Catholic Heart Workcamp Makes a Difference

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson, and our three agencies (Catholic Family and Community Services, Straight and Narrow, and Department for Persons with Disabilities) have been blessed to have another wonderful group of young volunteers for this summer's participation in Catholic Heart Work Camp (CHWC)!

While most teens enjoy the traditional ways to unwind after the school year, young people from CHWC chose to donate their time to support those in need.

CHWC volunteers supported thousands of individuals served by Catholic Charities, including food pantry shoppers, the children of our youth programs, the elderly, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and families in need. Their goodwill and teamwork were commendable. These youth volunteers came from across the country and all paid their way to get here.

Our Catholic Family and Community Services (CFCS) provided these spirited teens with an opportunity to become well acquainted with the agency's diverse ministry and multitude of programs. At the Father English food pantry, they unloaded truckloads of food, sorted and packed hundreds of bags of food to distribute to our clients, painted bathrooms, weeded and cleaned our parking lot, and planted flowers. During lunch, they shared their own insights and experiences from their time with us. They were hardworking, fun to be with, and generous in so many ways. They even took in some local history and had their bus driver stop at the Great Falls National Park.

In addition, Father English was able to host a team of campers from the Archdiocesan Summer Service Week under the Direction of Glen McCall, Director of Youth Programs at Mount Carmel in Ridgewood. Glen, a longtime volunteer at FECC, led his team to unload pallets of food from Table to Table, sort and pack food for distribution, and even help sweep and clean the floors at the end of the day.
 
Sister Maureen Sullivan, Director of Volunteers for CFCS said, “We were truly blessed to welcome these young people and we will miss them. Let us continue to pray for all of the volunteers who help us. They truly have the spirit of our Gospel mission. We look forward to having them back next year.”

At Friendship Corner 2, one the agency’s Early Learning Programs, the teens painted, added decorative wall art, and helped to get the building ready for fall class instruction. They also interacted with the children with wonderful activities. Gloria Bodker, Director of Friendship Corner 2, said “this group was terrific. They always look forward to having the CHWC because they always bring such joy and energy to their program.”

The youth group at the Senior Adult Day Program in Paterson organized wonderful intergenerational activities. They prepared pancakes for the seniors, hosted an ice cream social, and had exercise time to music. In turn, the seniors taught the young people to crochet.

In Franklin, the campers visited our Partnership for Social Services Program. Here, they weeded the garden, sorted the storage room for the thrift shop, and painted the hallways and bathroom.  Kathy Talmadge, Director of Partnership, noted “They were a wonderful team that never stopped helping.”
 
The Straight and Narrow Family Success Center was also blessed to have a group from CHWC. The children and adults assisted with different tasks at the center. Leaving the center grateful for everything they have done, they organized in-kind donations, gardened, and created a beautiful mural for the center that is already being recognized by families from the community. Additionally, they were able to visit Straight and Narrow's La Vida School program, where they assisted with various tasks around the Early Learning Program. "Thank you for generously sharing your time and energy with us here at the Straight and Narrow, Family Success Center! You gave us a helping hand when we needed it most. You set a remarkable example for others. We appreciate the incredible gift of your service.” said Berenice Lopez, the Director of the Family Success Center.
 
Over at the Department for Persons for Disabilities, campers visited 5 group homes, beautifying grounds and uplifting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “It is so refreshing to know that there are such wonderful young people of the world today giving of their time and talent for those in need. Catholic Heart Work Camp sends young people from all over the United States to the Department for Persons with Disabilities. They helped joyously, with smiles all week long.  During one morning Workcamp mass, a volunteer said, ‘let us remember to pray for all of those wonderful people that live in DPD group homes.’ These students are passionate, reverent and respectful. They are the salt of the Earth!” said Lori Flynn DPD Director of Pastoral Care.

To learn more about Catholic Heart Workcamp please visit www.heartworkcamp.com.

If you are interested in volunteering at Catholic Charities, please email [email protected].