The award celebrates the unity and identity of Catholic Charities’ Services in the diocese 

NEWS RELEASE
April 2, 2024

Contact: Jennifer Lucarelli, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, (330) 744-8451, ext. 316; jlucarelli@youngstowndiocese.org 

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown, and The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, will host the annual Catholic Charities Voice of Hope Dinner on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the Eastwood Event Centre in Niles. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception. Dinner service will begin at 6:20 p.m.  Sister Mildred Ely, H.M. (Niles) and the Diocesan Prison and Jail Ministry Volunteers, represented by  Mr. William Barber (Ravenna), will be recognized with Voice of Hope Awards for their dedication, service, and support of Catholic Charities over the course of their ministries with the Church.

You can read Sister Mildred Ely’s biography here, and William Barber’s here. 

Event attractions for 2024 include a video presentation, Entertainment from Backbeat with John Reese, raffles, prizes, and a Youngstown “Wedding Style” Cookie Table dessert display.All proceeds from the Catholic Charities Voice of Hope Dinner support basic needs assistance for individuals and families in all six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown (Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage, Stark and Trumbull). In 2023, Catholic Charities served more than 31,000 people, 94% of whom were living at or below the federal poverty line.

 “The Voice of Hope Dinner provides an opportunity to showcase all of the good work Catholic Charities is doing in our communities for all those in need—whether they are Catholic or not,” explains Rachel Hrbolich, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities. “It’s also a great evening out to celebrate people who promote the mission of Catholic Charities in their own lives through service to others.” 

For complete details or to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.ccdoy.org/voice-of-hope-2024/.