On Tuesday, October 14, more than 50 women gathered in Powers Hall at St. John for our first Evening for Women program of the year, which featured guest speaker Kelley Tuthill, President and CEO of Catholic Charities Boston.
Kelley, a long-time St. John parishioner, shared the history of Catholic Charities, which began in 1903 in response to the appalling social conditions of Boston’s immigrant and predominantly Catholic population. Today, Catholic Charities Boston is one of the most comprehensive social service non-profit organizations in Massachusetts, with programs across 20+ locations serving neighbors of all faiths and backgrounds that help move people from crisis to self-sufficiency. Programs include shelters and food assistance, youth and family services, child care and summer programs, refugee and immigrant services, adult education, English language classes, and job training.
She highlighted the tremendous support that our Collaborative has provided over the years, from our work as a POWIR parish resettling refugees to our generous support of the annual Ash Wednesday Collection that supports Catholic Charities. Kelley spoke about the many challenges facing the organization as federal funds have been cut as needs continue to rise. At the same time, she stressed how important it is, in a world that can seem filled with hate, that we respond with love and hope.
Kelley asked that we share the following message with the Evening for Women program:
I want to thank you all for inviting me to speak at Tuesday night’s Evening for Women and for the warm welcome. I am proud to be part of such an amazing community at St. John-St. Paul’s and grateful for the opportunity to share the important work of Catholic Charities with you. I appreciate the support so many of you have given to our clients over the years. I was inspired by your thoughtful questions and your eagerness to learn about how you can continue to make an impact for our neighbors in need. I want to share with you some ways to get involved.
Click here to learn more about our volunteer opportunities or email Alicia_Ridenour@ccab.org.
To learn more about our work, read our latest impact report here.
To give a gift please visit our website or email Paula_Finnerty@ccab.org.
Again, thank you for your interest in learning more about the important work of Catholic Charities in our community. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any questions at kelley_tuthill@ccab.org
Kelley Tuthill