AWARE

Many of our views about people who are disadvantaged are developed through media reports and distant observations. These perspectives can be skewed and don’t include the myriad of causes and effects.

Catholic Charities invites you into a meaningful encounter with the daily realities of the clients we serve. AWARE is an interactive, hands-on educational program which guides participants to a better understanding of our region’s social issues and the impact they have on real people.

Throughout the year, AWARE sessions are offered at a variety of different Catholic Charities sites across the Baltimore region. Each session is unique and highlights a particular area of service and justice. AWARE sessions explore hunger and homelessness, aging, early childhood education & family strengthening, mental health in childhood, immigration, and disability.

 

View the 2025 AWARE Schedule

 

Sign Up Now!

 

AWARE Sessions Are:

• Free
• Interactive and/or immersive
• 2-3 hours long
• Offered at a variety of Catholic Charities sites
• Open to groups of 10-12 people and ages 18 and up*

*Some locations may take larger groups. We also offer Youth AWARE for ages 12-17, with content that is interactive for younger audiences.

Choose Your Session

Each Catholic Charities site offers a unique AWARE session that focuses on the experience of clients served at that location. AWARE sessions are offered at the following sites below, organized by different areas of focus.

Hunger and Homelessness

• Anna’s House
• My Sister’s Place Women’s Center
• Our Daily Bread Employment Center
• Sarah’s House

Aging with Dignity

• Jenkins Senior Living Campus

Early Childhood Education, Poverty and Family Strengthening

• Head Start of Baltimore City

Mental Health in Childhood

• St. Vincent’s Villa

Immigration

• Esperanza Center

Disability and Dignity

• Gallagher Services

AWARE is for everyone!

• Volunteer groups wanting to engage with Catholic Charities in new ways
• Parish groups, including parish staff, parish council, adult education, social justice committees, youth groups, and other interested groups
• Corporations seeking to learn about the community and foster teamwork and community service
• Individuals seeking to further understand social issues and take action
• School-aged youth and college students seeking meaningful experiences
• Catholic Charities staff wanting to learn more about our different programs

How to Sign Up

AWARE sessions are offered throughout the year. View this year’s schedule and sign-up form above. You can sign up as an individual or bring a friend, family members, or a whole group. We also schedule additional sessions for groups upon request.

Contact Us

Sarah McIlvried
Assistant Director of Social Ministry
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
[email protected]
667-600-2020