From the Volunteer Office
Dear Valued Volunteers,
We can’t help but feel incredibly lucky to have such dedicated, passionate volunteers who make a difference every single day. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and generosity have been the driving force behind our success this month. A special thank you to our many volunteer groups this past month: Marquette University Law School Students, Divine Savior Holy Angels High Schoolers, Marquette High Schoolers, Saint Thomas More High Schoolers, and our many Lenten Luncheon volunteers!
Share your story with us! We're looking to collect quotes and short stories about your volunteer experience for our upcoming April Newsletter which celebrates National Volunteer Month! To share, please send your brief quote to Caitlyn Proietta: cproietta@ccmke.org
What's Inside this Month's Report:
- March's Birthdays and Volunteer Anniversaries
- Your Impact... in hours!
- Volunteer Shout Outs
- Volunteer Spotlight Story- DSHA
- Agency News- Lenten Luncheons!
- Galaxy Reminders/Help
- Photo Gallery
"I really am enjoying tutoring. I absolutely love my learner! It really does seem like she is improving every week. The materials to assist with the teaching are also very helpful." - Cindy
Volunteer Shout-Out! A big thank you to Kimberly for going above and beyond! She took the time to research halal ingredients and even created a step-by-step video on how to make a hamburger. This thoughtful gesture helped her learner, who loves cheeseburgers but didn’t know how to make them, learn a new skill. We appreciate your dedication and creativity, Kimberly! 🌟🍔
Shout-out to Barry for making a real difference in the lives of Congolese refugees! Whether teaching ESL or supporting the celebration of a special wedding, your time and effort are truly appreciated. Thank you for all you do to help build a stronger, more connected community! 👏
Your Impact in Hours
March Volunteer Hours
This past month, 154 volunteers contributed 1,782.17 hours!
The Impact during March on Our Neighbors in Need
Refugee and Immigration Services Volunteer Impact
- There are 27 citizenship learners being served and 65 English language learners being served.
- Our team member, Zetho, helped 11 learners find employment!
- Our YouTube channel has 30 new videos (in 10 different languages) with 28.2K views, and 384 new subscribers thanks our translations volunteers who help make this possible.
- Many volunteers celebrated Eid al-Fitr with our learners, embracing and sharing in the rich traditions of our new neighbors.
Adult Day Center Volunteer Impact
- A big thank you to our many high schoolers from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Marquette High School, and Saint Thomas More High School for connecting with our members through games and meaningful conversation this past March.
Hoarding Support Volunteer Impact
- Three clients are receiving additional support from our volunteers.
- Volunteers helped wash dishes, move furniture away from the heater for the client's safety, helped organize small items, and cleared space in the living room, removing fall hazards.
- All clients report that they greatly look forward to their visits with volunteers and feel safe and respected to receive support for them.
Adoption Support Group
- Four volunteers, three of whom were new to Catholic Charities, helped create a fun and supportive environment for 12 children while their parents attended our Adoption Support Group during March. With our volunteers' support, families were able to gain valuable information on navigating the adoption process and foster a sense of community with each other.
Total Volunteer Hours for 2025 to Date
4,037.12 Hours!
Volunteer Spotlight!
Divine Savior Holy Angels (DSHA) Service Learners Share about their Vocare Experience
Each year, as part of their service-learning program, Vocare, the seniors at Divine Savior Holy Angels High School dedicate two weeks to volunteering in the community, gaining valuable, hands-on experience with organizations focused on supporting neighbors in need. This past March, our Adult Day Center members and staff were treated to their annual visit from DSHA students, who brought their enthusiasm and joy. They helped coordinate activities, played card games, worked on puzzles, assisted with preparing lunch, and engaged in meaningful conversations with our members.
For Jane, the experience was defined by the warmth and guidance from the center's staff:
"Annette's wonderful guidance and support really made our experience so meaningful. Whether chatting with Ron, reading with Mike, or drawing with Alize, we always felt welcomed in this community that you've built.” -Jane
This sense of belonging was echoed by Ruby, who found the experience to be truly transformative:
"Being at Catholic Charities was such an eye-opening experience for me, and I cannot wait to come back and visit." - Ruby
For Anna, the bonds formed during her time volunteering left a lasting impact:
"I already miss playing Crazy 8 with Linda and playing Uno with the whole crew! You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. I've been reminiscing on all your work to make Catholic Charities a second home for so many! I cannot wait to come back to visit! I learned so many beautiful things." - Anna
Maya, too, noted the profound lessons gained during her time volunteering, saying:
"I look forward to carrying the lessons I've learned from this experience into my future endeavors." -Maya
Through programs like Vocare among other school service programs, students at DSHA are not only given a chance to make a difference but also gain valuable insights into the work being done to support our community's elderly population and those with disabilities. We are so thankful for the incredible impact our volunteers make on our Adult Day Center members and staff. We are proud to have connected students with those in need of companionship and support to create lasting memories and leave them with a deep appreciation for the importance of service.
Agency News!
Catholic Charities Lenten Luncheons!
Lenten Luncheons celebrate Catholic Charities mission to provide service to those in need, to advocate for justice and to call upon others to do the same. Treasures of the Church awards are presented at the luncheons to recognize individuals, organizations and religious orders for their steadfast commitment and response to the poor in our midst. These events bring people together for a simple lunch during the Lenten season with the Archbishop, Treasures of the Church Awardees and friends of Catholic Charities.
Event proceeds will benefit neighbors most in need, 97% of whom are impacted by poverty and will help us continue to support lives through the programs and services Catholic Charities provides.
We have one last Lenten Luncheon at Holy Family Catholic Community Parish in Fond du Lac on Thursday, April 10th from 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM. If you would like to attend, please click the registration button below:
How to Record your hours in Galaxy Digital
Link to Our Volunteer Portal: www.volunteer.ccmke.org
Click on the button below to watch a video on how to log your volunteer hours:
Can't log onto your account? Please email volunteer@ccmke.org for assistance.
Have a success story big or small that you would like to share? We would LOVE to hear it!
We invite and encourage volunteers in all roles to share your story with us! It is a great way to encourage prospective volunteers to join us.
Photo Gallery
THANK YOU!
Credits:
Created with images by Pixel-Shot - "Tasty chocolate cake on table" • The Little Hut - "Business hands holding green plants together are the symbol of green business company agriculture and collaboration in a green business Ecosystem and Organization Development Cooperati : Generative AI" • RJ.RJ. Wave - "st patrick day background"