A Legacy of Compassion: A Mother and Daughter’s Shared Mission at CatholicCharities

For Donnet McCalla and her daughter, Cyrena, working at St. Vincent’s Villa is more than a career – it’s a shared calling rooted in compassion, service, and healing.

Across generations, both women have dedicated themselves to supporting vulnerable children and seniors through their work with Catholic Charities.

From Donnet’s more than 32 years of service to Cyrena now continuing that legacy as a nurse, their story reflects the lasting impact of care, connection, and commitment to others.

What first drew each of you to Catholic Charities?

Cyrena’s Answer: After leaving my previous job, I was really looking for a nursing position where I could practice in my specialty and truly make a difference. I remember praying and asking God to guide me toward a role where my work would have real impact. A few days later, I saw the nurse position at St. Vincent Villa on Indeed, and it immediately stood out to me. I had previously volunteered at other Catholic Charities facilities, including Basilica Place, and those experiences really stayed with me. The compassion and care I saw between staff, like my mother and residents, made a strong impression on me and aligned with the kind of nurse I strive to be.

Donnet’s Answer: I learned from my sister Diane McCalla about children that have been neglected, abused, and traumatized had to be in treatment to help them recover from their respective trauma(s). I became curious, how could children live through the effects of abuse. My curiosity led me to apply for a residential counselor position at Villa Maria to get firsthand experience. On November 15th, 1993, I was hired to work in Mercy Unit, by manager Ruby McLaughlin, as a residential counselor to help children recover or stabilize from their traumas.

What has kept you here, Donnet?

Donnet’s Answer: I stayed at Villa Maria because I was able to identify my purpose, the impact of my job with the identified population, opportunity to be part of teamwork, and the feeling of commitment to serve the children who I hold dear to my heart.

What did it mean to work at St. Vincent’s Villa — and to share that connection with each other?

Cyrena’s Answer: It feels amazing to be part of the legacy at St. Vincent’s Villa. What makes it even more meaningful for me is that my mom previously worked here as a Residential Counselor in the Mercy Unit, and now I serve as the Nurse for the Mercy and Therese Units.

Being able to work in the same place where she once cared for residents has been a full-circle moment for me.

Donnet’s Answer: I feel fulfilled and accomplished after giving my all on caring for children who need to live in a stable environment, feeling they are secure and able to trust their caregivers.

Now my daughter is employed I am elated to see her carry the torch caring and serving children at St. Vincent’s Villa. We are connected because I worked with the same population by providing counseling while the nurse gives medication and treatments to stabilize the children’s behaviors.

Donnet, after 32 years of serving children and seniors, what has that full-circle experience been like for you?

Donnet’s Answer: Honestly, looking back on 32 years and 4 months, my journey has come full circle and is filled with gratitude. I had the opportunity to serve children for eight years and have now been serving seniors for twenty-four and a half years.

Being part of something as meaningful as lifechanging intervention has been, and continues to be, a significant part of my growth and is truly a God-given gift. Working with both children and seniors has shaped me not only professionally but personally. These experiences have helped me become a stronger mother to our four children and a more compassionate daughter.

They have also shown me how important caring intervention is at every stage of life. The mission of caring through Catholic Charities has been deeply rewarding, and it is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

How has Catholic Charities shaped you personally and professionally?

Cyrena’s Answer: Catholic Charities has shaped me personally by helping me understand that everyone’s story is different, and that community is built through trust and unity.

Donnet’s Answer: Being an employee at Catholic Charities has shaped me both personally and professionally in many ways. It has strengthened my perspective and helped me become more understanding and sensitive to the challenges people face. Through this work, I have had the opportunity to serve individuals from many different backgrounds. I have learned the importance of showing patience, empathy, humility, dignity, and respect while meeting people where they are.