Earlier this month, a successful local non-profit celebrated a remarkable anniversary.
“Your help is crucial to us as we move forward,” said Rebecca Owens, Catholic Charities Regional Director, thanking over 250 attendees, board and community members, volunteers and staff for their generous service and support. The 75th Anniversary event raised nearly $70,000 for Catholic Charities services in Richland County. Donations are still being accepted to meet the $75,000 goal.
“Catholic Charities is not a typical social services agency,” Owens said. “We’ve touched thousands of people over the years, with housing, food and medical assistance, guardianship services, education programs and disaster relief efforts. Catholic Charities serves. We’re here to care for people and connect them with resources in the community.”
Owens noted the 3-E Project, launched in 2016 to encourage, empower and engage people on their journey to self-sufficiency, is targeted for expansion, thanks to partnerships with Mansfield Engineering Components (MEC) and the Richland County Foundation.
Steve Cummins, MEC Co-Owner and VP, shared how valuable Catholic Charities 3-E Project is in providing employee assistance at their worksite. “All we did is open the door,” he said. “Catholic Charities is doing the heavy lifting, offering not only help, but hope.” Tracy Owens, a 14-year MEC employee, shared how Catholic Charities assistance saved her from becoming homeless after she experienced serious health issues.
“The reason Catholic Charities is doing so well is because their people are so filled with God’s love and giving life to those whose lives they touch,” said Rev. Leo Patalinghug. His entertaining and inspiring keynote presentation wove together notions of faith and family, with food and fun, all while cooking the evening’s dinner entrée. “We are all called to serve!”
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas thanked all for their generous support, “I am so proud of what Catholic Charities does here in Richland County. The people who day in and day out represent the Body of Christ and bring His love, His joy, His grace, His charity, and His goodness to those who are in need. As we strive to make the love of God real for each individual, our Catholic Charities ministries bring alive the exhortation of St. Teresa of Avila: ‘Christ has no body now but yours.’”
The Very Reverend Gregory R. Hite, VF, St. Peter’s Parish, encouraged generous support of Catholic Charities ministries. Reverend Nelson G. Beaver, St. Mary of the Snows Parish, opened with prayer; Reverend Christopher M. Mileski, Most Pure Heart of Mary Parish closed with prayer. Tony Mitchell, MIX 106.1 morning host and Operations Manager emceed the event.
