Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan during a Pandemic – Adapting, but not Slowing Down
“We try to be a blessing to every neighbor in need. There is transparency, heart, devotion, drive and passion in all of our staff and in all that we do, to do good for others,” shares Isabella Agby, Director of Marketing and Communications at Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan “This isn’t just a job, it’s a mission and a way of life for all of us here.”
“This isn’t just a job, it’s a mission and a way of life for all of us here.” – Isabella Agby, Director of Marketing of CCSEM
Motivated by the corporal works of mercy, CCSEM serves around 20,000 people annually, providing food, healthcare, clothing, counseling and other services and resources. In 2018, CCSEM opened an endowment fund with the Catholic Foundation of Michigan.
Angela Moloney, president and CEO of the Catholic Foundation, is proud to partner with CCSEM. “As Catholics, it is our call to serve those in greatest need,” said Moloney. “It is a joy for the Foundation to serve Catholic Charities, now and forever.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when much of the state was closing its doors, CCSEM knew that it was being called to live out the works of mercy even more urgently and earnestly. Answering this call, it added special programs to combat the challenges of the pandemic, including Adult Health Services, Behavioral Health, and Emergency Food Pantries. “We have always had senior outreach programs, but we needed to respond to the unique needs of seniors especially during this time,” shares Agby.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 2700 outreach calls and food deliveries have been made for seniors in the Adult Health Services program. At a time when behavioral health services have been more critical than ever, CCSEM has offered more than 5600 behavioral telehealth sessions for mental health and substance abuse treatment. The Emergency Food Pantries program has provided more than 100,000 pounds of food and supplies (7,000 bags) to those in need.
In addition to adapting their services, CCSEM also needed to adjust its fundraising events this year. CCSEM’s only annual fundraising event, went virtual, and focused on its Child Welfare Program.
Although the recent gala was a success, the needs remain great for vulnerable people in southeast Michigan. To ensure that CCSEM is able to provide vital services far into the future, we invite you to contribute to the Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan Endowment Fund.
“Contributing to the CCSEM endowment fund with Catholic Foundation of Michigan helps CCSEM build resources for the future, and also allows donors connected with the Foundation but who may not otherwise be familiar with Catholic Charities to consider supporting our mission,” said Patricia Brosnahan, Chief Development Officer at CCSEM.
Leaving a legacy gift for CCSEM Endowment Fund allows you to participate in Christ’s call to live out the corporal works of mercy. It will ensure that CCSEM is able to continue to place children into safe homes, serve meals to the hungry, reach out to isolated senior citizens, and inspire even more people to serve those in need.