By Denise Seibert Townsend
Catholic Charities
Have you or someone you know struggled with anxiety, depression or grief? Do you or someone you know feel overwhelmed or challenged to have enough resources to cover household expenses each month? With rent, utilities, groceries, child care and other household expenses, are you spending more than your income provides? I feel confident that many people reading these questions answered “Yes” to at least one of them.
One final question, did you know Catholic Charities can be of assistance if you or others experience any of these situations? My hope is you answered, “Yes!” However, if you did not, I believe you will after reading the following.
Catholic Charities makes an impact by providing services that enhance the mental health, as well as life and work skills, of those we serve so individuals can participate fully in family and community life. The goals of our services are to reduce poverty, improve self-sufficiency and improve the mental health of those served. Our programs are designed to accompany those served on their journey by supporting them through the challenges they face, giving them the tools they need to thrive and instilling hope and confidence.
Services offered include:
- Counseling — Our licensed, professional team members can help individuals experiencing a variety of mental health issues cope with the stresses of daily life by offering individual, family and marital outpatient counseling. Fees are determined using a sliding scale. Appointments are currently offered in-person in Evansville, Jasper and Washington, as well as through tele-therapy.
- Neighbor to Neighbor — Through this faith-based, intensive education program, participants focus on goal setting, life skills development and financial literacy. Participants set goals in the areas of finance and education, faith and family, health and well-being, and community. Upon the successful completion of the program, participants earn stipends toward their rent, utilities or other appropriate expenses that will help move them toward goal achievement. Classes are offered throughout the year in multiple communities across the Diocese including Evansville, Princeton and Jasper.
- Emergency Financial Assistance — With this service, we help families in times of need maintain stable housing by providing funding for rent or utilities. Households may receive emergency help once in a 12-month period.
- Immigration Legal Services — Catholic Charities can provide high-quality, low-cost services to immigrants. We assist with cases such as family petitions, naturalization/citizenship, permanent residency, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and renewals/replacements.
- Boots4Work — This program is designed to help eliminate a possible barrier to new employment. A voucher can be provided for individuals to purchase work boots needed to gain employment. The person should contact Catholic Charities before the start of work. Catholic Charities will work with the person and prospective employer to verify program eligibility.
- Medical Travel Assistance — This service helps families who have a child under the age of 18 who needs to travel outside of the area for a doctor's appointment or medical procedure.
While each of these programs is in place to meet different needs, all provide hope to those served. Hope that today’s struggles will improve, hope for financial stability and hope for the future.
If you have questions about any of these services or would like more information, I encourage you to contact Catholic Charities by calling 812-423-5456 or by visiting our website at www.ccevansville.org.
Denise Seibert Townsend is director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Evansville.