Welcome to 2025!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our All-Staff meeting a great day to relax, reflect and enjoy each other’s company!
It’s always wonderful to see so many members of our Catholic Charities family come together – visiting, welcoming new staff and sharing valuable information. We are especially grateful to our guest speaker, Michael Bloedorn, for his compassionate insight. He invited us to reflect by asking, “What is something you’ve done at work that makes you proud?” and spoke about the emotional toll of being in a helping profession, reminding us of the importance of self-care.
A special thank you as well to Barb Graham and the RIS team for sharing updates on the challenges faced by our immigrant neighbors as they seek to gain status in the U.S. The day ended with everyone joining in to take our big group photo, lunch and choosing new swag!
Meet Our New Staff!
Vanessa started as the Office Assistant at our Milwaukee Office in August. She brings more than 6 years of customer service experience to Catholic Charities.
Elizabeth joined Catholic Charities as Hoarding Case Manager at MAO in November 2024. Recently graduating from Alverno College, she has a Bachelor of Social Work degree and has experience working with older adults and individuals with disabilities.
She is proud to begin her career with Catholic Charities in the Hoarding Intervention & Treatment program and be part of the team's holistic model of intervention. She is passionate about helping clients with their treatment journey.
Elizabeth was born and raised in Milwaukee. She is a casual reader and tennis player. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, going to the movies and spending time with friends and family.
Jessica brings 9+ years of experience to her new role as a Billing and AP Specialist at Catholic Charities. With a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ottawa University, she began working at CAO last August. She says, “I feel very proud of working in such an amazing organization like Catholic Charities where we can make the difference in peoples’ lives.”
Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband Miguel and their two kids Max and Brianna. When she’s not taking her children to their activities, she likes to take yoga and ballet lessons.
Momtaz joined Catholic Charities in October 2024. Her work experience includes teaching Geography in Myanmar for six years before working in Colorado for Lutheran Family Services (Resettlement Agency). In 2012, she moved to Wisconsin and worked as a Customer Service Rep at Engauge Workforce Solutions.
“I love helping people who are in need,” she says, “and satisfied when I see people are peaceful. I love my job and always try my best to ensure success.” Momtaz has a son who will begin college this year and a daughter in high school. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading and staying at peace.
Olivia started her new role as a Therapist at RAO this past October. She brings more than two years of experience in mental and behavioral health to the Catholic Charities team. Recently, she graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and also holds a B.A. in Psychology. Her favorite part of working with Catholic Charities is connecting with new people and getting to know clients and the team.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys listening to music, cooking, playing video games and practicing guitar, piano, ukulele, harmonica and singing.
Harun joined Catholic Charities as a Refugee Education Developer in August 2024. He brings more than seven years of experience to our team. Originally from Burma, Harun lived in Malaysia for nearly 20 years. In Malaysia, he worked for UNHCR as an interpreter for Burmese, Rohingya, Malay and English languages. In 2014, he was resettled to San Antonio, TX where he worked as an interpreter for Catholic Charities San Antonio for seven years before moving to Milwaukee in 2022.
He and his wife have two kids, and he enjoys cooking, running, exploring nature and learning new things.
Moira began her new role as the Outreach Case Manager at MAO in November 2024. Bringing more than a year of experience to Catholic Charities, she is a recent Marquette University graduate with a BS in Spanish for the Health Professions and English Literature. From New Berlin, WI, Moira is glad to be able to stay close to her family!
Initially drawn to Catholic Charities for its core values and strong commitment to serving, she looks forward to using a model that puts clients first, and foremost. In her free time Moira enjoys cooking, spending time with family and outdoor activities.
Staff Shoutout
Winter Giving
We extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to local parishes, community partners and supporters for their generosity this past December. It really made a difference for the families Catholic Charities serves. From everyday essentials like coats and new mom kits, to toys and books for kids, these donations allowed children, moms and dad to enjoy a brighter Christmas.
GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY BENEFACTORS DINNER
A collective feeling of kindness and gratitude permeated the Good Samaritan Society Benefactors Dinner held last October at the Milwaukee Marriott Downtown. With the largest attendance to date, chairs Jay, Kiara and Liz Mack welcomed guests from 10 southeastern Wisconsin counties. In addition to enjoying a fine meal, guests visited with Archbishop Listecki and listened to notable speakers.
In a heartfelt speech, Kathleen Cepelka shared her insights about volunteering at the Adult Day Center, highlighting her profound connection with its members. And, in a deeply personal speech, Fr. Carlos Florez spoke to benefactors about the importance of Catholic Charities in his family's life and in the lives of those he so proudly serves in his community. During the event, John Borgen presented a generous donation to Catholic Charities from a golf event at Catholic Financial Life.
THANK YOU to everyone who made this event such a big success!
IN LOVING MEMORY
Sharon Brumer
Sharon's life was a testament to the virtues of love, generosity, and kindness. She worked for Catholic Charities for more than 20 years, retiring in 2019 from her position as Parish Relations Coordinator.
Sharon authored the Annual Report for Catholic Charities in 2016 and very lovingly gave 40 years of volunteer and ministry work to her home parish. She was filled with tremendous passion and joyful service to others. Her zest for life, her laughter, and her unconditional love for all will be dearly missed.
Mike Schifflin
Mike was an Adult Day Center member for the past 10 years. He was a people person who was friendly with everyone. “Fun all day” was his greeting, and he always offered a handshake and a wave to everyone he met.
His family says adult day care added variety, motivation and fun for Mike and that they are forever thankful for staff and volunteers who worked with him. Here are a few words they have shared with us:
On behalf of our family, we want to thank Catholic Charities for being the wonderful organization that it is! Over the past 10 years, Mike benefitted from an array of services that were offered to him. He also had many meaningful relationships among the staff and other clients at Catholic Charities. Our family is so grateful that God led us with Mike to your WIDE-OPEN arms of love.”
Tom Mountin
Tom lived his life in his service to others. After practicing tax law for more than 35 years, in 2016 he began volunteering with Catholic Charities Legal Services, helping refugees obtain citizenship and lawful permanent residence. As a Pro Bono Immigration Attorney with Catholic Charities, Tom made it possible for those with citizenship goals to receive accessible, accurate and affordable legal advice as they complete the application for naturalization. In recognition of this work, Tom was honored with the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Vatican II Award for Service in Society in 2020.
We will miss Tom's contagious humor, his commitment to serve others and his kind heart in welcoming newcomers.
Staff Out & About in the Community
United Way Diaper Bank
Carroll University first-year students and Catholic Charities team packed 9,625 diapers that are provided to hubs across Milwaukee. This is 2,000 more than their original goal!
Clement Zablocki Elementary's Back to School Open House
Molson Coors Milwaukee Employee Health & Safety Fair
United Way Project Homeless Connect
Collab with Habitat for Humanity & the YMCA
Christmas Spirit
At the Adult Day Center in December, members got to enjoy activities that embodied the Christmas spirit. With visits from singing carolers, music from a harpist and a holiday piñata, everyone joined together to celebrate the season. Donated gifts were also a big hit for members who proudly showed them off to staff, volunteers and guests.
Kids, moms and dads recently enjoyed a Christmas party hosted by Catholic Charities Child Welfare team. This annual event was a big hit with all who attended — even Santa was there to take photos and hand out gifts! While celebrating the families we serve, the party gives parents the chance to connect with other parents, plus learn about resources and educational opportunities within their community.
Go Team!
The employee newsletters are an opportunity to showcase each and every one of you and the good work you do every day. Your hard work and dedication really make a difference for clients and the agency. No matter which program, department or office location you are a part of, we are all a part of Catholic Charities. Stay warm and we will see you in the Spring! :)