“I feel more productive and that I really am giving back and doing good because I know how much good work the organization does.”
Meet Adrienne, a dedicated volunteer with our OVS program in Cranford. She shows up every week with compassion, consistency, and a heart for helping others. For National Volunteer Week, we’re shining a light on volunteers like Adrienne who make a difference one visit at a time.
“There’s a lot of people out there that need help, so my wife, God bless her, we had a comfortable life, a lot of people don’t have that… I want to do whatever I can do to help out.”
Anthony brings kindness, patience, and a steady presence to the little learners at Mount Carmel Guild Cares Preschool in Newark. His story is a beautiful reminder that volunteers don’t just show up—they help shape brighter futures.
“Catholic Charities offers so many different programs that help.”
Chantelle is working with us as an intern, and her commitment to supporting individuals through our Integrated Case Management Services program has only grown. We celebrate volunteers at every stage—learning, growing, and giving back.
Program Highlights
Our Partial Care Clients in Union City embraced the spirit of renewal through a creative Easter art project! This hands-on activity is part of our holistic approach to recovery, supporting mental health, building skills, and fostering community in a safe, structured environment.
Clients in our behavioral health program marked the beginning of Holy Week by making Palm Sunday crosses. Clients learned about the meaning of Palm Sunday and the history of the tradition. The activity offered a chance to connect, reflect, and share in the spirit of the season together.
Celebrating our Union City Computer Literacy Graduates! Ready to take on the digital world! If you are in need of job search and support reach out to our Workforce Development Department @ https://ccannj.org/
Staff at our Mount Carmel Guild Academy proudly wearing blue to support World Autism Awareness Day! Autism is a spectrum, meaning each individual experiences it differently, with unique strengths and challenges. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in communication, learning, and social skills. Join us in spreading awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for all!
Our behavioral health clients and staff are welcoming spring with a fresh start! Together, we’re sprucing up the landscape and creating a brighter space for all!
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from Catholic Charities! Our clients celebrated with homemade corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and shamrock shakes. It was a wonderful day filled with joy, community, and the warmth of shared traditions. May the luck of the Irish shine upon you today and always!
Volunteer Spotlight! My name is Ivan Soria, I grew up in Jersey City, graduated from High Tech High School in 2024, and will be attending Seton Hall University in the Fall of 2025. My major is Graphic Design and Marketing. I am a person of the Catholic faith and I own a clothing brand owner under the LLC, Faith Based Studios. As someone who is Catholic and has a business based on faith, I found volunteering for Catholic Charities as a great opportunity to stand on those principles and help my community.
As a volunteer in the Community Access Services division, I have participated in helping with many different tasks – preparing files for storage, keeping track of old records, and labeling shelves and boxes used to store documents. Data entry of voicemail calls, documenting information onto a spreadsheet. Storing and stocking food in the food pantry, which is then used for donating to those in need. Assisting with technology, which involved setting up desktop computers, monitors, and other equipment necessary for office work, as well as some graphic designs for flyers. I have also assisted with the preparation of conference rooms for meetings. I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with Catholic Charities and look forward to volunteering more of my time to support this organization.
We appreciate you, Ivan! Please check out his business page @trustingod.24!
BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS! The Women’s Ministry of St. Philomena’s Church in Livingston assembled and donated a wonderful assortment of over 65 blessings bags for men, women and children. Blessing bags typically have a deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, and comb. Basic items a person would need to maintain good self-care. The Women’s Ministry group supplied the basics and so much more. The group assembled bags with the basic items as well as socks, games, nail clippers, shampoo, hand lotion and more. We were so touched by the generosity, wide variety of items and thoughtfulness that went into each bag. A special thanks to Diane Russo for coordinating the drive with the Office of Volunteer Services. Thanks to their generous efforts, Catholic Charities clients, many on a very limited budget, can be helped with essential items for good health.
Marriott International Employees Makes a Big Difference at St. Lucy’s Shelter!
A wonderful team of 10 Marriott International employees volunteered at St. Lucy’s Shelter in Jersey City. Whether it was doing meal prep in the kitchen or cleaning and organizing the donations room, the volunteers brought their energy, talent and enthusiasm to the task at hand. A special thanks to Lissmary Morales, Marriott International Sales Executive at The Westin, Jersey City for arranging the day. The volunteers did an amazing job and we were so grateful for their valuable contribution to the shelter.
Partnerships Shoutouts
Stress relief in action! Our Immigrant and Refugee Services lawyers and staff took a well-deserved break with some furry friends. Pet therapy = happy hearts and recharged minds.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partner, Grace – La Fe Foods, for their generous donation of backpacks filled with essential school supplies for the students at Mount Carmel Guild Academy. Their support and dedication to education will make a lasting impact on these young learners, providing them with the resources they need to succeed. We truly appreciate Grace – La Fe Foods generosity and partnership in uplifting our community!
We are deeply grateful for our partnership with Catholic Cemeteries and their unwavering support. Their generous food and monetary donations derived from cemetery patrons during their holiday promotion will make a meaningful impact on our clients, helping to provide nourishment and stability to those in need. Thank you Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark for your kindness and commitment to our mission!
The students from Saint Peter’s University (SPU) have been delivering 40 sandwiches weekly to clients of Catholic Charities’ partial care programs since late October, providing much-needed meals for those on tight budgets. The Catholic Charities partial care programs are designed for severally mentally ill individuals who require structed and intensive treatment. Their generosity and compassion have made a meaningful impact, and we are deeply grateful for their support. The SPU Community Service Program embodies kindness and care for those in need.
As we mourn the profound loss of Pope Francis, it is impossible not to be reminded of many powerful, stirring images of Pope Francis: washing the feet of inmates; smiling exuberantly in selfies with teenagers; embracing a man afflicted with neurofibromatosis; bowing his head to ask for our blessing before his inaugural blessing as pope. May we always strive to be the people Pope Francis yearned to see: people of profound generosity; people of justice, peace, charity and mercy; people who, like our beloved Pope Francis, exude the light and love of Jesus Christ.
