by John Sorce
john.sorce@theleaven.org
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In April of this year, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas opened the doors of its operations to members of the community who wanted to learn more about its programs. It was the first of two “Hope Talks” offered during the year to not only explain what hope Catholic Charities has to give to the disadvantaged in the community, but also what it is hoping for: volunteers.
“The purpose of the ‘Hope Talk’ is to inform the community about Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, our mission, programs and ways that the community can get involved,” said community engagement specialist Kristen Pettibon. “Attendees get to experience our work and tour our Hope Distribution Center, as well as learn directly from our program staff.”
Attendees were initially split up into two groups to tour the building’s Hope Distribution Center.
Located on Steele Road, the center is an example of what most of Catholic Charities food pantries look like.
They serve 21 counties in northeast Kansas out of eight offices: two in Kansas City, and one each in Olathe, Overland Park, Atchison, Topeka, Leavenworth and Lawrence. All spaces have food pantries and family support centers.
The food pantry portion of the building is set up like a mini grocery store. People are allowed to come once every 30 days if they are a county resident. First-time visitors will fill out a basic intake form, which is updated once a year.
After check-in, they will receive a shopping card (in English and Spanish) based on the household size. Volunteers are on hand to help with questions and loading groceries into vehicles.
Most shelf-stable food is donated by the community, while any financial assistance that comes in can go toward fresh produce, meat and dairy products.
The food pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
“Hope Talk” attendees were then able to listen to presentations from three ministries within Catholic Charities.
Shalom House in Kansas City, Kansas, is a transitional living program for men 21 and over who find themselves homeless. It is a 12-month, free program that provides men with wraparound services, including case management, financial literacy and employment support.
Shalom House also facilitates restore groups, which teach life skills during both the morning and evening hours.
Three meals a day and hygiene products are provided, and there is a fully functional kitchen on-site.
The men are provided with services ensuring their stability and are connected with a case manager, financial literacy coach and employment sources once a week.
Family Financial Transformations is part of the Asset Development Program of Catholic Charities. It is a one-year course to help people increase savings, decrease debt and receive more financial education.
Members initially meet twice a month before classes shift online, where there are three interactive classes.
When the class is complete, members receive a $200 stipend that they are encouraged to use on debt repayment or savings.
Kids are also encouraged to enroll and are divided into age groups: 8-to-11-year-olds and 12-to-15-year-olds. Children 16 years or older can attend the online class with their parents.
Participants receive individual budget coaching, a financial education series for adults and children (ages 8 and over), personal and educational incentives, financial goals development and resources and referrals.
The St. Rita Program is one of the Workforce Development programs. It is designed to remove barriers for those who are unemployed or underemployed and is for individuals who are “motivated to break the cycle of poverty and change their lives through education and career advancement.”
The goal of the program is to help get adult students a certificate or degree in under 12 months and to help graduates “find success in a high- demand profession making a sustainable living wage.”
This was only the first of the “Hope Talks” scheduled this year. The second is planned for Aug. 22 at 11:30 a.m.
Anyone hoping to learn more about Catholic Charities and its programs can visit its website at: catholiccharitiesks.org or call (913) 433-2100.
