NEWS RELEASE
February 3, 2025
YOUNGSTOWN, OH –
The Most Reverend David J. Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, has designated February as “Catholic Charities Awareness Month” in the Diocese of Youngstown. This occasion provides an opportunity for Catholic parishioners and the community to learn more about the important ministry of Catholic Charities, whose mission is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same.
Catholic Charities is the administrative arm of the Bishop for carrying out social concerns activities on behalf of the Church. Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Youngstown includes a Diocesan Department responsible for supporting and coordinating activities for three affiliate agencies: Catholic Charities of Ashtabula County; Catholic Charities Serving Portage and Stark Counties; and Catholic Charities Regional Agency, which serves Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties. Collectively, the affiliate agencies maintain nine service sites throughout the six-county region.
“I am proud of the work Catholic Charities does in our communities to provide help and create hope,” Bishop Bonnar states. “Our faith tradition consistently reinforces our obligation to care for one another, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable among us. Catholic Charities is a welcome oasis for our neighbors seeking tangible assistance and relief from the anxieties of living in today’s world. Our caring, compassionate and resourceful staff change lives daily, offering a ‘hand up’ to those facing a financial crisis or set-back.”
While Catholic Charities’ services vary depending on local needs, the core programs offered by all three affiliate agencies are Basic Needs Assistance, which provides help with housing, utilities, food, clothing and other necessities, and the First Step Program, which provides material assistance and support to expectant parents and parents with children ages 0-3. All Catholic Charities’ services are available to anyone meeting income requirements and as resources allow.
“One of the most common misconceptions is that Catholic Charities only serves Catholics,” explains Rachel Hrbolich, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities. “We do not question a person’s faith or lack of faith. We look at the needs presented to us and work from there. It is our faith and rootedness in the teachings of Jesus Christ that motivate us to serve others.”
In 2024, Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Youngstown served over 30,000 people. The majority of those served received Basic Needs Assistance, primarily to stabilize housing situations, to keep utilities on and to keep food on tables.
“Many of those who walk through our doors are people working one or more jobs but are unable to make ends meet. They are frustrated by stagnant wages, inconsistent work hours, and lack of paid time off, which can make staying home with a sick child or taking care of their own health and responsibilities outside of work difficult,” Hrbolich states.
While the three affiliate agencies are responsible for providing social services, Catholic Charities’ Office of Peace and Justice, working in tandem with the Catholic Conference of Ohio and Catholic Charities USA, advocates for just and fair legislative policies at the local, state, and federal levels that benefit poor and working poor families.
Additionally, Catholic Charities works with other organizations in the community to discuss challenges and work on solutions to the barriers many people face in their quest for greater financial self-sufficiency and well-being.
During Catholic Charities Awareness Month, representatives from Catholic Charities will provide a brief presentation at each Catholic Church in the Diocese of Youngstown. Resources will be made available to parishes and to the public providing additional information, including volunteer opportunities and ideas for service projects to benefit those Catholic Charities serves.
To engage with Catholic Charities, visit ccdoy.org, or connect on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn by searching Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown.
For more information, contact Rachel Hrbolich, Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities at 330-744-8451 or rhrbolich@youngstowndiocee.org
