By Denise Seibert Townsend
Catholic Charities
“I begin this journey with an open mind. I ask the Creator to help me look past my worries so I can see possibilities for positive and healthy changes in my life.”
Affirmations, such as this one, are a meaningful component of the Neighbor to Neighbor program at Catholic Charities, where participants focus on life skills development, goal setting and financial literacy. Recently as I participated in a Neighbor to Neighbor session, I reflected on this affirmation and its significance. I often find myself worried about a multitude of things at home, with my family, and my work at Catholic Charities. I presume that this feeling of worry is something many people reading this will find relatable. I have noticed that when I allow myself to reflect in a positive manner on these things that worry me, it is amazing how I begin to see the possibilities. We see a similar change in those we serve through Catholic Charities as well.
When individuals call our office or enter our facility, it is rarely because everything in their life is going well. Often these individuals have a need or are facing a challenge and do not know where to turn for assistance. They may have a disconnect notice for a utility bill and are trying to navigate how they can ensure service is not disconnected so their family is secure. Or, they have finally received a work opportunity after several months of unemployment and are worried about how they will afford the steel toe boots required for the position.
Our team of experienced, caring and supportive staff members work diligently to help those seeking assistance. For many we serve, Catholic Charities is a source of hope. Our programs allow us to accompany individuals on their journey by providing them with skills that help them thrive, supporting them through challenges they face, and instilling hope and confidence. Ultimately, our goal is that the support and services we provide will help reduce poverty, increase self-sufficiency and improve the mental health of those served.
We see firsthand the results when individuals combine positive and healthy changes in their lives. With hope and faith, the increased possibilities for the person become even more apparent. It may be that the call to Catholic Charities that leads the person to secure the work boots needed to start a new job resulting in a paycheck and increased income. When Catholic Charities follows up with that person a month later, this individual shares that he was able to pay his rent on time for the first time in nearly six months. He has hope for his future.
We understand that life will be filled with times of joy and times of hardship, but as reinforced through the words in this affirmation, I pray that in times of struggle, you are able to look beyond those challenges and see the possibilities. St. Thomas Aquinas stated this well when he said, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
Catholic Charities offers a variety of services including job and life skills training, mental health counseling, immigration legal services, and emergency financial assistance programs. For more information, contact Catholic Charities by calling 812-423-5456 or by visiting our website at www.ccevansville.org.