Extensive services
That’s because Catholic Charities is involved in an extensive array of services helping those in need of all faiths in the Diocese of Madison. Many of these services are done quietly, so only those who receive this help may be aware of them.
However, I will point out two of these services to show how much Catholic Charities is doing throughout the 11 counties of the Diocese of Madison. These services include:
• Parish Mobile Food Pantries. Catholic Charities offers 11 Parish Mobile Food Pantries serving rural communities that do not have access to the larger pantries in the Madison area.
Members from participating Catholic parishes volunteer to unload and distribute food delivered to the parish by a Second Harvest food-bank truck. Parish volunteers organize each monthly pantry and assist their neighbors who depend on the pantry for food or to help offset other expenses (such as medical and utility bills).
People who use the pantry do not need to be Catholic or a member of the parish holding the pantry. No ID is needed to participate. In just a short time, hundreds of pounds of food are given to those who need it.
Ninety-nine percent of participants say they saved money on groceries and were able to use it for other necessities such as rent/mortgage, utilities, or prescriptions. Ninety-seven percent of participants were better able to provide three meals a day for themselves and their family.
For more information on the locations, days, and times of the Parish Mobile Food Pantries, go to www.ccmadison.org or call 608-826-8010.
• School Mental Health Programs. Catholic Charities is changing the lives of students in kindergarten through grade 12 in 88 schools. The programs offer social emotional wellness groups, suicide and substance abuse prevention, individual therapy sessions, and crisis stabilization services.
Currently there are Catholic Charities School Mental Health Programs in 14 Dane County school districts and four school districts outside Dane County helping 1,523 students.
Can’t do it alone
Catholic Charities offers many more programs to strengthen families and nurture children. But Catholic Charities can’t do it all alone.
The agency needs our help as volunteers and donors. Check the Catholic Charities website at www.ccmadison.org to find out how you can help.