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St. Anne's parents and volunteers recently spent a Saturday digging out the emergency exits and playgrounds at St Anne's Children and Family Center.
January/February, 2009
From the Catholic Charities Executive Director. . .
It is times like these that really demonstrate what a wonderful community Spokane is, and what a vital role Catholic Charities employees and volunteers play. All of us in Eastern Washington are subject to the dictates of nature, so we've been sharing a common experience with the snow and the cold. At Catholic Charities, we know our clients are often the most hard-hit by difficult times, and our staff and volunteers have been going above and beyond in their attempts to eliminate needless suffering. Of course we can't tell the stories of all the big-hearted efforts we've seen in the last few weeks, but I want to share some highlights.
At St. Anne's Children and Family Center, on the night of the big storm, teachers stayed with children whose parents were stuck in traffic and fed them dinner. That allowed the children to have familiar faces around them and plenty to eat while they waited for their parents to struggle through the snow.
Americorps workers Kendra Powell and Amy Brunner walked in to work at the House of Charity on a day when nobody could drive in. Director Ed McCarron says, "It was kind of funny-the parking lot was completely empty, yet the House of Charity was operating at full capacity." Ed himself walked in to work too, and came in on his first day off in a while when a pipe burst. Ed notes that Program Coordinator Mike Cain also put in a lot of extra effort, as usual, and that Clarence Omine, the House of Charity's volunteer dishwasher, has been working 12-hour days to make sure everything is taken care of. Volunteer driver Pat Shine covered for another driver who couldn't get through the snow, and volunteer Dick St. John has been coming in every day just to cover for anyone on staff who hasn't been able to get there through the weather.
When the power went out unexpectedly at Cathedral Plaza, our first concern was for the residents and their peace of mind. The heat stayed on, so the residents were physically comfortable, but we wanted to make sure that they were also emotionally comfortable. Thus Glori Houston, Catherine Nelson, Bob Thomas, Jamie Garcia, Ted Baker, Monique Kolonko, Tom Carroll, and I donned Christmas hats and went door to door to speak with each resident and make sure each one not only was safe, but also felt safe. The visits did a lot to eliminate worry and calm everyone down. It ended up being a great opportunity for us to visit with our clients.
Of course the sheer volume of the snow has been daunting. But the good folks at Volunteer Chore Services, refusing to be daunted, have put in long hours answering incessantly ringing phones and matching volunteers who have shovels and goodwill with clients who have snow. Program Coordinator Judy Marte is very thankful for all the generous people who are offering their time and strength to those who need it. One in particular is Jeff Payne; Jeff saw the need on the news and sprang into action. "I'm unemployed and have lots of time," Jeff says. "It's something to do, and obviously something that needs to be done." Payne has helped over 20 people get out of their homes; some of them hadn't been out for 3 weeks. Similarly, Rick and Eileen Webber heard a Catholic Charities call for volunteers on the radio and responded immediately. They're working together with a shovel and a small snow blower. Says Marte, "They just seem like great people who have jumped right in to help those in need."
There's undoubtedly a need for both that kind of action and the attitude that prompts it. That "What can I do to help?" attitude, so prevalent among our staff and volunteers, is one of the great things about working with Catholic Charities. Thank you for your assistance and prayers as we work together to get back to our routines in this New Year.
Many prayers,
Rob
Rob McCann
Executive Director
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Thanks to your financial gifts, Catholic Charities Spokane continues to renew lives and bring hope to 50,000 people each year in Eastern Washington. Our 97-year legacy of service will continue with your support. All donations stay in Eastern Washington and provide shelter, counseling, meals, childcare, and support services available through our 15 programs.
2008 Catholic Charities Christmas Collection Goal...$750,000
Make your secure online Christmas Collection donation today at:
www.catholiccharitiesspokane.org
or mail to:
Catholic Charities Spokane
P.O. Box 2253
Spokane, WA 99210-2253
Thank you!
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House of Charity
32 West Pacific
P.O. Box 2253
Spokane, WA 99201
509.624.7281
- January, 2009 -
Wrapping Up the Old Year
It's late as I write this letter, and cold outside. All the beds upstairs are full and we've opened our downstairs for anyone else who would otherwise be sleeping outside tonight in the torturous cold. We've made extra room in our inn, so to speak. Sitting here in the quiet with everyone sleeping, I can sit back and reflect on this past year.
The best news of 2008 came about with the help of a lot of people, especially Greg Cunningham from our Immigration and Refugee Services. Margarita Alvarado and Jose Torres were granted lawful permanent residency in the United States and will be eligible to file for citizenship in five years. Jose is our janitor. I have written about Jose before and the sheer joy he brings to our facility. Jose came to this country 19 years ago from El Salvador. His wife Margarita came in 1986. They met, married, and in spite of having had six children here, have lived with the burden of possibly being deported. With the good news that this weight has now been lifted, they are planning to build a house in Spokane Valley and Jose has entered the Deaconate program in our diocese.
My favorite "No good deed will go unpunished" moment was bringing a cup of coffee out to a woman not allowed in at that time because of her disruptive behavior. She had an appointment with Spokane Mental Health that morning and asked if she could come in for a cup of coffee. I offered instead to bring some out to her, and for that she was grateful. I had no sooner gotten back to my office than I heard this commotion from the dayroom. It was my friend, causing holy terror and yelling at anyone who would listen. "How can anyone expect me to drink coffee without milk in it?!" I will make that mistake again, but next time I'll know to add the cream.
In September we had a gathering of various former volunteers, staff and friends of the House of Charity to celebrate and reminisce. This year was our 50th anniversary! Hearing about the effort, struggles, and steadfastness put forth to start and build what the House of Charity has become was delightful. Memories and stories that had been filed away were dusted off, maybe polished up, and retold by all.
On that same day, some of us attended the funeral mass for Bruno Costa. Bruno was a dear man to us and other people and agencies. He volunteered all over! Years ago Cally DeWitt, our cook, was away for a while. Jack Wilson assumed her role. When Bruno found out that Jack walked to work each morning in the dark, Bruno started picking him up. Bruno continued to do so until Jack retired this past May. There is an effortlessness that always seems to go along with people like Bruno, and I can honestly say that we have a lot of people like Bruno Costa helping us at the House of Charity.
Going by the office doors of our case managers, our counselor, and the medical clinic, passing by the front desk where staff help and welcome people, standing near Jose while he works side by side with clients who help him, and small snippets of conversation that I overhear reassure me that Jesus is here with us, steadfastly, daily. I find this utterly comforting on this quiet night. Thank you for your generous support and prayers, and a blessed 2009 to all.
Ed McCarron
www.catholiccharitiesspokane.org | |
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Mark Your Calendar
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Good Works in Action Tour, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Get to know the programs of Catholic Charities by touring the House of Charity, St. Margaret's Shelter, and St. Anne's Children and Family Center, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. RSVP to 358-4250.
Mass in Celebration of Life
Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, Noon
In addition to praying for a culture of life, you will have the opportunity to advocate for pro-life measures in Congress. Please join us.
Friday, February 13, 2009
100 Ways in 100 Days Mass and Celebration,
10 a.m.
Students from all of the Catholic schools in the Diocese collect items in lots of 100 needed by Catholic Charities programs, such as diapers, socks and canned goods. St. Patrick Parish, 5021 N.
Nelson Street, Spokane. C elebrated by Bishop Skylstad. Call 358-4273 for further information.
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Parish Social Ministry
February 14 will be Parish Social Ministry's legislative advocacy day at the Cathedral of St. John. The program will focus on economic and environmental issues, and will include public policy briefings from the Washington State Catholic Conference and the Washington Association of Churches, as well as remarks from Bishop Skylstad. "The event is open to anyone who is interested in the intersection of faith and public policy," says Cooper. Lunch will be provided; cost for attendance is $15 for those who preregister (by calling 358-4273), $20 at the door. Group discounts are available. Fair trade vendors will be present. On February 25, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) will launch Operation Rice Bowl, an annual Lenten practice of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving. Scott Cooper, Director of Parish Social Ministry, explains that the program is meant to link us to communities around the world served by CRS. It's especially designed for families with school-aged children as a vehicle for teaching children about traditional Lenten practices, with a focus on Global solidarity.  The Othello Food Bank received funds from Operation Rice
Bowl in September of 2008.
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Go Green in 2009
with Catholic Charities Spokane!
In an effort to save money on paper and postage,
the Faith Works newsletter is available by
email. Please share your email address with us at faithworks@ccspokane.org.
Thank you!
Catholic Charities Spokane does not share or sell email or mailing addresses.
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Family Services Center Renovation Progressing
Due to the extreme weather over the past three weeks, exterior construction has slowed on the new Family Services Center; however, Garco Construction and their subcontractors are making great headway on the interior. Paint is on walls throughout half of the building, tile is being laid, and acoustic ceilings are being installed. The addition of perforated metal panels, paint, and landscaping will virtually wrap up the exterior, while built-in desks, cabinetry and carpet are coming shortly to the interior of the building.
"The building is really starting to come together," says Executive Director Rob McCann. "We're thrilled to be getting ready to start a new year in a renovated building." It is anticipated that the staff will transition to the new building in the early months of 2009.
 Progress is being made at 12 East 5th Avenue, Spokane.
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Residents of The O'Malley display a volunteer t-shirt from Spokanimal.
Must Love Dogs
Community partnerships strengthen everyone. That's why we were glad to hear that 3 women at The O'Malley, Catholic Charities subsidized housing for seniors, are doing something so positive. Dorothy Rinear, Nanina Roveto, and Fran Davis go twice a week to Spokanimal to volunteer with the animals. "Our joy is walking the dogs," Dorothy confides. "We give love to the dogs and they give it back." Nanina speaks of sitting with dogs that had been abused and were shaking. "It was so bad I cried," says Nanina, but her distress wasn't strong enough to overcome her desire to help. Fran appreciates the opportunity to get dogs outside, where they can relax. The women also feed and hold the kitties-"That's the best part of the job!" Dorothy exclaims. The women agree that this is a wonderful thing to do in the latter half of their lives. "It makes us feel good to feel like we're helping the community, and we love animals," Dorothy states with satisfaction.
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Volunteer View
We Need You!
Interested in volunteering for Catholic Charities? Please contact Brigid Krause, Volunteer Services Manager, at 358-4270, bkrause@ccspokane.org or visit our website to learn more!
 Diana Mallon enjoys building community spirit.
Seventeen-year-old Diana Mallon hasn't come to town just to join the Gonzaga community-she's joined the entire Spokane community. One way Diana gets involved is through volunteering at St. Margaret's Shelter. She goes to the transitional shelter to provide respite care on Wednesdays and some Thursdays, taking over childcare duties for residents who are taking classes on parenting, budgeting, and relationships. Diana started this work through her service learning class at GU, and has continued even though the class is over. "I really like kids a lot," she says. "It's fun to watch the babies go from crawling to walking." Asked why she chose St. Margaret's to benefit from her time, Diana replies, "I really liked the community that they have. I liked that it both helps in emergencies and offers long-term solutions. And they have great follow-up care." When she's not doing schoolwork or volunteering, Diana lightens things up as part of an improv comedy team.
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Quilts for Sale
The Quilting Ladies of the Chancery make lovely quilts in all sizes. Prices vary from $15 to $35 and all proceeds support Catholic Charities Spokane. Visit the ladies on Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the basement of the Catholic Pastoral Center, 1023 W. Riverside Avenue, Spokane. 
Volunteer Tilley McDermott |
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BY THE NUMBERS
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15,554 bags of candy
110 different zip codes served
31,107 total people served
4,179 total volunteer hours
269 volunteers
$1,093.46 average monthly income of families served
$284,294 total voucher amount paid out
15,601 children who received gifts
We believe Christmas Bureau recipients may not long remember what items they received, but we trust they will never forget how they were treated.
-- Donna Hanson
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has approved an advocacy effort in January to focus on life issues. Concern about the re-introduction of the Freedom of Conscience Act (FOCA) in Congress, to expand abortion access, has generated a postcard campaign to legislators. Get involved by calling 358-4273 and by visiting the website of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (www.nchla.org). Learn more about FOCA and the alternative measure the Bishops approve, the Pregnant Women's Support Act.
The Spokane Multifaith AIDS CareTeams, sponsored by Catholic Charities, will hold a one-day training and orientation for new volunteers on Saturday, January 24, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Unity Church, 2900 S. Bernard. Volunteers form teams and are matched with an isolated person or family in the Spokane area living with HIV/AIDS to provide social support. To RSVP, call 358-4273.
The Catholicism for the New Millennium speaker series at Gonzaga University invites you to hear Rev. Dean Brackley, SJ, an American priest who volunteered to replace one of the six Jesuits murdered in 1989 at the University of Central America in San Salvador. His new book is The Call to Discernment in Troubled Times. Monday, February 2, 2009, 7:30 p.m. at the Globe Room in Cataldo Hall.
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