March is an important month as Seton Center, Catholic Charities fill needs in Diocese of Wilmington

March 4, 2024 – Wilmington, DE – Seton Center, operated by Catholic Charities in Princess Anne, Md., has a busy month planned in March.

Each month, the center has a wish list for donations. This month, that includes full-size laundry detergent, cans and cups of fruit, and dish cloths and towels. These items help the center provide for more than 350 families a month.

A spring sale will be held March 12-14 and March 16. The weekday hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and the Saturday hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Light lunch and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Donations for the thrift store are accepted Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. All donations should be clean, in good working order and without holes or stains. No opened hygiene items will be accepted. Seton Center accepts housewares, home décor, kitchen items, toys, jewelry, clothing, small appliances and small furniture.

The Healthy Families program will be available March 11 and 13. The Shore Van will be there March 11, 14 and 28. The Tidal Health Wellness Van is scheduled for an appearance on March 19, and the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance is there on March 18

The food share program will be March 28. Those who wish to participate can stop in any time before that with $5 to sign up.

Seton Center will be closed on March 29 for Good Friday. It is located at 30632 Hampden Ave., Princess Anne, Md. 21853. For more information, contact the Seton Center at (410) 651-9608.

Article courtesy of The Dialog.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington is a faith-based, social services organization, delivering critical direct care human services to over 83,000 individuals and families residing in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. To learn more about Catholic Charities, please visit https://www.ccwilm.org

Catholic Charities of Diocese of Wilmington to Honor Xavier DeCaire 
with Msgr. Reese Award April 18 at Annual Tribute Dinner

February 15, 2024 – Wilmington, DE – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington will recognize Xavier DeCaire with the Msgr. Thomas J. Reese Award for exceptional dedication and unwavering support of local communities throughout his life at this year’s Annual Tribute Dinner at Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington on April 18.

Catholic Charities honors outstanding people who have demonstrated a deep commitment to addressing the well-being of our communities’ most vulnerable people. The Msgr. Thomas J. Reese Award, created in 1989 in memory of community activist and longtime director of Catholic Social Services, the forerunner of Catholic Charities, is presented each year at the tribute dinner.

“Heartstrings of Hope” is the theme of this year’s dinner.

“In addition to his other philanthropic endeavors, DeCaire has been a resolute steward of Catholic Charities because of the profound impact their programs have had throughout Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Samantha Wallace, interim executive director of Catholic Charities.

DeCaire graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., and received the highest honors conferred by the National Alumni Association through the Simon Brute Medal award in 2023. He received the Pride of the Mount award in 2018, served on the board of directors on the Mount for nine years, and is now a trustee emeritus. A graduate of Salesianum High School, he has been a lifelong supporter of Catholic education.

He has supported Catholic Charities by serving on the Board since 2013, securing sponsorships for major events, and promoting the social services programs throughout the community. In addition, he has served on the Boards of St. Anthony’s Community Center Delaware, and the Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants in support of medical research and education. “His Catholic faith inspires his tireless efforts for those in need in our surrounding communities,” Wallace said.

His philanthropic efforts include positions as former Chairman of the Board at Wellness Community Delaware, and the University and Whist Club, and as the former President of the Caesar Rodney Rotary Club. He is the current Chairman of the Board at the Delaware American Cancer Society. As a volunteer at Operation Smile, a medical charity that performs free surgeries for children with cleft palates, he travelled throughout South America. He later founded Kids with Confidence to cover surgical costs for children with facial anomalies, in the absence of insurance.

DeCaire’s career includes working as a partner at George J. Weiner Associates and as an agent for New York Life Insurance Company. He is a recipient of the 2007 Small Business Council of America Humanitarian of the Year award, which his son, Nic DeCaire, received in 2019, making them the only father-son award recipients to date. Xavier and his wife, Maria Elena, have three children and five grandchildren. In his free time, he enjoys fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. Xavi and his wife are parishioners at St. Mary of the Assumption in Hockessin.

Of his tenure in Catholic Charities, DeCaire stated, “It has been truly remarkable to see all the excellent work that Catholic Charities does. I am very humbled to receive this recognition, but the real recognition goes to the employees of Catholic Charities for the work they are doing.”

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington is a faith-based, social services organization, delivering critical direct care human services to individuals and families in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

 For information about sponsorship opportunities or attending the Heartstrings of Hope Annual Tribute Dinner, please visit https://www.ccwilm.org/events/cc-dinner/

Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families 
Recommends Catholic Charities for $150,000 Award

February 13, 2024 – Wilmington, DE – The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF) approved Catholic Charities’ proposal submitted in response to the state’s RFP CYF 23-11 First Episode Psychosis (D-FEP) Program. After DSCYF reviewed all the proposals for services submitted, Catholic Charities was recommended for a $150,000 award. 

Samantha Wallace, Interim Executive Director of Catholic Charities, said, “Catholic Charities looks forward to partnering with the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families to provide vital community based services through the First Episode Psychosis Program.  This initiative will allow Catholic Charities to offer early intervention and treatment services for children ages 12-18 and their families.”

The First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Program will serve Delaware youth who have experienced changes in thought, perception, or behavior indicating psychosis. The belief that children with early psychosis can lead rewarding and productive lives is based on scientific research demonstrating that prevention and recovery from a psychotic episode are possible. This belief drives efforts to educate the public about psychosis, and guide and support children and families who are affected.

Catholic Charities will use this funding to provide trauma-informed care as part of the Behavioral Health Services offered to the community. The program will offer early intervention to nurture children, families, and communities; increase child safety; support social and academic success; and promote individual resiliency. 

Individuals interested in learning more about Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services should go to https://www.ccwilm.org/behavioral-health-services/ or contact the nearest Catholic Charities location at https://www.ccwilm.org/contact-us/

Photo courtesy Delaware.gov.

A Catholic Forum Video Interview:
Behavioral Health Services at Catholic Charities is Discussed

Feb 2, 2024 – Wilmington DE – On this Catholic Forum Video Interview, Stephanie Kelton, Fund Development and Public Relations Manager for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington talks with Lisa Ritchie, Program Manager of Behavioral Health Services for Catholic Charities. Lisa talks about the therapeutic services that Catholic Charities provides, including a new program that helps young people experiencing the first episode of psychosis. 

This radio program airs February 3 at 1:30pm. 

Catholic Forum is heard every Saturday at 1:30 p.m. on Relevant Radio 640 and is podcast on Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio and Amazon Music podcasts. To listen to the podcast, visit https://catholicforumradio.libsyn.com/the-behavioral-health-services-of-catholic-charities-is-discussed.

To view the interview on the Diocese of Wilmington’s YouTube channel, visit https://youtu.be/j0zFyQxFgaU?si=6KCVN0HMxPSANwzm.

Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services program consists of multiple services for persons needing help with emotional behavioral, or mental health concerns. Catholic Charities provides counseling services to anyone for whom outpatient treatment is the right choice. If outpatient counseling does not meet your needs when you call our office, our intake worker can make a referral to appropriate services.

Maryland state Senate passes resolution honoring Fritz Jones After 45 Years with Catholic Charities of Diocese of Wilmington

Photo: Maryland Senator Mary Beth Carozza of District 38 presents a Senate resolution to Fritz Jones, who retired in January after 45 years with Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington.

February 1, 2024 – Wilmington DE – Fritz Jones, the recently retired executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington, was presented with a resolution from the Maryland state Senate recognizing his more than 40 years of service.

The Diocese of Wilmington social service agency covers all of Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

The resolution was presented to Jones on Jan. 29 in Annapolis by state Sen. Mary Beth Carozza of District 38. Bishop Koenig was in attendance for the presentation.

“In recognition of your retirement after 45 years of dedicated service to the residents of Maryland’s Eastern Shore with the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington, making a lasting impact on our shore community,” the resolution reads.

A lifelong Delaware resident, Jones, 68, retired at the same time as his wife of 38 years, Donna, who also worked for the diocese.

Article and photo courtesy of The Dialog.

Catholic Charities Awarded $7,000 from Maryland Food Bank

January 30, 2024 – Wilmington DE – The Maryland Food Bank awarded Catholic Charities a $7,000 Food First Capacity Grant to address ongoing food storage issues at the Seton Center.  The grant will support the acquisition of an enclosed trailer that will primarily be used to store non-perishable food items while the food in the Seton Center’s food pantry is rotated and distributed. The trailer will also be used to assist with large donation pickups.

The short-term goal for this initiative is to allow the Seton Center to benefit from larger donations. Because of the current capacity limitations, Catholic Charities is restricted in its ability to pick up and store items, making it impossible to accept all the donations available.  The funding from the Maryland Food Bank will provide needed space for storage, which will allow Catholic Charities to address the growing need for food more effectively. 

The long-term goal for the project is to increase Catholic Charities’ ability to offer expanded food options through the CHOICE program. Additionally, the trailer will increase the overall amount of food available for distribution, enabling Catholic Charities to serve Crisfield on a monthly basis. The grant will allow Catholic Charities to reach Crisfield residents who lack private transportation or are otherwise unable to travel to the Seton Center. The grant also offers the potential to purchase wheeled carts to replace current carts, which need frequent repairs because of their age and the demands of constant usage. 

Samantha Wallace, Board Member and Interim Executive Director of Catholic Charities, notes “Catholic Charities is grateful for the $7,000 grant provided by the Maryland Food Bank. This award will allow Catholic Charities to better meet the needs of our food insecure neighbors and extend services where residents face limited access to nutritional support.”

Catholic Charities’ Seton Center is a multi-purpose neighborhood community center which offers a food cooperative and an emergency food pantry.  Seton Center has a Basic Needs program which supports families and individuals at risk of becoming homeless, family strengthening and case management services, a thrift center, and other essential programs. For more information about Seton Center, please go to https://www.ccwilm.org/seton-center. Additional information can be found at the agency’s website at https://www.ccwilm.org or by calling your local Catholic Charities office. 

Catholic Charities Awarded $150,000 Grant from Home4Good

January 8, 2024 – Wilmington, DE – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington received a $150,000 grant from the Home4Good program to support the agency’s Homelessness Prevention program from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. Home4Good is jointly offered by the FHLB-Pittsburgh and the Delaware State Housing Authority. Home4Good helps those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by channeling dollars to local service organizations that know how to help.

With the funds, Catholic Charities will continue to work with low and very low income individuals to address conditions which threaten housing security. In this post-pandemic economy, prices of basic needs have increased dramatically.  Simultaneously, many people are experiencing job losses or a reduction in working hours.  The threat of homelessness is now impacting individuals who previously believed that they were secure in their shelters, forcing many to rely on support for the first time.  Catholic Charities will use the grant to reduce homelessness by providing evidence based services to reduce poverty, provide safe shelter, and encourage self-sufficiency through financial assistance, case management, and referrals to community services. 

According to Fritz Jones, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, “Catholic Charities is grateful to the Home4Good Program for supporting the ongoing provision of critical services focused on helping the most vulnerable members of our community remain securely housed.”

Laffey-McHugh Foundation Awards $75,000 to Catholic Charities

January 8, 2024 – Wilmington, DE – The Laffey-McHugh Foundation recently awarded a $75,000 grant to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington for the Basic Needs Program. Catholic Charities will use this grant to support underserved low income families and individuals with case management, financial assistance, and community service referrals. In this challenging post-pandemic economy where unemployment, underemployment, and the cost of living all skyrocketed, many people are in imminent danger of eviction, foreclosure, or utility disconnections. The grant will provide Catholic Charities financial support to help administer the basic needs program, which assists people to avoid homelessness, regain financial stability, and identify resources available to build a sustainable future.

Todd Veale, Executive Director of The Laffey-McHugh Foundation, stated that the Foundation received many more requests for grants than it could support.  He noted, “In making the difficult decision to select initiatives with high impact, your request met our criteria.”

Fritz Jones, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, said, “Catholic Charities gratefully acknowledges this generous support from The Laffey-McHugh Foundation. Catholic Charities Basic Needs Program dates back to the 1960s and cares for households with financial stressors jeopardizing permanent housing. The grant will allow Catholic Charities to continue to support low-income households who need help paying for basic living expenses.”

Catholic Charities Awarded $44,000 from the Highmark Delaware Fund

January 8, 2024 – Wilmington, DE – Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware was pleased to award Catholic Charities with a BluePrints for the Community small grant to support Access to Behavior Health Services for Very Low to Low Income Families program. BluePrints for the Community, housed by the Delaware Community Foundation, has contributed over $35 million to the community since its inception in 2007. It was established to increase access to care and reduce health care disparities in Delaware.

“Highmark has been actively engaged in supporting not just members, but all Delawareans, in navigating the challenges of Medicaid redeterminations. Highmark is grateful to Catholic Charities for all they do for our neighbors and ensuring affordable access to behavioral health as we continue to address the impact of recent Medicaid changes. We thank our colleagues at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware and BluePrints for the Community for assisting with this important work,” said Todd Graham, president of Highmark Health Options.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware serves approximately 500,000 members through the company’s health care benefits business. It is an influential company in the market generating an economic impact of $135 million and supporting more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware has been named a Top Workplace in Delaware and a Top Workplace USA. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmarkbcbsde.com.

The mission of the Delaware Community Foundation is to improve the lives of the people of Delaware by empowering and growing philanthropy through knowledge and relationships, now and in the future. As a facilitator, information resource and manager of charitable funds, the DCF helps communities and philanthropists focus charitable resources for the greatest community benefit statewide. For more information, visit delcf.org or call 302.571.8004.

Fritz Jones, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, notes “Catholic Charities is grateful for the $44,000 grant provided by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. This award will allow Catholic Charities to continue providing support for low income families in our community by offering affordable behavioral health services.” 

@Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware

Catholic Charities Awarded $10,000 Grant from Citizens Bank

January 4, 2023 – Wilmington, DE – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington received a $10,000 grant from Citizens Bank as Support for the Basic Needs Program. Catholic Charities will assist individuals of low income to reduce poverty, prevent homelessness, and encourage self-sufficiency through financial assistance, case management, and referrals to community services. In this post-pandemic economy where the cost of living has skyrocketed, many people are threatened by eviction, foreclosure, or utility disconnections. The program offers hope for families and provides support to create sustainable financial security.

Citizens Helping Citizens is rooted in the belief that when people and communities reach their potential, we all thrive. Through the Citizens Helping Citizens initiative, time, resources and talent are invested to support the communities in which we live and work. 

Fritz Jones, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, notes “Catholic Charities is proud to partner with Citizen’s Bank to share our resources with the most vulnerable among us. We have a lot of work to do and this grant from Citizen’s Bank helps us get that important work done.” 

For more information about the Basic Needs Program, find us online at https://www.ccwilm.org/basic-needs/ or call your local Catholic Charities office. 

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington is a faith-based, social services organization, delivering critical direct care human services to over 83,000 individuals and families residing in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. To learn more about Catholic Charities, please visit https://www.ccwilm.org