by Lauren Solidum
What breaks your heart? Or put another way, what keeps you up at night about our world today?
I lie awake pondering how, as a church in a country that has everything, we can make ailments like homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment, anxiety and depression completely unnecessary. And, what if, instead of investing in more governance, we look to combat these ailments through service to families in need. Would you be all-in if I said strengthening families was the ultimate cure and there was an organization that could make it possible?
I may seem overly confident in what seems a very simplistic solution, but I get to directly see the success rates of our Workforce programs helping people find new and better employment through higher education; our financial programs lowering family debt by millions and increasing credit scores by the hundreds; and our food programs ensuring healthy meals to thousands — to name a few examples of our 30-plus programs. Through our work, the above challenges become not so challenging.
So, why not give until it hurts to help Catholic Charities destroy the effects of poverty?
Catholic Charities only serves Catholics? We do not ask the religious affiliation of those we serve. This is not a mission of proselytizing, but one of love and care for those in need. Who cannot rally around feeding, housing, clothing, educating and employing families — no matter your demographics or, dare I say, your political opinion?
You don’t want to give to or attend an event? You are giving through not to Snow Ball. Snow Ball enables Catholic Charities to positively change lives. Don’t believe me? Maybe this will help: 91 cents of EVERY donated dollar goes back into the programs we operate. How many businesses can say that they have a less than 10% overhead? And, you can still take advantage of this great investment without stepping foot on a dance floor by making a gift online at: www.Snow BallGala.org.
Your budget will not allow it? Catholic Charities has opportunities to advance our mission for as little as $25 a month by joining our M25 campaign. Joining earns you some cool Catholic Charities swag and makes a significant impact on the lives of those we serve. No amount is too small . . . or too big!
There is not a program that you are passionate about? From financial education, employment, mentorship, volunteerism, TurnStyles, Morning Glory Estate Sales, joining as a board member, supporting an adoptive family, sorting food, participating in grocery store rescue, addressing homelessness, welcoming a refugee family to Kansas City — there is something for every interest.
Yes, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas plays a major role in the cure — and you can choose to help.
