We celebrate Mother Teresa’s feast day – September 5 – each and every year. It’s a powerful reminder of why Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph exists. When Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, she told the Vatican that their work would be to care for “the hungry, homeless, the crippled, the blind – all those who feel unwanted, unloved and uncared for.” That’s our work, too.
Each day I see families come into the Welcome Center where Larry or Katie or another staff member greets them. They ask that powerful question: “how can we help you?” and relief floods across the faces of our clients. The most impactful moment, however comes after our staff have found an answer to the immediate crisis and continues the conversation with “Tell me about what’s going on in your life so we can assist you in getting stable.” That is the moment the spark of hope for a better life rekindles and they start to find a pathway out of poverty.
Our staff will blush at the comparison to Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity – but it’s a well deserved comparison. They bring their best to work each day.
They have diverse backgrounds and a variety of skill sets. Some are social workers. Others have worked for government or law enforcement agencies. They have served in the armed forces. Organizational management experience has given them some insights applicable to our complex multi-service agency. None are professed members of a religious order, but they belong to an impassioned fellowship, dedicated to making certain that all are treated with dignity, and everyone who comes through our doors is seen, heard and valued.
Our mission statement concludes with the invitation for all people of good will to join us in alleviating poverty. This means there’s a place for you!
You can support this work through prayer. Remember our clients and our staff when you are spending time with God.
Your financial support allows us to be here when clients need us. Any donation of any size is put to good use, and stewarded to reach the most people in need. Scan the QR code below, or watch for our Mother Teresa appeal in your mailbox for an envelope to return your donation.
Volunteering at our office, one of our pantries or as part of our mobile outreach is truly working in the streets just like Mother Teresa’s sisters. Many hands are needed – as we reach out to all our 27 counties there is something for everyone to do. Contact Linda Hopkins, our Volunteer Manager, at volunteers@ccharities.com and get started.
God’s blessings to you on Mother Teresa’s feast day, and every day. Thank you for your prayers, support, and care for our vulnerable neighbors.
By Karen Noel, CEO