By: Karmen Lemke / Executive Director of Catholic Charities Catholic Charities mobilized quickly in the hours and days after the July 27 tornado to bring resources to the people impacted by the devastating storm. Thanks to an inspired and generous response from parishes, donors, contributions to the Catholic Charities Disaster Response Fund have reached over […]
By Chelsea Baucom-Young / Adoption & Pregnancy Support Services Manager The third annual Baby Bottle Campaign, a partnership between Catholic Charities and parishes throughout the Diocese of Green Bay, concluded on Father’s Day with tremendous success. The campaign helps provide hope, support, and essential resources to new and expectant parents across Northeast Wisconsin. This year, […]
By Tara DeGrave / Associate Director “We at Catholic Charities are grateful for this support from Froedtert Holy Family Memorial to help make a difference in the lives of Manitowoc County residents.” Catholic Charities is pleased to announce that we are the recipient of a grant from the Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Community Grant Program […]
By Sean Gilligan / Manager of Refugee Integration Services Nearly thirty years after fleeing from genocide in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) in their parents’ arms, I.M., S.B., and their family received, confirmation their case to be resettled in the United States as refugees had been approved. 2020 was the year to leave behind Kutupalong […]
By Halle Beranek When Katie Shoener died by suicide, her father, Deacon Ed Shoener saw how vital it was that Catholic parishes become places of ministry for those struggling with and impacted by mental health issues. As a response to this, Deacon Ed created the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers to provide resources […]
by Jessica King | Homeownership Counselor Owning your own home is an incredible accomplishment, but it can also feel like a detailed, stressful, and sometimes intimidating process. Everyone who has purchased a home will likely have advice and suggestions to share, and while those insights can be helpful, they can also become overwhelming. The good […]
By Karmen Lemke | Executive Director This year’s featured guest was Father Leo Patalinghug, founder of Plating Grace, who shared an inspiring message about the importance of gathering around the family table and ensuring there is “a seat at the table for everyone.” Known for blending faith, family, and food into a ministry that strengthens […]
By Lori Paul / Manager of Social Ministry and Community Outreach Several weeks ago, the Diocese of Green Bay watched and prayed as rising flood waters forced the evacuation of Shiocton. Catholic Charities Disaster Response Team reached out to Father Michael Thiel, pastor at St. Denis Catholic Church, and to the Outagamie Emergency Management Office […]
By Susan Van Schaik, Psy.D, LPC / Mental Health Counselor There is a connection between faith and mental health. As people of faith, we have an interconnectedness with God that is reflected in our meaning, purpose, and acts as human beings. Mental health refers to our emotional, social, and psychological well-being. It is our mental […]
By Lori Paul, Manager of Social Ministry and Community Outreach They will come from every part of Wisconsin. There will be babies in the womb and in carriages, teenagers, young families, and activists who have been part of the pro-life movement for decades. They are all coming for March for Life Wisconsin, held on Saturday, […]
By: Karmen Lemke | Executive Director of Catholic Charities There is still time to join us on May 7 for the 12th annual event to benefit Catholic Charities Mark your calendar for an evening at Catholic Charities’ 12th Annual Inspired to Act gala on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Stadium View Event Hall in Green […]
By: Halle Beranek | Parish & Community Outreach Coordinator Between work and family obligations, church commitments, and the never-ending chime of notifications to personal devices, the thought of finding enough time in your week to volunteer can seem impossible, but there is a way to step back from the busyness of daily traffic and enjoy the […]
By Laurie Martinez | Immigration Services Manager The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that more than 117 million individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homelands, including over 36 million refugees. Since 1975, the United States has admitted approximately 3.6 million refugees. Before they enter the United States, refugees spend years or […]
By Lori Paul | Social Ministry and Community Outreach Manager Those who are sick or homebound are often forgotten or avoided. Despite their illness or limitation, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them. As we enter the Share Jesus years, Catholic Charities continues to […]
By Halle Beranek | Parish and Community Outreach Coordinator Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay is now a member of the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (ACMHM), with the goal of supporting parish communities across the diocese. This initiative complements our clinical mental health counseling services by providing resources for parish leaders […]
By Karmen Lemke, Executive Director, Catholic Charities January is Poverty Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the challenges faced by individuals and families who struggle to meet their basic needs. For Catholic Charities, this reflection aligns closely with our mission to serve the poor and vulnerable with compassion and respect. Rooted in the Gospel […]
By Karmen Lemke, Executive Director, Catholic Charities Abbot Dane Radecki, O. Praem., is preparing to conclude his service as the seventh elected abbot of the Norbertine Community of St. Norbert Abbey in De Pere. Among his many contributions and years of leadership, he will be especially remembered for his compassionate heart and his commitment to […]
Hope for the New Year! December 9, 2025 Karmen Lemke, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay As we near the end of this Jubilee Year of Hope, I am deeply grateful for the many blessings that Catholic Charities received this year. Your prayers have made our mission possible, and I’m honored […]
By Halle Beranek, Parish and Community Outreach Coordinator Poverty doesn’t only exist between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Even when Catholic Charities staff offer flexible hours, there are still times after the office closes when those in poverty need assistance. What happens then? Our volunteers make up the difference, providing services when we cannot. While […]
By Tara DeGrave, Associate Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay Giving Tuesday is a global movement that celebrates generosity and inspires people to give back through their time, talents, or treasures. It occurs annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which falls on December 2 this year. Catholic Charities of the Diocese […]
By McKenzie VanLanen, Adoption and Pregnancy Support Case Manager of the Diocese of Green Bay Adoption is full of love, hope, and new beginnings. Yet alongside that joy also comes grief for all members of the adoption triad: birth parents, adoptees and adoptive parents. When we talk about adoption, grief is not often discussed. However, […]
By Lucas Holt, Human Dignity and Life Advocate for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay If you have ever shared your pro-life beliefs publicly — or scrolled through the comments on a YouTube debate about abortion — you have likely come across a familiar claim: “You are not pro-life. You are pro-birth! You […]
By: Sean Gilligan, Refugee Services Manager of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay Catholic Charities Refugee Integration Services is excited to announce that our English Language Learning and Citizenship Preparation programs are officially underway! Our first cohort of six brave tutors is currently in the onboarding process and will soon be paired with […]
By Chelsea Baucom-Young, Manager of Adoption and Pregnancy Support Services of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay On September 16, 2025, Catholic Charities launched Hope in Hand Bags, which will be distributed on the third Tuesday of each month at Catholic Charities offices and remote locations throughout the Diocese of Green Bay, targeting […]
2024-2025 Impact Report Released Dear Friends, July 1 marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for Catholic Charities and the continuation of our outreach to those in need. As we witness increased needs across the 16 counties in our diocese, we remain committed to developing new and innovative approaches to serving and making the […]
By: Clare Schumaker, licensed professional counselor, Catholic Charities We often hear the expression, “I hate change.” Yet, when we pause to reflect on our lives, we see that change is all around us. We change our clothes, cars, furniture and decorations regularly. Change is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, even in the […]
Meet the Klika Family By: McKenzie Van Lanen, Case Manager with Catholic Charities Adoption and Pregnancy Support Services Program Kelly and Matthew Klika worked with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay as their home study and post-placement agency to complete their international adoption (along with their primary placing agency, All God’s Children International) […]
Support for new and expectant parents By: Chelsea Baucom-Young, manager of Adoption and Pregnancy Support Services of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay. The second annual Baby Bottle Campaign concluded on Father’s Day. This campaign is a partnership between Catholic Charities and parishes within the Diocese of Green Bay, providing help and hope […]
By: Tara DeGrave, Associate Director of Catholic Charities Catholic Charities recently expanded its services to include Peer Support Services, which recognizes a growing need for mental health and recovery support within the community. These new services were launched in May. What are Peer Support Services? Peer Support Services are effective because they allow an individual […]
To schedule a visit, or learn more about Catholic Charities Finance Health Services, visit: https://catholiccharitiesgb.org/our-services/financial-health/
By Sean Gilligan, Refugee Services Manager GREEN BAY - Each year on June 20, the world comes together to celebrate the United Nations-sponsored World Refugee Day. People gather in parks and markets, gardens and government buildings, community centers and art galleries to celebrate the light of refugees and all that they bring to the places they […]
By Karmen Lemke, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay The 11th annual “Inspired to Act” event is in the books! And what a beautiful evening it was. Thanks to the generosity of many sponsors and individual donors, this year’s event raised over $196,000 - a record amount! The annual […]
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 […]
By Halle Beranek, Parish & Community Outreach Coordinator for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay April is recognized as Volunteer Appreciation Month in the United States. Community recognition and growth in our volunteer program makes Catholic Charities visible, impactful, and communicative of Catholic social teaching and presence in the Diocese of Green Bay. It […]
By Lucas Holt, Human Dignity and Life Advocate for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay Most of us have probably heard of human trafficking, but there are many myths and misconceptions about what it truly is and how it happens. One of those myths is that it happens only in large cities like […]
By Karmen Lemke, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Sister Natalie Binversie has been an invaluable asset to Catholic Charities during her tenure on the Board of Directors. Her commitment to service and her deep-rooted faith has profoundly influenced our organization and the broader community. As the Community Director of the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, […]
by Laurie Martinez As the Catholic Church, we are called to welcome the stranger and care for our brothers and sisters. This can be challenging, especially in the face of political and social pressures, but it’s a vital part of embodying Christ’s love for all people. Catholic Charities provides essential resources and joins in partnership […]
by Halle Beranek Each new year brings hope for self-improvement — a time to correct the less-than-savory aspects of our characters with hope for a better self in the year to come. New Year’s resolutions often focus on changing our habits, figures, and characteristics. Notoriously, these resolutions do not amount to much, with over 23% […]
Get a sneak peek into what is coming in 2025!
Hear stories of how Catholic Charities has been a small part of helping people from all walks of life experience hope, healing, and wholeness this past year.
Catholic Charities employees partner with area nonprofits to serve. Learn how you can get involved!
Learn about steps you can take to avoid getting scammed.
Hear the story of one family's adoption journey. Plus, special discount rates for this month!
The USCCB campaign hopes to mobilize the Catholic Church in responding to the mental health crisis through actions that lead to positive change.
Being pro-life means respecting life at all stages: from conception to natural death. Learn about the ways in which our agency is working to do just that.
Learn how you can get involved with supporting migrants and refugees in your community.
Learn about the origin of Hispanic Heritage Month and the celebrations taking place in our communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin.
What happened in Indianapolis when 60,000 Catholics got together?
Meet Kim Connelly and learn about our mental health program!
How Catholic Charities is partnering with individuals to address the mental health crisis.
Pilgrims walking from Minnesota to Indiana stop in Green Bay to learn, serve, and have some fun!
Catholic Charities has been around for over 100 years, yet many people in need do not know of its services. "We Are There" is a branding campaign seeking to raise awareness so that the most vulnerable in our diocese can receive the services they need.
The provision of immigrant legal services is one way Catholic Charities serves our brothers and sisters in need. Hear the story of one client who was experiencing abuse and was able to get help from our staff.
Hear about this year's gala and ways that you can support the work of Catholic Charities!
Learn about what the biggest needs are in the 16 counties in the Diocese of Green Bay and how you can help!
How one woman's work with refugees shows that volunteering is more than providing a service: it can change someone's life.
Purchase your tickets today for the May 9th event before they are sold out
Learn about intercountry adoption, where to go if you have questions, and the story of one family's adoption journey.
by Lisa Haefs Throughout the year, Catholic Charities supports the work of rural communities and parishes through its Social Ministry and Outreach Team. “They are the group going out in the rural communities and connecting them with the resources available through a wide range of groups,” Karmen Lemke, director of Catholic Charities, said. “Our goal […]
by Lisa Haefs BRYANT -- On a bright spring morning in 2015, Abby Michels stood with her fellow high school seniors in front of the congregation at St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva. They were being recognized for their pending graduation. As she prepared to return to her seat, Fr. Jeremiah Worman told her to […]
by Chelsey Martinez, Volunteer Coordinator Catholic Charities loves our volunteers, and we are grateful for all they do. In 2023, 10 volunteers gave 160 hours to help advance our mission of serving those in need. One of the volunteers we’d like to introduce you to is Mary Braband. Mary comes from the vibrant community of Green […]
by Kory Krauss, Financial Health Services Manager Is debt holding you back? Many individuals and families caught in the trap of debt and driven to the edge of poverty can learn strategies to manage their resources through Catholic Charities’ Financial Health Services. This program also assists those struggling with complex problems, such as rebuilding credit, […]
by Karmen Lemke, Director of Catholic Charities Welcome to the Catholic Charities Corner! We are thrilled to be a part of the launch of the new On Mission e-newsletter. Twice a month, we plan to offer you information and updates on Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay in this newsletter. We want to […]
by Karmen Lemke, Director of Catholic Charities Catholic Charities is pleased to announce the newly formed Office of Social Ministry and Community Outreach. The purpose of this department is to promote the services and program offerings of Catholic Charities to harder to reach rural communities. The Office will focus on bringing services to rural areas […]
It was a packed banquet hall for the annual Inspired to Act Gala for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay. Although many associate Catholic Charities with providing food and shelter to families. It’s actually been involved with mental health counseling for three decades. “We pray on it, but we also take action,” explained Director Karmen Lemke. “We do that through spiritual, physical, and emotional healing. That’s what we’re here for.”
Catholic Charities and Lakes Country Public Library to partner to provide services to the Lakewood and surrounding rural areas.
They have come to this country looking for hope. Tens of thousands of Afghan refugees escaped terror and the Taliban rule. They are in the United States now to build their lives from the ground up. One Afghan refugee described his experiences in his own words, and how he is helping new Afghan evacuees adjust to life in Wisconsin.
Take a moment to review Catholic Charities' most recent annual report for fiscal year 2020/2021. Click here to read more.
Brown County organizations offer to resettle nearly 50 Afghan refugees, call for volunteers and donations to assist.
Many Afghan Refugee families have been transported to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, and an assortment of international, national, and local partners are on-hand to assist with care and processing, including the state’s Catholic Charities agencies.
Catholic Charities hosted a virtual gala on May 27, 2021, raising over $97,000 to provide vital services throughout the 16 counties of the Diocese of Green Bay.
Each year Catholic Charities hosts an annual Gala event to raise community awareness and financial support for Catholic Charities services and programs. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 2020 event was cancelled. The event on May 27th, 2021 is planned to be a completely virtual. We hope you will join us from wherever you are! Please visit our event website here to learn about sponsorships, event details, and to register.
We are committed to the health and well-being of our clients, staff, and community. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we have taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus based on CDC recommendations. Each day is different, and we are called to respond. On Wednesday, March 18th, Catholic Charities no longer saw clients in person at our offices. All appointments were to be conducted via phone or video conferencing until further notice. Learn more here.
Karmen Lemke began in her new role as Director of Catholic Charities on November 16, 2020. Click Here to Read More
Take a moment to review Catholic Charities' most recent annual report for fiscal year 2019/2020. Click Here to Download the Report Now
Karmen Lemke, Director of Catholic Charities, joins WFRV’s Tom Zalaski to talk about the work they do but also how they fared through the pandemic as a non-profit.
All Catholic Charities services have virtual or phone appointments available! Services available via phone or virtual appointments include; adoption, parenting support, immigration, financial health, and mental health counseling. We do continue to offer limited in person appointments.
Catholic Charities will increase the number of people served per year from approximately 4,200 currently to 10,000 by 2025. Click here to read the full story.
Karmen Lemke began her new role as Director of Catholic Charities on Nov. 16, 2020. Click here to read more.
We are committed to the health and well-being of our clients, staff, and community. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, we have taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus based on CDC recommendations. Each day is different, and we are called to respond. On Wednesday, March 18th, 2020, Catholic Charities no longer saw […]
