FaithWorks October 2009 Issue
|
At Our Core
We often have meetings here to talk about how we can better "tell the story" of Catholic Charities. We do so much great work, but often the average person is unaware of the size and scope of our agency. In effect, we often find ourselves to be one of the better kept secrets in the Diocese. Years ago, I began encouraging staff at every level to create what we called an "elevator" version of what they and their program did. The object was to be able to concisely explain the work of Catholic Charities and the work of any given program in an elevator, to a perfect stranger, who knew nothing about us, in the time it took to ride up or down a few floors. Our thought was that if we could each do this, we could tell our elevator version of who we were and what we did in almost any context or setting.
One of the best ways to tell the "elevator version" is to talk about the most basic elements of who we are and how we do what we do. Our four core values of respect, compassion, collaboration and justice summarize everything that is important in our day-to-day operations. These four values guide each staff in every decision, big or small. Hardly a meeting passes without someone asking the question, "Does this fit with our core values?" Whether it's a cook deciding the best way to prepare and serve lunch at the House of Charity or Board Members deciding how to handle a critical legal or financial question, when we get even the slightest bit stumped, we look for the answer in what is the most compassionate, most respectful, most collaborative or most just way to go.
We live in a world filled with smothering regulations, compliance standards, advanced financial calculations, outcome measures and legal jargon. Indeed, those things wrap themselves around the daily life of any organization, including Catholic Charities. Whenever we need to solve any problem, simple or complex, we go right back to those four simple words: respect, compassion, collaboration and justice. They are our compass and at the end of the day, those four words never fail to show us our true North.
Many prayers,
Rob McCann
Executive Director
|
 |
CORE VALUES
Respect
Kendra Powell is a second-year AmeriCorps volunteer at the House of Charity. Almost every Sunday, she and her twin sister Nicole (who is also a fixture here) serve our breakfast. These two incredible young ladies could be off doing anything anywhere, but they are here, and are the only people feeding the homeless early on Sunday in Spokane. Kendra is totally committed to our mission and the people we serve. She has made the House of Charity her life during her two years here, and has dedicated herself to the missions of Catholic Charities and AmeriCorps during that time. In many cases, the people we serve at the House of Charity are those who cannot access human services anywhere else in Spokane. Besides helping provide these people shelter, food, medical assistance, access to laundry and toilet facilities, and case management, Kendra offers them respect, kindness, and compassion. In short, she provides hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless, all the while making them feel cared for - indeed, loved. I cannot imagine a more needed service, or one more effectively met. Kendra is always on the lookout for things needing to be done; she never has to be asked to do anything. She constantly seeks responsibility and takes the initiative. During last winter's snow crisis, early in the morning following the biggest one-day snowfall ever seen in Spokane, Kendra, realizing many of the staff would be unable to make it in due to the weather, walked in to work on a day in which she had been intending to go on vacation. Such "whatever-it-takes-to-get-the-job-done" spirit has characterized every day of Kendra's service.Submitted by Mike Cain, Project Coordinator at House of Charity
Compassion
Even before Jody Nelson came to work at St. Margaret's, she was exemplifying her compassion for those more vulnerable through her volunteer work as the designer and developer, each month, of St. Margaret's Postcards. These postcards provide opportunities for those in the community to connect with homeless women and their children through their writing and art. Since deciding to move from her for-profit work in graphic design she has come to champion, more and more the four values of Catholic Charities, in her efforts both big and small. On any given morning she can be found encouraging one of the children in their schoolwork, pausing to have a heartfelt conversation with one of the women about their new job, e-mailing ideas like a madwoman, and talking on the phone with one of the young volunteers about where best to use their talents.
While many of us in this work do these kinds of tasks on a daily basis, what sets Jody apart is the spirit with which she infuses each interaction. I see the faces of the women she talks with changed in light of the respect she approaches them, their stories, decisions and children. I see the compassion evidenced in her allowing grace to enter each conversation, particularly when it involves someone who is struggling to gain their footing. I have seen her set her will, which is indomitable, when faced with a "no" that smacks of injustice to a need of families at the shelter. She shares her talents and gifts so freely with others, inspiring them to experience the blessings that come of collaboration. We are so grateful to have her with us, to share her great talents of art and goodwill and generosity first-hand everyday.
Jody was nominated by Nadine Van Stone, Director of St. Margaret's
Justice and Collaboration coming next month!
|
 32 West Pacific
P.O. Box 2253
Spokane, WA 99202
509.624.7821
An Invitation
 The Bishop's Poor Man's MealSunday, October 11, 200911am to 2pmHouse of Charity32 West PacificSpokane, WA 99201
The Bishop's Poor Man's Meal began 24 years ago to ensure there would be enough funding for what was then the Emergency Winter Sleeping Program. This event, through a simple soup and a roll served, represents a meal that a homeless person would be thankful to have placed before him or her. In 1986 the Sleeping Program was open from November 15th through March 15th. Today, the Sleeping Program is open year round. The proceeds from the Poor Man's Meal continue to benefit this program. We will be serving Cally's delicious homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup. Tours will be offered throughout the day, and there will be a short program at 12:15 p.m. This year we are highlighting Bishop Skylstad's 20th year hosting this event. I hope you will come. As always, thank you for your prayers and support of the services offered at the House of Charity.
Ed McCarron
|
Volunteer Chore Services
By The Numbers
Servicing low income seniors and disabled adults in Eastern Washington by helping with house work, yard work, transportation, moving, minor home repair, or food delivery.
221 volunteers in August
614 individuals received help in August
2,663 hours of service in August
418 people received food through the "Brown Bag & Commodities" program
77,256 miles have been driven since January
And.....
Volunteer Ron Hausken mowed his 3,470th yard - he's been mowing and counting for 15 years!
| |
Delivering Food and a Dose of "We Care"On the third Thursday of every month, Steve and Rosalie Robertson arrive early at Second Harvest Food Bank and fill their truck with bags of groceries. Together they deliver these sacks of food to low-income homebound seniors and disabled adults in Spokane Valley. Steve and Rosalie have been doing this for 17 years, rarely missing a month, as volunteers for the "Brown Bag" program of Catholic Charities. More than delivering essential food supplies to the individuals on their list, the Robertsons bring a welcome dose of, "We care about you." They visit and listen; they bring firewood in the winter and gifts at Christmas; they enlist the help of local churches and scouting groups to provide additional help when needed. They are a life-line for many homebound residents who otherwise have little connection to the community. The Robertsons are members of St. Mary's Parish in the Spokane Valley and are busy retirees with varied interests and six grown children. They purposely plan their activities and trips to visit family so nothing conflicts with "Brown Bag" day. Rosalie states exuberantly, "Busy people can still volunteer!" Steve and Rosalie both feel they receive much in return spiritually for the service they do. They fondly speak of the many folks they've helped over the years - listening to their stories and their struggles, and learning from them. "I have come to realize," says Steve, "that even when people look old or are low-income, they have a heart...and their hearts are good and young." The Robertsons are prime examples of retirees living full and meaningful lives, with volunteering being a key component. They are proof that volunteering is a gift to oneself as much as it is a gift to the community.  The "Brown Bag" program is a partnership between Catholic Charities Spokane and Second Harvest Food Bank. For more information contact Judy Lee, Program Manager, Volunteer Chore Services, (509) 459-6172, email to [email protected]
| |
|
A Legacy of Smiles
 With a spirit of "fun and silly" and a heart filled with love for children, Jim Barton imparted a legacy of hope to more than 1000 "at risk" Head Start Program children in his role since 1997 as a Senior Services Foster Grandparent. Jim said, "Being silly is why I am with the Foster Grandparent Program. I can just be silly and have fun with the kids. There is nothing wrong with having a smile on your face all day long; it actually is the best way to approach life."
Dedicated to his "kiddos," "Grandpa Jim" was a tireless worker, often volunteering more than 30 hours per week. In April 2006, Jim was recognized and honored by Governor Christine Gregoire for his work in improving the community through service. His best recognition, though, was that the children and staff loved him dearly.
In life, Jim established a legacy of love. He did so as well when he recently died. Jim listed Catholic Charities in his will as a beneficiary to receive a house and property as well as a truck and camper. Through his generous bequest, Jim continues to give.
If you are considering a bequest, please contact Mary Ann Heskett, Catholic Charities Foundation Director at 509.358.4255 or email to: [email protected].
|
|
Volunteer View WE NEED YOU!
The need is large and never ending so if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Brigid Krause, Volunteer Services Manager at 358-4270, [email protected] or visit our website at www.CatholicCharitiesSpokane.org and click on the Volunteer Information Tab.
Session Draws Eager Volunteers
"I just want to help others in need and have some extra time to give," commented one of the attendees of our fall Volunteer Information Session. We were blessed with record breaking attendance after a plea was put out in various publications around town. Volunteers were treated to lunch and viewed our new Catholic Charities video which introduces them to our programs and the many volunteer opportunities available. We are most grateful to those who feel the call to give of their time and talents. The need for volunteers grows daily and we are fortunate to receive this wonderful response from the community. Our next Volunteer Information Session will be held on January 13, 2010.
|
Mark Your Calendar
October
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Poor Man's Meal
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., House of Charity,
32 West Pacific, Spokane. Lunch & tours provided. $10.00 donation. RSVP to Theresa at 358-4254 or online at
www.CatholicCharitiesSpokane.org
Saturday, October 11, 2009
A Journey of Faith
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., St. Thomas More Parish Hall. Cost is $15, includes lunch and is payable to Catholic Charities. Please RSVP to Scott Cooper at 358-4273.
December
December 9-12 and 14-19, 2009
Christmas Bureau
10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Assisting families in need with Christmas toys, books, candy and food vouchers for a Holiday meal. Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, 404 N. Havana, Spokane. Sponsored by the Spokesman Review, Catholic Charities Spokane, and Volunteers of America. Call 358-4254 for information or to volunteer.
|
 A Journey of Faith
"A Journey of Faith," an adult faith formation event, will be held at St.Thomas More Parish hall on Saturday, October 17 from 9 to 4. Bishop Skylstad will present on the latest encyclical from the Holy Father, Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, and local author Mary Cronk Farrell will offer skills and strategies for families and catechists to make Eucharistic spirituality more of a daily practice. Cost is $15, which includes lunch, and is payable to Catholic Charities. Please RSVP to Scott Cooper at 358-4273.
 Spokane MultiFaith AIDS Care TeamsA volunteer orientation and training on Saturday, November 7 at Catholic Charities Family Services Center from 9:30 to 3:30 for the Spokane Multifaith AIDS CareTeams. No cost, lunch included. For questions call Scott Cooper at 358-4273.
| |
|
