💛 HOPE and LOVE for our COMMUNITY!

Help Us Combat Summer Crises:

Your Generosity Can Change Lives Today!

This summer, countless individuals and families are facing unprecedented challenges. From the sweltering heat to unexpected emergencies, the need for compassionate assistance has never been greater. Catholic Charities is dedicated to providing vital support to those in crisis, but we can't do it alone. Your generous donation can make a world of difference, offering relief and hope to those who need it most. Stand with us and be a beacon of hope in someone's life. Donate today and help us bring relief to those enduring summer crises.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Social Services Leader Ruth Anne White Named Executive Director

of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington

Bishop Koenig has appointed Ruth Anne White as Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Wilmington. White comes to the Diocese from the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare in College Park, Md., where she served as its Co-founder and Executive Director since May 2008. She replaces Fritz Jones who retired in January after 45 years of service in leadership with Catholic Charities.

“Ms. White is one of the nation’s leading experts on child welfare and housing policy. We are blessed to have her join our diocese as the new executive director of Catholic Charities,” said Bishop Koenig. “Her vast experience working with the homeless, youth and children, coupled with her tremendous management and administrative experience, makes her the ideal person to lead our ministries serving our most vulnerable brothers and sisters in Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

“As I prepare to join the Catholic Charities team in Wilmington, I do so with

a profound sense of gratitude to Bishop Koenig, the Board of Directors,

and the sophisticated network of professionals and parishioners who deliver

God’s message of hope and love through their life and work.

I look forward to investing the inspiration I draw from my Catholic faith and tapping

the goodwill of others to dramatically expand our capacity to help shape strong, healthy,

and vibrant communities across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

In addition to her tenure at the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare, White has served as Director of Housing and Community Development Policy for Catholic Charities USA in Alexandria, Va.; Director of Housing and Homelessness for the Child Welfare League in Washington; Program Manager for the Hospitality Center and VOA Family Shelter for Volunteers of America of Central Ohio in Columbus; and Family Development Specialist and Interim Director for Lutheran Social Services Supportive Housing Department in Columbus, Ohio.

Ruth Anne White will begin her new position next month.

To read the full article in The Dialog, click here.

Catholic Charities to Reopen Princess Anne Homeless Shelter

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington will reopen and manage the facility formerly known as Lower Shore Shelter located at 12518 Somerset Avenue in Princess Anne, Maryland. The shelter, owned by Somerset County, has been closed since last summer. Catholic Charities will lease the home and hopes to open the NEW homeless shelter to the community by mid-summer.

“We look forward to reopening the shelter and welcoming those who are in need.

It is another opportunity for the Catholic community to answer the Gospel mandate

to love our neighbor by helping the less fortunate. We are blessed to be

able to expand our services in Somerset County in this manner.”

— Bishop William E. Koenig

Seton Center was established in 1983 by the Sisters of Charity to serve the needs of the community. For many years, Catholic Charities has operated Seton Center, a multi-purpose neighborhood community center also located in Princess Anne, MD.

To read the full article in The Dialog, click here.

How We Help

Client Success Story

Seton Center, Eastern Shore Maryland

In April, Angie* and her 8-year-old son, William*, came to Seton Center requesting assistance. They had moved to Somerset County to flee domestic violence and were promised a place to stay with someone she thought trustworthy. Unfortunately, her “friend” stole her SNAP benefits and kicked them out of the house.

They felt alone, without money or a place to stay, no family to turn to, no form of transportation, and now, no benefits. Angie was anxiously calling emergency shelters in the area, but couldn't find any with available beds. Angie told me she felt so defeated —every time things started going well, something would happen out of her control causing a setback. Seton Center responded to their cry for help and provided food and housing for several days.

Since they were transient, William, who is on the autism spectrum, had not been to school for a few weeks. Angie was desperate to get him re-enrolled in school and find employment for herself. She had scheduled a job interview and was doing everything she could to improve their situation. Angie continued calling emergency shelters with no luck. The team at Seton Center supported this family until Angie got hired and enrolled William in school. When she needed money for transportation to work, Seton Center provided bus tokens.

Because no shelters had space, Seton Center extended their housing stay and provided them with more food, as well as gift cards to local restaurants. Angie was so appreciative, she hugged and thanked me! The turn of events allowed them both to share a healthy hot meal, and since William was now attending school, he was feeling "excited to have homework". Angie shared with me that at one point she feared she was going to have to turn William over to foster care — she felt overwhelmed and out of options.

Catholic Charities Seton Center was able to keep Angie and William together, limit trauma, and offer safe housing and nutritious food in their time of need. Difficult situations like these remind us of the positive impact we can have on people’s lives.

We are happy to report that Angie and William will be the first guests in our NEW shelter— and I look forward to seeing them thrive! — Seton Center Staff Member

To learn more about Seton Center, click here.

*Names have been changed to protect client privacy.

Catholic Charities Seton Center Awarded Three Grants

Catholic Charities Seton Center has been awarded three grants from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. The Community Needs grant provides $10,000 for operating expenses; the Community Initiatives grant pledges $15,000 in funding to expand Seton Center’s thrift store; and a $5,000 grant funds direct assistance and transportation expenses for women.

“Catholic Charities deeply appreciates the generosity of the Community Foundation

of the Eastern Shore in awarding $30,000 in grants to Seton Center.

These funds will enable us to assist many families in Somerset County. We are grateful

for this opportunity to partner with CFES to improve lives in our community.”

— Samantha Wallace, Interim Executive Director

Seton Center is a multi-purpose community center committed to the work of advocacy, outreach and assistance. The staff work to identify and respond to Somerset County residents who are struggling to meet basic needs. Offering financial assistance with rent, utility, and prescription medication, access to food through a self-help cooperative and emergency pantry, counseling services, and healthcare resources, Seton Center staff and volunteers work to make the community a better place. The thrift store on site specializes in new and gently used clothing and household goods, and its expansion will allow larger items to be available, such as furniture or appliances.

To learn more about the Seton Center, click here.

Basic Needs Program

Catholic Charities Receives $5,000 Grant from DuPont

The Basic Needs program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington received $5,000 through

a DuPont Community Impact Grant. The grant will assist low-income households experiencing a financial crisis to pay for basic expenses such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food, and/or clothing.

Catholic Charities works with partner organizations throughout the region, and is prepared to help those in need using its extensive network. The funds from the DuPont grant will support the efforts to meet the basic needs of qualified individuals in our region. Catholic Charities Basic Needs program focuses on avoiding homelessness and connecting clients to essential medical and behavioral health care services.

“DuPont is a committed corporate partner, dedicated to providing support

to Delawareans in need. Catholic Charities is proud to work with DuPont

to share our resources with the most vulnerable."

— Samantha Wallace, Interim Executive Director, Catholic Charities

To learn more about the Basic Needs program, click here.

Catholic Charities Food Assistance Program

We Welcome Volunteers of All Ages

Join our team of Food Assistance volunteers! Our food cooperatives and food pantries need volunteers to bag groceries for distribution and stock shelves with donated goods. Call the location you want to help to see what current opportunities are available. Volunteers must apply and be interviewed prior to beginning work.

To learn more about volunteering with Catholic Charities, click here.

To download the volunteer application, click here.

To submit a volunteer application or questions, contact Leslie Williams at lwilliams@ccwilm.org

or call 302-468-4502.

To donate to our food distribution efforts online, click here. If you prefer, mail a check to: Development Office, Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, P.O. Box 2030, Wilmington, DE 19899.

Designate Food Assistance on the memo line.

(L to R) Reverend Monsignor Steven P. Hurley, VG; with altar servers from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Eliana Manzanillo, Analeigh Manzanillo, and Deacon Francis Quinlan.

A Special Thanks to the Manzanillo Family

Eliana and Analeigh Manzanillo, altar servers from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, raised $363 by selling homemade baked goods after Sunday mass. Proceeds from their bake sale will be donated to Catholic Charities Bayard House, the only fully-licensed residential maternity program in Delaware.

To learn more about the Bayard House program, click here.

2024 Bishop’s 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, November 16, 2024

Saint Mark’s High School

Get your School and Parish Teams

Ready over the Summer!

This fun event brings the community together to heighten awareness of the services that Catholic Charities provides. Runners and walkers will compete to see who makes the best time, and will be awarded medals, along with a complimentary race t-shirt and refreshments.

For sponsorship info, contact Stephanie Kelton at Skelton@cdow.org or call 302-573-3120.

Thank You to Our Supporters & Partners!

We Appreciate the following Catholic Charities Partners

Rocco and Mary Abessinio

Applied Bank

Bank of America

Delaware Community Foundation

Delaware State Housing Authority

Catholic Charities USA

Citizens Bank

Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore

Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh

Highmark Delaware Fund of the Delaware Community Foundation

Laffey-McHugh Foundation

Maryland Food Bank

New Castle County Department of Community Services

Raskob Foundation

Somerset County Commissioners

State of Delaware - DSCYF & DHSS

United Way of Delaware

United Way of Lower Eastern Shore

Catholic Charities serves the most vulnerable in Delaware and the

Eastern Shore of Maryland, regardless of religion, race, or ability to pay.

For more information about Catholic Charities, click here.

To make a donation to Catholic Charities, click here.

To learn about employment opportunities, click here.

To follow us on Facebook, click here.

Catholic Charities Mission

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington exists to help fulfill the Christian duty to love and serve God's people. Our mission is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The universal and local Church proclaims the Gospel and teaches the recognition of the dignity and sacredness of each human life and the belief that we are called to share our resources with the most vulnerable among us.

It is the mission of Catholic Charities to address human suffering and to promote and restore the well-being of people and society by:

Providing, as a primary focus, caring service to families and persons in need;
Coming together with members of the community to become informed about and to take action on critical social issues; and,
Advocating publicly for social policies which enhance human dignity and safeguard basic human rights.

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No person is excluded from service because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin.

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