MADISON — The Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) of Madison, now under the leadership of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, will be having an open house on Sunday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m. to celebrate its expanding programs over the last year and 64 years of service.
Programs expand
Thanks to the overwhelming support of so many, the CMC has been able to expand its free meal program to serving meals seven days a week. The Catholic Multicultural Center is the only free community meal (soup kitchen) in Dane County that serves meals seven days a week. This service alone takes over 500 volunteers a year for it to function.
Other program expansions include: English as a Second Language classes, computer lab, food pantry, and an employment training program currently being developed.
The center, closed in May of 2009 due to diocesan wide budget concerns, then reopened in August after a groundswell of community support and the offer of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish to oversee the program.
Since its reopening the center has continuously expanded and plans for future expansion are currently being worked out. The center is also in talks regarding several partnerships that would significantly increase related services to help the families and individuals who seek help at the center.
Open house on October 24
The open house will celebrate 64 years of serving our brothers and sisters in need as well as the major expansions of services within this last year. The event this Sunday will be at the Catholic Multicultural Center, located at 1862 Beld St. in Madison, just off of S. Park St.
There will be activities for children, food, and entertainment. The entertainment will feature traditional dancing and music representing different countries as well as local music.
People attending the open house will also have the opportunity to take tours, talk with staff and volunteers, and have fun. The event is free and open to the public.
This is a great opportunity for people to bring their families and friends to enjoy an afternoon of fun and also learn about the work that happens at the Catholic Multicultural Center, said Andy Russell the center’s director.
“It takes so many people to make these needed services happen. Frankly they wouldn’t happen if it wasn’t for all the wonderful people throughout this diocese who help through prayer, volunteering, and donations,” said Russell.
More can be done
With more support, more can be done to help our brothers and sisters in need, he said. “The needs are just so great with families and individuals struggling just to make ends meet each week,” he said.
The CMC was established in 1946 and continues to help meet people’s basic needs, provide educational opportunities, and fill spiritual needs for those interested. A free meal program, food pantry, health program, educational classes, and shower and laundry facilities are a few services available.
The Catholic Multicultural Center is always in need of prayers, volunteers, and financial and in-kind donations. For more information, contact Russell at 608-441-3247 or andy@cmctoday.org