A Message from the Board President
Dear Friends of Catholic Charities,
Spring is all around us, but nowhere as much as in our Risen Christ and Easter joy! Easter is a celebration of hope, a reward for our days of spirituality in Lent. At Catholic Charities, we strive to be a beacon of hope and compassion for those in need right here in our diocese.
In 2023, we completed the design of our comprehensive strategic plan. This was an all-encompassing evaluation of every aspect of our organization and Board involvement. It is a five-year roadmap for us and will be our guidance during this time. We have sought community involvement throughout the process and presented the final plan in four open sessions in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Auburn, and Warsaw. Copies are available at www.ccfwsb.org/strategicplan.
Now in 2024, we have begun the execution of the first year of our plan. It provides insights on both disbursement of our current resources and plans for future fundraising. Our CEO Dan Florin, Controller Paula Kebel, and each member of our Board of Directors, functioning through our five Board Committees, use the plan as a baseline reference regularly.
As we continue to grow, our Board always remains thankful for the generosity given to Catholic Charities and continuously endeavors to be a faithful steward of those gifts. Your generosity goes directly toward helping those in need in our diocese. We are proud to report that nearly 90% of every dollar we receive goes toward those in need. This is one of the highest percentages of impact for non-profit organizations in our region and represents true value for our donors.
We are dedicated to serving individuals and families in need across the region. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we are committed to upholding the dignity of every person and building a community of love, solidarity, and service. Our goal is to provide comprehensive social services, advocacy, and support to individuals and families, regardless of their background or beliefs just as Jesus has taught us. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to address the root causes of poverty, promote human dignity, and empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and fulfillment.
Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne-South Bend is a beacon of hope and compassion, serving individuals and families in need with dignity, respect, and love. Together, we can build a more just, equitable, and compassionate community for all. Join us in transforming lives and spreading hope today.
Yours in Christ,
John Fallon, MD, MBA