Voice of Charity Podcast: Recent Episodes
Phil Zepeda
The Voice of Charity Podcast is a production of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, created in partnership with the Archdiocese's Department of Communications (Radio and TV). In the podcast we share stories of our work in human services through Cook and Lake counties in the Chicago metropolitan area as we witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need.
Among Catholic Charities 1200 employees is a group of Sisters who represent the Congregation of Albertine Sisters Serving the Poor. The Albertine Sisters are incredibly dedicated to their work, and they inspire everyone at Catholic Charities with their joyful, selfless way of life, and their deep religious faith. Join Katie Bredemann as she welcomes Sr. Kate, Sr. Nikola and Sr. Benji to discuss the vital work the Sisters of Albertine do at Catholic Charities, and how their commitment to service reflects their desire to be united with God.
In 2017, Catholic Charities was asked by the City of Chicago to help initiate a program called CPS-FIT that identifies and assists families with children in the Chicago Public School System who are living in “temporary housing situations.” On this episode, Katie Bredemann talks to SHARON LOVE, Department Director for Permanent, Supportive Housing, and HERMESE BRYANT, an accomplished Housing Case Manager to discuss how CPS-FIT, along with other Homelessness Prevention programs helps families establish safe homes and begin to achieve their dreams.
After Supper Visions is one of the most creative programs ever established at Catholic Charities. Guests of our Tuesday Night Suppers are offered the opportunity to grow in their talents as photographers. Now in its 20th year, artists continue to produce beautiful photographic artwork that rivals that of any art gallery in Chicago. On this episode, we host Fr. Wayne Watts and Jody O'Connor (with Ellen Gorney hoping to join us!) to discuss how this program affirms artists and welcomes them into a wonderful community of supportive people who respect them and believe in their potential.
Catholic Charities Junior Board continues to seek new members, young professionals from Chicago and the suburbs who enjoy spending time together and finding innovative ways to support our mission. Junior Board co-presidents Brady Dearlove and Mary Margaret Parker join this show to discuss recent Junior Board activities and plans for the future.
Catholic Charities Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps low-income, single parents with case management and employment services, for up to five years, as they work to improve their quality of life. In this episode, Maureen Murphy of Catholic Charities discusses the 2022 Achievement Celebration that recognized the accomplishments of hardworking program participants who are overcoming barriers and striving for a better future for themselves and their children.
In conjunction with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Catholic Charities operates 16 Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Centers that are wonderful hubs of community support, supplying nutritious food, nutrition education and other information and referrals to low-income individuals and families, helping them gain access to Catholic Charities' wide network of Community Development and Outreach Services. Join us as we welcome Shivonnia Dickson, WIC Department Director of Operations who will provide an update on all of the great things happening at our WIC Centers this summer.
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement Program continues to be especially busy this year, welcoming additional refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine as hostilities continue to devastate these countries. Join us as we welcome Case Managers Emily Parker and Sophia Schmall to discuss the tragic situations in the lives of our refugee clients, and how they are finding hope and healing as they rebuild their lives in Chicago.
Catholic Charities is blessed to have many parish partners across the Archdiocese of Chicago. Selfless pastors and lay leaders work in tandem with Catholic Charities to identify needs in the community and determine the best ways for people to access programs and services that can ease their burdens and help them plan for a brighter future. Join us as we welcome Marilu Gonzalez, Regional Director for the City/Southwest Region and Fr. Homero Sanchez, Pastor of St. Rita of Cascia/St. Clare of Montefalco Parish to discuss the many ways that this wonderful parish is helping to fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities on the local, parish level.
For almost 20 years, Catholic Charities Legal Assistance Department (CCLA) has been helping low-income individuals and families who cannot afford an attorney. Staff members, and volunteer attorneys help clients navigate the complex legal world, and learn more about their rights and responsibilities regarding a variety of civil law issues. Join us as we welcome Dennis Marks and Jack Lynch, two accomplished attorneys and dedicated CCLA volunteers to discuss how the program continues to evolve and help clients grow in their ability to advocate for themselves in legal matters.