From the Volunteer Office
Dear Amazing Volunteers,
Happy National Volunteer month! During the month of April, we want to sincerely thank all our incredible volunteers and interns for the work they do to serve their neighbors in need alongside Catholic Charities. Gratitude is the heart’s internal indicator which signals the movement of love when the gifts we receive outweigh what we can give in return. You give our clients your time, patience, and most importantly, your love.
The heart of our mission is compassion which calls us to journey with others. No one should have to face hardship alone. Thank you for being a great neighbor to everyone. We feel so blessed to walk with you as we create a world we all hope for and desire, one of friendship, joy, compassion, and dreams realized.
Inspired by Christ's call to serve, our mission is to provide service to those in need, to advocate for justice and to call upon others to do the same.
Please join us in celebrating you and your fellow volunteers! Check below to see the volunteers who achieved over 100 hours and above in service; an incredible milestone!
In addition, you will also find thank you messages from our Adult Day Center, Refugee and Immigration Services, and Child Welfare Services staff, mutual gratitude notes from our volunteers, and inspiring stories from our recent Lenten Luncheons.
If you would like to share about your experience or provide feedback, please send us an email at cproietta@ccmke.org.
In 2023, Catholic Charities' 370 volunteers contributed a total of 15,476 Volunteer Hours to support our mission!
Help us congratulate our Volunteers on acheiving important milestones!
VOLUNTEER'S REFLECTION
"Direct service at the Adult Day Center is the best experience I could have asked for."
With 55 years dedicated to an active life of service in Catholic education, Kathleen has recently found even more ways to serve her community — this time as a volunteer at the Catholic Charities Adult Day Center.
“I knew I didn’t want to lose the momentum that I felt for service for the Church and for society,” says Kathleen. “I’ve always had a love for the elderly. Direct service at the Adult Day Center is the best experience I could have asked for.”
When she began volunteering, Kathleen immediately felt drawn to the members at the center.
“This is completely about relationships,” she explains. “With some, communication is without words. They may wave or just want to sit near you. There’s a connection … a deep emotional joy. That’s what I try to unlock.” -Kathleen
Kathleen now volunteers each week. “I consider it a privilege to volunteer at the Adult Day Center,” she says. “This is a natural extension of who I am. The care is gentle and loving. It’s so beautiful and refreshing to see. It’s filled with grace. It’s the kind of care anyone would want for a loved one. I wish the world would know that the Adult Day Center exists,” Kathleen says. “This is a secret haven of safety, love and care that is here on the north side of Milwaukee.”
DSHA & MARQUETTE HS VOLUNTEERS AT the ADC
Thank you, Madi & Payton and Mason & Bek, for choosing to spend your time at Catholic Charities!
Our Adult Day Center members and staff were treated to their annual visit from Divine Savior Holy Angels High School and Marquette University High School students. Each year seniors from both schools go into the community to volunteer and gain firsthand experience with organizations that serve neighbors in need. The students brought enthusiasm and joy and helped coordinate activities, played card games, did puzzles, assisted with preparing lunch, and engaged in conversation with our members.
"Volunteers connect on so many different levels big and small. Their compassion, dignity, unconditional love and care towards those we serve, as evidenced by the long-term commitment so many volunteers make to our [Adult Day] Center… They feel connected... That’s what it is all about." -Annette, Director of Adult Day Services
thE light
"The tutor was light to my difficult journey to belong to this country."
Salutations to all the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time and energy daily without seeking anything in return. We are eternally grateful for your unwavering dedication.
“I am very happy and cannot thank you and the teacher for helping me. I don't know how I managed to pass this test but I am sure I won't be able to do it without the tutor's support and encouragement. Thank you for everything.”
Because of your support, the people we serve are empowered. All of your hard work on behalf of our programs and our clients is much appreciated.
- Hasnah, Community Educator
Because of volunteers like you...
In 2023, 118 volunteers spent 5,977 hours connecting with 294 refugees and immigrants, impacting 1,225 family members.
7 clients passed their citizenship test with a 100% pass rate!
Volunteer REFLECTION
"It's not just about words; it's about bridging gaps and connecting hearts."
"Volunteering in translations has been a deeply emotional journey for me. It's not just about words; it's about bridging gaps and connecting hearts. I've always believed in the power of giving back, and when I discovered the opportunity to help immigrants and refugee families through translations, it felt like fate; especially with the ongoing war in my home country Sudan, which left millions of people in that situation.
The love I have for children is immense and unconditional, which is another reason why I'm eager to assist them and their families. It became heartfelt mission for me— imagining a child's face lighting up, because I made their life in the U.S. a little bit easier, or a parent expressing relief knowing they can navigate a new system, fills me with gratitude."
"The emotional fulfillment I experience from making a positive impact has kept me dedicated to this cause for two wonderful years now, and I'm grateful for every moment of it." - Maisoun
One of Maisoun's many translation projects.
REMARKABLE SUCCESS
Our English Language Learners (ELL) program would not have achieved remarkable success without the unflinching support our dedicated volunteers give to it.
The children have become more fluent in their English skills and have also gained 21st century skills (such active listening and relationship building) they need to thrive in life. The testimonies we hear daily are inspiring.
"My kids’ teacher has become a trusted part of our family, and my four children can now speak English well, and their confidence has improved."
Thank you for all you do!
-Ife, Refugee Family Education Coordinator
"We can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.” ~ St. Teresa of Calcutta
iNTERN Reflection
Lauren, Child Welfare Intern
I have been an Intern at Catholic Charities in Milwaukee since August of 2023. My time at Catholic Charities has offered me a variety of experiences with to birth parent planning and adoption preparation. It is truly an honor to have been a part of this team and to have formed the connections that I have with the clients and families I have met and worked with. Being able to empower individuals, educate families, and assist others in determining and accomplishing their goals in life is a gift. The Child Welfare team have shown me amazing support in my learning and have helped me discover who I will be as a Social Worker.
SHARING INSPIRING STORIES
Lenten Luncheons Bring Awareness to Neighbors in Need.
Much more than soup, salad and a dessert, Catholic Charities Lenten Luncheons are a tradition for many in southeastern Wisconsin. In a time of austerity, it’s a way to indulge in fellowship, appreciation, and most of all, recognition of good works.
At each of the luncheon locations, host parishes elevated the impact of local individuals, organizations, and clergy and religious order recipients who were honored for their compassion and commitment to service in their local communities and in their partnership with Catholic Charities.
Fr. Dan Sanders, who received an award for his efforts in creating the Open Arms free health clinic in Elkhorn, said, “It’s so, so important to recognize the many great folks who are engaged in works of love.”
If you missed attending this year, join us for next year! Save the date for:
- March 13, 2025
- March 25, 2025
- April 3, 2025
- April 10, 2025
Volunteers in the commuNITY
Do you love volunteering with US?
Share these opportunities with your friends and family on how to make a difference
We love new ideas!
Do you have an idea of how we can further use the skills of our volunteers? Please do not hesitate to share it with us! Email Jessica at jbrandt@ccmke.org