By Denise Seibert Townsend
Catholic Charities
“I had no idea you offered that service!”
I have heard this comment multiple times in recent weeks as I have had the opportunity to visit various groups throughout the diocese to discuss Catholic Charities and the services offered. Often, I have encountered a person who was familiar with one service, such as our counseling services or immigration legal services, but did not realize that we also offer the Neighbor to Neighbor program and emergency financial services. Given these recent experiences, I thought it was appropriate to provide readers an overview of the primary services currently offered by Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Evansville.
Catholic Charities makes an impact by providing services that enhance the mental health, family, life and work skills of those served so they 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 giving them the tools they need to thrive, supporting them through the challenges they face, and instilling hope and confidence.
Services offered include:
- Counseling - Our licensed, professional counselors 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 offered in-person, as well as through tele-therapy.
- Neighbor to Neighbor – Through this faith-based, intensive life-skills-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 community. Upon the successful completion of the program, participants earn stipends toward their rent, utilities or other appropriate expense that will move the person forward to help achieve their goals.
- Emergency Financial Assistance – With this service, we help families maintain stable housing in times of need 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, and renewals/replacement.
- Boots4Work - This program is designed to help eliminate a possible barrier to new employment. A voucher can be provided for a person to purchase work boots needed to gain employment. The person should contact Catholic Charities prior to the start of work. Catholic Charities will work with 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 appointment or medical procedure.
While each of these programs are 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.
Were you aware that Catholic Charities offered these services? Or were you familiar with a particular service, but not others?
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.