Blogs

By: Michael Rambo

When Representative Nick Collins ran for, and won a vacant seat in the Massachusetts State Senate, he left his spot as the State Rep in the 4^th Suffolk District behind.  One of his former aides, a longtime volunteer with Catholic Charities, David Biele, then vied for and won the Democratic primary for Collins’ old post.

Now running unopposed in the upcoming general election, Biele—a lifelong South Boston resident and community contributor—is now slated to represent his neighborhood in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

By: Zach Boutin

Interested in assisting elders in South Boston?

Join us for an information session about Catholic Charities’ pilot program to help elders facing food insecurity receive a monthly delivery of groceries.  We’re looking for input from potential volunteers in the design of the program.  Volunteers would be matched with a senior citizen and would “shop” at the St. Monica Parish food pantry once per month then deliver the groceries to a homebound elder living in a senior housing. 

Nazareth Child Care in Jamaica Plain is home to dedicated teachers shaping the lives of their young students on a daily basis. However, one particular teacher has gone above and beyond to show appreciation for his students in his own, unique way. Diderot Jean Philippe, or DJ as he is known among friends, students and colleagues, is an aspiring artist and kindergarten teacher at Nazareth Child Care.

There are many fixtures at Sunset Point Camp every summer. Smiley fries, the “Hungry Song”, saying “Grace” before dinner, and a cupcake with crossbones are known by campers and staff alike. Thanks to the generosity of Johnny Cupcakes and Johnny’s family, Sunset

For one young woman, Brigid’s Crossing in Lowell changed not only her life, but the lives of her three children. Anna* was referred to Brigid’s Crossing at age 17 by the Department of Children and Families. She and her three children needed a place to live since Anna was not receiving any support from her own family. After a visit to see all Brigid’s Crossing had to offer, Anna knew she had found her new home.

Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services welcomed over 230 refugees last year alone, and we could not continue to do this work without the help and support of the community. One community in Danvers, as part of a Parish Organized to Welcome Refugees (or POWR) site, came together as two different church groups to provide for newcomers welcomed by Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities South works to serve clients through every important phase of their lives. Children make memories at Sunset Point Camp in Hull; parents work on perfecting their English in the English Transcultural Center; families rely on the food pantry, the largest in Brockton. Rita, a dedicated volunteer and friend of Catholic Charities South, saw a need to further engage one group we serve: Brockton’s active and involved elders.

In 2013, Catholic Charities of Greater Boston recognized a need in Middlesex County. There was no food pantry option that offered clients a choice; that offered them the dignity that accompanies being responsible for the food your family receives. Starting out in what is now the food pantry’s waiting room, the Somerville Basic Needs Office was born.