Frank was on the cusp of a life-changing moment.

He had been accepted into a carpentry apprenticeship program, which promised a stable income and a chance for him to learn a trade that he could carry with him for the rest of his life. But there was a catch –
Frank needed carpentry tools but was unable to afford them.

Frustrated and unsure of where to turn, Frank remembered a conversation he had with his friend, Rob. Like Frank, Rob had also faced difficult times in his life. He had been convicted of a felony and served time in prison. But when Rob was released, he had decided to turn his life around. With determination and a newfound sense of purpose, he had entered the same carpentry apprenticeship program that Frank had just joined. Rob was someone Frank admired, as he had recently completed work on the new Kansas City International Airport and worked his way up in the company to make $32 per hour.

So Frank reached out to Rob, hoping that his friend might have some advice on how to acquire the tools he needed. Rob listened to Frank’s predicament; smiled warmly and told him about Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph.    

Rob explained how they were an organization that believed in helping people in their darkest hours, just as God had been with His people in the most unassuming of times. He told Frank about the support they had provided him, from financial assistance to guidance and mentorship.   

Filled with newfound hope, Frank decided to contact Catholic Charities the very next day. There, he was met with kindness and understanding. The staff at Catholic Charities recognized his potential and agreed to help him purchase the tools he needed to begin his apprenticeship. Frank was overwhelmed with gratitude.

Since joining the apprenticeship program this past summer, Frank has worked diligently to learn the art of carpentry. With the tools he has acquired, he is honing his skills and slowly building a better life for himself. Frank and Rob’s friendship is tightened by joining the same profession, which demands hard work, perseverance, and resilience.

Their lives are a testament to the verse from Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone.” God’s hand had indeed been working throughout their lives, bringing renewal and hope when they needed it most. And as they continued their journey together, Frank and Rob knew that they were proof that God could make all things new, even in the most unexpected of ways.

This year, you can assist men and women who are facing barriers in their lives see past the darkness and glimpse the great light of a supportive community. You can restore dignity and provide hope by making a gift to Catholic Charities, assuring that help will be there when people like Frank and Rob need it.