The year was 1956. Archbishop Edward J. Hunkeler, Monsignor John Horvat and Thomas Daly met to discuss the establishment of a new organization within the Archdiocese. Its sole focus would be on the management of “Catholic charitable activities,” especially the adoption of children into Catholic homes. On October 23 of that year, a non-profit named Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was formed.
Today, the organization continues to be a thriving ministry of the Archdiocese, but operates under the name of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Early on, it was known as a “safety net” agency, providing for immediate needs such as food, clothing and shelter. In recent years, it has expanded from stabilizing to strengthening families through more than 20 programs and services impacting every stage of life.
“We continue to match newborn babies with their ‘forever families’ through adoption and counsel those faced with an unexpected pregnancy. We also resettle refugees forced to flee their country out of fear of death or persecution; offer in-home support to the elderly who need assistance with personal care, homemaking activities and errands; and provide compassionate, hospice care to those at the end of life’s journey,” says Ken Williams, President and CEO.
Williams adds that Catholic Charities will always give help to those who need food and other basics to survive. “Now, we’re working to make families stronger long-term, and moving them forward towards self-sufficiency,” he says. “We’re giving them hope.”
- Read the full online version of the October 2016 Hope Notes E-Newsletter
