When I started working at Catholic Charities, I realized I was in the right place at the right time. I discovered helping people is exactly what I wanted to do. It felt like it was divine purpose.  

I knew I could make a difference in the lives of the people we were assisting in our social service centers and food pantries. It wasn’t easy, and often very hard. But the blessing behind working for Catholic Charities is that I can speak about the goodness of God, how He manifests in my life, and how I use Him as my guide every day. I believe God has me at Catholic Charities for a purpose and a reason: This is my season to be where he wants me to be to serve others.  

Twenty-five years later, I’m celebrating a work anniversary with Catholic Charities and continuing the mission, and my passion, of serving people in need with compassion. 

For the last five years, I’ve served as Director of Food Pantries managing 50 volunteers and staff. Last year, Catholic Charities food pantries distributed food to nearly 53,000 people in 20,000 households in both Cook and Lake counties. 

I’ve worked in the pantries, helped people access financial assistance, processed applications, and worn all the hats. Many of the people who visit our pantries not only want to feed their families, but they may need clothing and rental, utility, or transportation assistance. I understand what people are experiencing and how I can help them learn and grow. 

I pride myself on making sure we have a welcoming environment when our guests visit our food pantries. When they walk through the door, they’re graced with dignity as we greet them. We invite them to sit down and we ask, “What can we help you with?” We do our very best to try to make people feel encouraged, feel as if they belong, and not necessarily that they’re being shunned because they need help. 

Just last month, we’ve extended our reach to those in need with the launch of our new Curbside Pantry in South Suburban Cook. It’s a food pantry on wheels. Guests are greeted by a Catholic Charities team member, and a personal shopper — usually one of our dedicated volunteers — who assists with picking out food, fresh produce, and other non-food items they may need. 

We’re going into communities where there is food insecurity and not enough affordable grocery options. Park Forest is one of those communities, and we are also planning to bring our Curbside Pantry into Robbins. We want to make sure people can still receive food when grocery stores are miles away. 

Our communities are hurting, and many will be impacted by cuts in SNAP and Medicaid. The blessing behind having food pantries and being of support to our communities is what brings us joy and what brings us motivation to keep moving. We’re here so that folks are not going hungry and know they can come to a safe establishment to meet their needs. 

That’s what my ministry is all about: To continue to fight to make sure we have what we need to have in these communities so that no one is wondering where their next meal is going to come from. 

Catholic Charities relies greatly on volunteers to staff our pantries, and food and financial donations to keep our shelves stocked. I welcome you to consider sponsoring a food drive in your church or school, making a financial contribution, or joining our team of volunteers. Please visit http://www.ccofchicagovolunteer.com for more information. We’d love to have you join us — help us witness a message of mercy and hope to people in need. 

Sharon Holmes is the Director of Food Pantries for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.