When Cecilia* and her young son escaped the fear and trauma of domestic violence last year, she found a welcoming community in Catholic Charities’ House of the Good Shepherd Ministry and the assistance she needed to start over.

When our neighbors face their darkest moments, we respond.

At Catholic Charities, illuminating lives with hope is our mission. Hope is so much more than a wish for a better outcome … it is the certainty of God’s love for all of us. The light of hope is so powerful that even the faintest glimmer can pierce darkness.

These flickers of hope empowered Cecilia, who went on to earn an associate degree. She beams with pride at this accomplishment and shares her plans for a career working with survivors, inspired by the knowledge of how escaping her abuser positively impacted her and her young son.

We witness transformations like Cecilia’s every day at Catholic Charities — in every call we answer, every baby we help feed, and every mom and survivor we accompany. With courageous compassion and joy, we take care to make every helping action, no matter how small, a message of hope.

As a doula at Catholic Charities, Keiona Johnson’s message to new mom Dominica* was simple: “I’m helping you advocate for yourself, and at the same time, I’m helping you feel empowered and confident.”

Dominica learned not only how to prepare for labor and delivery but also how to be a mom. Keiona accompanied Dominica in her birth journey, from prenatal appointments to the birth plan to delivery. She helped her find her footing in the first few months of her son’s life. This family, as well as Cecilia’s and many others, has been strengthened by the programs and services of Catholic Charities.

This critical work is possible because of partners like you, who serve alongside, pray with, and support us financially. You help make all who come to Catholic Charities feel welcome, seen, and loved.

As we walk with our neighbors today, so many of them are facing profound new challenges in an economy and world that keeps pushing their dreams out of reach. At the same time, we see how a simple act of kindness, just one small flicker of hope, makes a difference. When it’s multiplied, the impact is transformational.  

This is no time for business as usual — it’s a time to show up, to shine out, and bring light into the darkest circumstances. When our neighbors seek a warm meal, connection to counseling, or refuge from domestic violence, your continued support ensures Catholic Charities is there to help. 

Thank you for being part of our Catholic Charities community and for showing that the light of hope cannot be extinguished.

*Names changed for privacy

Colleen Kennedy is Vice President, Institutional Advancement, for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Catholic Charities partners with mission-driven people and organizations to witness a message of mercy and hope across Cook and Lake counties, accompanying anyone in need, regardless of race, gender, faith, or ethnicity. Learn more at CatholicCharities.net/mothers.