Search
Volunteers Provide Essential Element to Catholic Charities’ Ministry
-
February 15, 2024Catholic 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 Bay. She grew up there in a large and loving family. Raised in the nurturing environment of St. Jude Parish, Mary learned the values of giving back from an early age thanks to the influence of her mother, Marie Fonder, a dedicated volunteer for over 25 years.
Beginning her volunteer journey at the age of 20, Mary has been involved in a variety of impactful roles. From being a Big Sister, volunteering at St. Aemilian-Lakeside in Milwaukee, coaching Special Olympics to serving as a board member for organizations like Advocates of Ozaukee, Alverno College and the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, her commitment to community service has been truly inspiring.
Currently, Mary also gives of her time on the board of directors at Golden House in Green Bay and tutors youth at Holy Cross School in Bay Settlement.
Mary joined Catholic Charities as a volunteer in April 2022. Since then, she has contributed her time and skills to transport refugees to essential destinations, such as Paul’s Pantry, doctor appointments and grocery shopping.
Her dedication extends to cultural orientation training, where she equips herself to teach refugees how to find vital information, such as transportation, emergency numbers, government assistance and learning English.
Mary is also continuing her involvement in planning committee for the 10th annual “Inspired to Act” fundraising event on May 9, 2024, to benefit Catholic Charities.
As you can see, Mary has become an integral part of the Catholic Charities family.
She keeps on giving her time, most recently assisting our Financial Health Services team with Homebuyer Education workshops.
When asked why she volunteers at Catholic Charities, Mary replied, “I was taught at an early age the importance of treating every person with respect and helping those in need of assistance. Volunteering provides me with the opportunity to give to those in need and receive back so many blessings.”
Living a blessed life, Mary feels a profound calling to serve others, guided by the Holy Spirit. Her admiration for the resilience of refugees, who embark on a journey to start anew in an unfamiliar place, motivated her to make their transition smoother.
We are incredibly grateful to have Mary in our volunteer community, making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need!
To learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved, contact Chelsey Martinez at [email protected] or visit: catholiccharitiesgb.org/volunteer.
