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Our Stories

All across Maryland, change is happening. And it’s the reason we do what we do. We love hearing stories about how one of our volunteers made someone’s day or one of our programs changed someone’s life. Here are just a few of the countless stories of improved lives as a direct result of our committed employees, volunteers, and donors.

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Stories

A man wearing an apron and a baseball cap smiles in a cafeteria.

Achieving Independence

Even in Retirement, Anthony “Skip” Minakowski Remains Hard at Work Serving Others

By Mark Cheshire   Perhaps he didn’t receive the memo regarding retirement, the one highlighting the fact that those who have concluded their professional careers no longer need to attend 8 a.m. meetings, manage others, and take on big assignments. It’s a plausible explanation for the tireless and transformational work he continues to do, but it’s also inaccurate. Like the roughly four million Americans who retire every year, Anthony “Skip” Minakowski, a certified public accountant, got the message about what his post-career life could look like – lots of relaxation and relatively little responsibility. But he has elected to pursue…

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A man, woman and child stand together, holding t-shirts for Brooklyn Safe Streets

Supporting Children & Families

Brooklyn Safe Streets and Community Go to the White House

By Mark Cheshire Around 8 a.m. the day before Easter, people began to gather expectantly at the heart of the Brooklyn Homes community in South Baltimore. The chilly spring breeze prompted some to seek out patches of sunshine to stay warm while waiting to board a chartered bus bound for the White House. As the crowd grew, the event’s organizer pinged around like a pinball, moving from person to person to talk and take care of various last-minute arrangements. Wearing a fluorescent orange jacket, standing well over six feet tall, and exuding irrepressible warmth, Corey Winfield could not be missed.…

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Achieving Independence

Junior League of Baltimore Partners with Catholic Charities to Combat Period Poverty

By Mark Cheshire To help alleviate the impact of what’s known as “period poverty,” the Junior League of Baltimore made the first in a series of planned deliveries of related hygiene items to Catholic Charities shortly before the global observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28. Period poverty is understood as the inability to afford and access menstrual products and it is a significant challenge that affects millions of women around the world. The fundraising drive is the brainchild of the Junior League’s incoming class of new members. As part of the matriculation process, every new cohort conceives and…

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Achieving Independence

Paula Sawka-Ferris: Love Your Neighbor All-Star

During this Love Your Neighbor call to action, Catholic Charities is recognizing colleagues who shine. Who is a Love Your Neighbor All-Star, exactly? It’s a colleague who goes the extra mile for the people we serve. It’s a colleague who works to be a great teammate to co-workers every day. It’s a colleague who lives our mission every day, cherishing the divine within all. Our 2nd Love Your Neighbor All-Star is Paula Sawka-Ferris, Direct Support Professional at Gallagher Services.

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Achieving Independence

Shawn Doggett: Love Your Neighbor All-Star

During this Love Your Neighbor call to action, Catholic Charities is recognizing colleagues who shine. Who is a Love Your Neighbor All-Star, exactly? It’s a colleague who goes the extra mile for the people we serve. It’s a colleague who works to be a great teammate to co-workers every day. It’s a colleague who lives our mission every day, cherishing the divine within all. Our 1st Love Your Neighbor All-Star is Shawn Doggett, operations manager at My Brother’s Keeper.

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Achieving Independence

Honoring Legacy of Former Gallagher Volunteer Killed in Bomb Attack, Scholarships Awarded to Three for Their Service

Two staff members and a high school volunteer at Gallagher Services won the 2024 Anne Lindsey Otenasek Scholarship Awards for their distinguished service in support of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Supporting Children & Families

Head Start’s Shannon Tidman Opens New Site Inside High School to Educate Little Ones and Train Future Teachers

Shannon Tidman opened a new Head Start site inside of a high school to educate little ones and train future teachers. Teachers like Shannon create dynamic ways to inspire new teachers and growth.

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Christopher Place Employment Academy Celebrates 100th Capstone

Nine men were honored as the 100th cohort graduating from Christopher’s Place Employment Academy, as Catholic Charities of Baltimore celebrates its centennial year marking 100 years of service to Maryland.

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Welcoming New Neighbors

Oscar Cruz

“A Century of Accompaniment,” shares special interviews of clients from across our agency’s programs. Here you can watch the video of each full interview. Watch the interview with Oscar Cruz.

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Supporting Children & Families

Head Start Story

Our centennial booklet “A Century of Accompaniment,” shares special interviews of clients from across our agency’s programs. Here you can read this Head Start story.

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Healing Trauma & Addiction

Pierre Smith

“A Century of Accompaniment,” shares special interviews of clients from across our agency’s programs. Here you can watch the video of each full interview. Watch the interview with Pierre Smith.

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Hadi Sadeghiasl

“A Century of Accompaniment,” shares special interviews of clients from across our agency’s programs. Here you can watch the video of each full interview. Watch the interview with Hadi Sadeghiasl.

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Aging with Dignity

Anthony “Tony” Quattrochi

“A Century of Accompaniment,” shares special interviews of clients from across our agency’s programs. Here you can watch the video of each full interview. Watch the interview with Tony Quattrochi.

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Achieving Independence

Celeste Ireland

“A Century of Accompaniment,” shares special interviews of clients from across our agency’s programs. Here you can watch the video of each full interview. Watch the interview with Celeste Ireland.

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Aging with Dignity

Donnet Lawrence

Each year, Catholic Charities awards staff who have consistently embodied our Mission: Inspired by the Gospel mandates to love, serve and teach, Catholic Charities provides care and services to improve the lives of Marylanders in need.

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