By Lori Paul, Manager of Social Ministry and Community Outreach
MANITOWOC -- On Sept. 21, 2024, Catholic Charities and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc launched a partnership to provide the services of Catholic Charities to the community through a telesite.
The telesite is a private, stand-alone kiosk with a computer that provides access to Catholic Charities staff. Through the site, a user can receive support in mental health counseling, financial counseling, adoption services, and immigration and refugee support services.
The process to establish the telesite began when Deacon Mark LeGreve reached out to Catholic Charities when the parish was trying to determine a better way to serve those in need of social services.
Discussions with the parish helped provide a clear understanding of how Catholic Charities could make an impact.
“We’re a busy parish.” said Deacon LeGreve. “We have great volunteers and provide many services, but we know that the need in Manitowoc continues to grow. Having Catholic Charities on site allows us to be a one-stop location to serve those in need.”
Since the launch of the site, Catholic Charities has had a representative on site every Tuesday form 9 to 11 a.m. to assist those in need.
In addition, Catholic Charities was approved by the Department of Justice as an official location to provide immigration legal services on site. This has allowed migrants and refugees to access services closer to home.
A key to building awareness of the Catholic Charities services was a billboard campaign that ran from January through March, supported by a grant from Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital.
The billboards were in several key locations in the area. Data showed that there was an average of 35,000 views each month per billboard.
Catholic Charities is continuing to work with parishes in rural communities of the diocese to provided much needed social services. By summer 2025, another telesite will be established at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Waupaca.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment with Catholic Charities, please call (920) 272-8234 or email CharitiesGB@gbdioc.org.