Catholic Charities

Catholic

By Denise Seibert- Townsend Charities

Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville has served the community since 1937 and continues to help the poor and vulnerable throughout southwest Indiana create lives that work. The organization provides outpatient mental health counseling, job and life skills training, low-cost immigration services, and financial assistance programs.

2020 has been a year of changes for many and that was also the case for Catholic Charities as the organization experienced a couple significant changes. On June 1, 2020, Denise Seibert Townsend became the director of Catholic Charities after the former director retired earlier in the year. Townsend has more than 15 years of nonprofit experience in strategic leadership, development, and administration. She had most recently served as the Vice President of Development at The Arc of Evansville prior to her work at Catholic Charities. She is a 2004 graduate of Hanover College and holds a certificate in fundraising management from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She is a member of St. Wendel Parish in St. Wendel, where she has served in the religious education program.

The other significant change was that Catholic Charities moved to its new facility at 2111 Stringtown Road on Evansville’s north side. Bishop Joseph Siegel blessed the facility on September 15, 2020. For decades, Catholic Charities had operated in leased office and meeting space. The new building is on the property of the former St. Theresa Parish. The building, around 9,800-square-feet, has about 20 offices and three large meeting spaces, as well as an outdoor garden honoring St. Theresa.

It features a St. Theresa statue, which was previously in St. Theresa Church, as well as limestone from the church, a bench and flowers. The adjacent property is the site of Habitat for Humanity’s St. Theresa Place, a 14-home Habitat for Humanity subdivision.

“As we look to the future, Charities will use this facility as a foundation to continue our vital services that help the vulnerable in our community to create lives that work,” Townsend said. “Through our services, we strive to help those served improve their mental health and financial stability and to reduce the impact of poverty.”

Catholic Charities provides professional services to all regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, orientation or gender. Services include individual (including services for children and adolescents), family, and marital outpatient counseling. Counseling services are offered a sliding scale fee basis to residents, and appointments can be provided in-person or via teletherapy. Other services focus on helping those served improve their financial stability. Examples of these services include Handy Helpers Home Repair, which is a job training initiative and social enterprise; Neighbor to Neighbor, a faith-based, life skills education program; and financial assistance programs. “I am inspired each day as we serve clients and provide hope and healing through our life-changing services. Together, we can continue to strengthen our community,” said Townsend.

More information on Catholic Charities can be found on its website at www.ccevansville.org or by calling (812) 423-5456. 23