powerful thing we can leave you with as you go forward is simple but true; never forget to treat each client as you would wish to be treated if the roles were reversed.”

How truthful is that, I invite anyone and everyone who is interested in helping us achieve our goals to come visit me at Catholic Charities and together we CAN.

Call Jose Arias at Catholic Charities of Salina, (785) 825-0208, or e-mail jarias@salhelp.org

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WORK AT ADULT DAY CENTER NEARS ONE-YEAR MARK

In January 2007, Josephine Hernandez, a social worker for Catholic Charities, began providing a support group for clients of the Sunflower Adult Day Center. Mary Sue Wells, the Director of the Center, believed that patients experiencing early dementia could show improvement through challenging physical and mental activities which would help them maintain their level of functioning for an extended period of time. That was when she asked us to get involved by providing a therapeutic support group. We chose Josephine, a licensed clinical social worker, to take up the challenge. She first traveled to Oklahoma to observe a model program in operation there and then put together her own curriculum for the group.

Groups vary in size but generally range from 6 to 9 people. The emphasis is on participation with peers and communications. Some of the topics covered include unexpected moves, life changes, diminishing strengths and functioning, coping skills, and role changes including being bossed by the kids and others. One participant who had initially been resistant to joining the group stated, “I actually enjoy talking with people my age with similar experiences.”

When asked what she does in these groups, Josephine concluded there were three essential components: 1) providing respectful encouragement; 2) validating their response; and 3) developing group cohesiveness by helping people identify with others in similar circumstances.

Clients of the Adult Day Center are dealing with diminished functioning and loss of independence. While most are living with a spouse or children or other caregivers, they have experienced life changes and a sense of no longer being in control. Many become depressed which leads to greater lack of pleasure and diminished functioning. Coming to the Sunflower Adult Day Center, some clients have shown remarkable improvement when confronted with activities such as art and music, cooking, gardening, and conversation with others their age. The therapeutic support group helps them to bring some of their fears out into the open and to bond with others in similar situations.

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HAYS OUTREACH OFFICE SERVES MANY
IN THEIR TIME OF NEED

The Hays Outreach Office of Catholic Charities provides marriage, couple, family, and individual counseling; crisis pregnancy counseling; adoption services; a Divorce Support Group; and referral Immigration Services to clients in Northwest Kansas.

Counseling services are provided by Fr. Bill Surmeier, Janet Russell, and Belinda Hartman, all licensed professionals with many years of experience in their field. Joan Perkins, office manager, has worked for the agency for 20 years.

Insurance or a sliding scale fee is used for payment for counseling. Counseling services are provided at no cost to women/men/their families in crisis pregnancies. The agency recognizes those in crisis pregnancies face anxiety and uncertainty, and can help clients explore their thoughts and feelings while considering parenting their child, or placing that child for adoption. Our agency encourages fully open adoptions but will work with birthparents choosing confidential placements.

Our confidential services are provided to those in need regardless of race, religion, creed, or financial status, with the goal of promoting harmony in emotional, psychological, relational, and spiritual dimensions. The staff recognizes that families and individuals face tremendous challenges at times. We are here to help those in need through these times and to learn to build on their own inner strength.

The Hays office recently received a letter that serves as an example of how Catholic Charities can positively affect lives. As in keeping with our policy of confidentiality for our clients, identifying information has been removed.

The writer had used our services many years ago and thanked our agency for the help given during what was probably the lowest point and most difficult time in life. The former client stated that nothing was going right but that our agency was there to help. The writer thanked us for our help, stating that it was given even though not much of a fee was able to be paid for services.

Believing that if Catholic Charities' help had not been sought, the client would not be as happy in life today, a donation was enclosed to be used for someone in this client's similar circumstances.

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MARRIAGE FOR KEEPS PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL

By Danna Aves, Kansas State University Intern

The first group to go through Marriage for Keeps classes in Manhattan has completed its session. Five couples graduated from the program.

Fedra Zamphiropolos, Regional Coordinator for the Marriage for Keeps project, said the free marriage enrichment classes are part of a federally funded research program with the goal of improving marriages and lowering the divorce rate in the country.

“Communication is one of the many techniques learned to improve relationships and to communicate better,” Zamphiropolos said.

Some of the other areas covered in the classes include stress and relaxation, how to deal with issues in a healthy way and commitment, to name a few. Reg and Jan Konrade are instructors for the classes.

David and Shana Ekart were one of the couples who graduated from the first session. They said they felt they gained the most from the communication techniques.

“We learned how to have effective conversations with the techniques they taught us,” Shana said.

The Ekarts also said they loved the group activities because it was fun interacting with the other couples. They said they met some nice people who they’d like to keep in touch with. The couple has even recommended the classes to a few more couples.

In between now and the next Marriage for Keeps session, the Manhattan office will provide free extended marriage activities open to the public called 10 Great Dates. A book is provided to give the couples inexpensive dates to go on.

“The couples are supposed to come and watch a half an hour video clip about one specific topic, and then they go on a date and discuss about that topic. The topics are supposed to improve their relationship,” Zamphiropolos said.

The next 13-week session of Marriage for Keeps will start on February 7, 2008 in Manhattan. The classes take place at St. Thomas More Church on Thursday evenings. A free dinner is provided before the class, and free child care is available as well. All of this could not happen without the help of volunteers and donations, which are still greatly needed. For more information, please call Catholic Charities in Manhattan at

(785) 537-7066 or e-mail Fedra at fedraz@sbcglobal.net.

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A TIME TO CELEBRATE

By Danna Aves, Kansas State University Intern

A final celebration for Manhattan’s Marriage for Keeps group took place on October 25, 2007 at the Clarion Hotel in Manhattan.

Participating couples were rewarded for completing the 13-week session with a certificate of completion.

Fedra Zamphiropolos, Regional Coordinator for the Marriage for Keeps project, said most of the planning for the event took about 1 month.

A buffet dinner was provided, and the couples took part in many fun activities such as the Newlywed game and a balloon-popping activity. The couples brought their kids to join in the celebration as well.

Zamphiropolos said she could tell how close the couples had gotten with each other by the way they interacted at the celebration.

“I think they liked it and had a lot of fun. The environment was fun, and the couples were much more affectionate with each other.”

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THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Catholic Charities wishes to recognize those who contributed to the charitable works of the Diocese in 2007. We appreciate all that you have done to help us provide services to over 2,500 persons in need of help. If you have contributed and do not see your name on the list, please contact us to let us know so we can recognize you in the next newsletter. (This list does not reflect names of those of you who donated through the Annual Catholic Charities Envelope Collection.)

Bequest:
Loretto E. Martin
Donald J. Moody
Celestine E. Rogers

Memorials:
Bill Anderson
Elena Cabral
Earl Donnelly
William McLaughlin
Katherine Riley
Dr. & Mrs. Duane Scott
Glen Sweat

Donations:
Don Anderson
LarryBlochlinger
Catholic Daughters of America
Gerald & Ima Chavey
Alex Curiel
Diocesan Migrant & Refuge Service
Diocese of Salina
Maurice Flavin
David Forristal
Thomas Forristal
Rosanne Gillis
Louise Girarde
Joe & Jane Handlos
Ted & Karen Hauser
Dan & Peggy Hebert
Jerome & Susan Hellmer
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Hunter
Dennis Jackson
Mr. & Mrs. Jacobs
JDR Management
Charlie & Denise Joslin
Jeff & Jennifer Koch
Diane Kuffler
Alvin Kuhn
L'Ecuyer Farms
Maurice Lorson
Manhattan Community Foundation
Michael Martin
Dana & Virginia Morse
OLPH Catholic Thrift Shop
Osborn Properties
Greg Paglia
Dorothy La Rocque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Sacred Heart Council of Catholic Women
Sacred Heart Junior-Senior High School
St. Nicholas of Myra Church
Catherine Sedlacek
Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia
J.M. Zerr

Corporate Donations:
Access Storage, Inc.
AG Edwards
Brown & Vogel
Citywide Self Storage
Crestwood
Grain Belt Supply Company
Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
Green Lantern
Hauser & Associates
Pestinger Heating & Air Conditioning
Pinnacle Bank
Val & Tina Rohleder
Schwan’s Manufacturing
Solomon Corporation
Saint Elizabeth’s Church
Saint Mary’s Church
Sunflower Bank
UMB National Bank

Grants
AT&T
Greater Salina Community Foundation
Kansas Arts Commission
Manhattan Community Foundation
Middlekauff Foundation
McCune Foundation
Salina Charities
Samson Foundation
The Earl Bane Foundation

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