Grant Impact Story
Catholic Foundation awards Catholic Social Ministry grants to projects and ministries that embrace and align with Catholic social teaching and answer the Gospel call to respond to needs within the community. While a variety of programs receive grant funding every year, what they all have in common are projects that respect and serve others in need and efforts that realize tangible impact.
Maria House Project in Erie is a drug and alcohol counseling and recovery facility for men, also housing men released from correctional facilities that are in need of a new way of life. They provide care for not only the residents’ physical needs but also their spiritual needs. Maria House was awarded a grant to support the residents’ spiritual development. The funds expanded the program’s library and spiritual resources and provided the men with a personalized religious medal upon completion of the program. Remaining funds supported staff training and updating and replenishing drug testing equipment to ensure residents are maintaining their sobriety.
Joe Tarquinio, past Executive Director, shared that all the short-term goals laid out in his grant application were achieved. “The specific Bibles, devotionals and spiritual books are written with the addict in mind, so residents can relate and apply the lessons to their unique situations. Residents also look forward to viewing episodes of The Chosen. Not only do the residents gain from the knowledge presented, but the facilitators are growing in their faith and in self esteem by improving their organizational and speaking skills, which will help them interact in the community. May God continue to bless the Catholic Foundation.”
St. Patrick’s Haven in Erie is a ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph that provides homeless men with a nightly refuge. Their grant was used to update their outdoor location and security signage on the property. Funds also purchased free-standing trays and durable, break-resistant plates and bowls so every resident can have a nourishing and dignified meal.
“This project enabled our staff to promote the care and love we provide our neighbors,” Shelby Folga, Executive Director, wrote in her grant report. One goal that was met was using the signage to increase their guests’ knowledge of policies and share with the greater community their outreach efforts and location. “Standing TV trays and break-resistant bowls and plates enabled our guests to receive nourishment in a way that enhanced their self-respect and dignity. Our staff have noticed a decline in broken dinnerware and spills.” Some excess funds were approved to purchase additional cots for emergency additional beds in extreme weather and during winter.
“We are deeply grateful for the generous support we have received through this grant,” Shelby shared in her grant report. “This support has allowed us to fulfill our mission of providing a safe overnight shelter while fostering an environment of self-respect and dignity. We are blessed to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Foundation and make a lasting impact on the lives of our staff and the individuals we serve. May God watch over the donors who have made this grant possible as they embody His compassion.”
Prince of Peace Center in Farrell has a mission to strengthen families, build community, and reduce poverty. Their grant supported their Hope and Faith programs, which guide, counsel, and empower clients in crisis and help them learn strategies that help prevent reoccurring emergency situations.
In a year, 67 people benefited from the Hope and Faith programs, including adults and children. Some of these included securing housing for homeless individuals. Sarah Worthington, Executive Director, reported, “the case management services provided included guidance on safe and affordable housing, increasing skills and income, and assistance in building self-sufficiency. The overall impact to the community is significant because with the help of Prince of Peace Center, these individuals are working to become responsible, productive members of society.”
Sarah added in thanks, “With the ability to help pay to keep the lights on or to keep a neighbor in their home, this funding has been instrumental in helping us meet the needs of our neighbors and work to build self-sufficiency in those seeking our services. We appreciate your generosity and are thankful for your partnership.”
The Diocese of Erie Office for Women Religious received a grant to support the work of Catholic Rural Ministry in Oil City, run by Tina Geiger, RSM, and Marian Wehler, OSB. Their project specifically provided funds for families in immediate crisis and need assistance with rent, utilities, medical treatment, or transportation. Applicant Sister Tina said the aid provided will stabilize families. Their “financial crisis will be alleviated, and the family will have a plan of action for future self-sufficiency.”
Sister Tina reported the grant was used to stabilize 111 families consisting of 258 persons with a variety of crises and household needs. “Aid is needed because folks live check to check and fall behind with one sickness, which leads to loss of income as most employment is part time without benefits. The impact on the population served was life or death. For these 258 lives: life WON.”
Both Sister Tina and Sister Marian shared their thanks. “We sincerely thank all of you who allow us to see the effects of your generosity day in and day out. You are truly the difference between death and life, despair and hope, cruelty and compassion. Thank you!”
These projects were supported by grants from the Catholic Social Ministry Endowment and the Robert M. Gallivan Charitable Endowment of the Catholic Foundation. Your gift to the Foundation in any amount designated for these endowments increases our capacity to award grants for impactful Catholic social ministry initiatives throughout northwest Pennsylvania.
“With the ability to help pay to keep the lights on or to keep a neighbor in their home, this funding has been instrumental in helping us meet the needs of our neighbors and work to build self-sufficiency in those seeking our services. We appreciate your generosity and are thankful for your partnership.”