Catholic Charities: Expressing

Catholic Charities: Expressing Gratitude

One of the first things I heard when I came to work at Catholic Charities six year ago was, “We have to remember that we don’t have to like them (the clients) in order to help them.” You see, when people are hurting physically or emotionally, they often lash out and say awful things as a means of self-protection because they anticipate more disappointment by the time they’ve reached out for help. The team at CCNLA are pros at respecting others’ dignity. There have been several occasions where Catholic Charities of North Louisiana was not able to help clients in the way that they were hoping we would. Often this news makes them angry. Everyone leaves CCNLA with something that should help them— whether it’s tangible assistance or simply a plan on how to move forward. A couple of years ago, an unhappy client called a TV station to complain about us, and when the reporter arrived, she was totally impressed with how we conducted business and ended up doing a “feel-good” story about Catholic Charities. (Addendum: this same client reached out to us for help in February 2022, and we were able to help her.) Most clients express gratitude for things like simply listening to them, not judging them, and teaching them skills that they didn’t know. They appreciate that we have confidence in them to succeed. How do we know? Because they tell us. It is amazing to see people go from crying during a consultation to joking and smiling as they leave the building. “I really appreciate everyone,” said Misa Maxie, a mother of a 14-year-old daughter. Misa had gotten hurt on the job and then later suffered from Covid-19 and was unable to pay her rent. “Carl taught me a lot about budgeting in Money School®, and Mrs. Jean was really organized and wanted things done right. She was very nice. I also met Mrs. Meg, and everyone here has a sweet soul.” There’s no doubt that it feels good to be appreciated. And that is why I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my staff: Sister Bernie Barrett in Lake Providence; LaTris Smith, Siu Lam, and Kirsten Gladen in Monroe; and Silvia Herrera de Reanez, Daniela Bernabe, Briana Bianca, Joe Bulger, Paul Hand, Allison Kulbeth, Carl Piehl, Gilda Rada, Kathy Schimschock, Giselle Trejo, and Jean Woods. I’ve never met a finer group of people with whom I’d trust my life. I’d like to credit my Board of Directors for taking their fiscal responsibility seriously. And finally, I’d like to thank the people who make our work possible: our donors and grantors: Community Foundation, Sisters of the Holy Spirit, Grayson Foundation, Powers Foundation, Caddo Parish Commission, City of Shreveport, City of Bossier, Louisiana Bar Foundation, Atmos Energy Fund, Capital One, Walmart, CCUSA, First United Methodist Church, and Westerman Foundation.

MEG GOORLEY is the Executive Director for Catholic Charities of North Louisiana.