Catholic Charities Bureau of the Superior Diocese has created a legacy of meeting our communities’ most urgent, long term, needs with sustainable programs able to adapt and positively impact local people and families facing difficult challenges.
In speaking with Catholic Charities Bureau Executive Director, Alan Rock, he will explain that while the scope of all the affiliates serving 65 different communities has changed over time, and they each may have a unique mission, the common goal can be summed up simply as “Improving the human condition.”
That dedication to this simple idea through the years has led to the creation of some of the most impactful social programs in our region. Perhaps the greatest expression of that impact is in how Catholic Charities Bureau programs have improved the lives of local individuals and their families in the long term. Programs are not aimed at solving a short-term problem with a quick fix but rather providing stable, sustainable solutions to critical needs.
As an affiliate of Catholic Charities Bureau, the Challenge Center in Superior has a wide-ranging mission. That is to provide services that support people facing challenges to living and working within our communities. The programs have developed to meet the changing needs of those they serve and their families. From Residential and Day Services to Vocational Training and long-term support, the Challenge Center has adapted to meet local community needs.
In Superior, the Tribbey family was facing the inevitable fact that as they aged, they were less able to care for their daughter, Chrystal, who suffered from a degenerative disorder where she slowly lost certain cognitive function and her needs became more physically demanding and complicated.
Chrystal initially came to the Challenge Center, where she attended the Adult Day Program. There, she was able to not only have her daily cares met but she was also able to make friends and socialize with her peers as they explored all our community has to offer. Her favorite activity was trips to go out for ice cream with friends.
As Chrystal’s condition worsened, her parents began looking for a residential option that was able to adapt to her changing needs while also allowing them to stay closely connected. Chrystal moved into the Cypress Group Home operated by the Challenge Center. There, Chrystal received the daily cares she needed while continuing to attend the Day Program.
Sadly, Chrystal died early this year surrounded by her friends and family. The impact of the Challenge Center Programs on the Tribbey family is clear to see as they adapted to Chrystal’s changing needs, but that’s not where this story ends.
In an expression of their support for the Day Program as well as memorializing their daughter, the Tribbeys have set up an ice cream social fund helping to pay for Chrystal’s friends as they continue visiting her favorite local ice cream shops. Chrystal’s Mother, Linda, states that “the services they received at the Challenge Center were vital to their family as Chrystal’s needs changed and that the value to the entire community cannot be overstated.”
Another great example of the long-term impact Catholic Charitie Bureau’s programs have in our community is in the story of Jeff and Terri Collins and their unexpected need for assistance. The Collinses were entering retirement age looking forward to the next phase in their lives. Unfortunately, a series of events quickly occurred placing them in a difficult situation.
Unforeseen health issues along with the associated bills coupled with the doubling of their rent due to new ownership changed their financial picture drastically. They then became the victim of a scam taking most of their remaining savings, leaving them unable to pay rent or bills.
That’s where Catholic Charities Bureau Housing was able to step in. The staff at Catholic Charities Bureau was able to place the Collinses in a two bedroom apartment the next month, allowing them to get back on their feet and concentrate on their health rather than finances.
The ability to obtain and keep employment is an important part of life for most of us. The benefits of employment allow us each to pursue the independence and unique goals we all have. For those with a disability, the prospect of finding and succeeding in long-term employment can be daunting. Basic things such as daily transportation, work readiness and employer expectations can become hard to manage.
For Erin Smet, the Prevocational and Community Employment Programs at the Challenge Center were instrumental in helping her to be successful in finding long-term employment. Initially working in Bay Produce, a Prevocational Program operated by the Challenge Center, Erin learned the skills required to work in a fast-paced production facility. She became proficient in time management, interacting with coworkers and production expectations.
Erin then took those skills along with the Challenge Center Community Employment staff, to find a great position with Superior-based Ravin Crossbows, where she has become an important part of their production team.
Although extremely independent, Erin is still supported, long term, by Challenge Center staff should the need arise. Erin’s parents are extremely proud of the steps Erin has taken toward her own independence and credit much of her success to the skills and support gained at the Challenge Center.
Access to safe affordable housing and care that supports independence for those with all abilities are some of the hardest issues for communities to provide, especially in smaller communities where resources may be scarce.
The hallmark of all the services offered by Catholic Charities Bureau and their affiliates is their focus on some of the most difficult, long-term concerns people and families face. Almost every service got its start when community members saw a need and took steps to address it.
In most cases, however, the local need was so great and the problems so complex that local grassroots efforts quickly realized that they were not equipped to provide the resources long term. Catholic Charities Bureau has built its legacy on being able to bring the necessary resources and experience to bear whether it’s legal, financial or regulatory in order to ensure the viability of a program.
Mark Kroll is Director of the Challenge Center
