October 19, 2024 • 29 mins
Wichita Weekend welcomes Traci Kennedy, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Wichita! Catholic Charities works to serve the hungry, homeless, lonely, disabled, and abused in South Central Kansas. To get help or give help, log on to catholiccharitieswichita.org.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, the weekly public affairs program from
iHeartRadio Wichita ninety seven, ninety ninety eight, Well O two
won the Bull Channel ninety six three and AULT one
O seven three.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
And our guest today on Wichita Weekend is Tracy Kennedy.
She is the executive director for Catholic Charities of Wichita.
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, Tracy, Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
I'm glad to be here.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Great to have you now. As a lifelong Witchitan, I
have heard Catholic Charities four years, but I can't really
say with confidence what all that Catholic Charities is about.
Could you tell us your mission?
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Sure, certainly can so.
Speaker 4 (00:40):
Catholic Charities has been in our community actually since nineteen
forty three, so wow, We've been around for a long time,
and we've done some different.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Things over the years.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
But right now our focus is on hunger and homelessness,
domestic violence, and enriching lives. So some of the most
well known ministries that we have of our thirteen include
Harbor House, which is a domestic violentce shelter, Our Daily
Bread which is a food pantry, Saint Anthony Family Shelter.
We have as an emergency family homeless shelter, and then
(01:08):
also Adult Day Services, which is a day program for
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
So out of thirteen very important ministries, those are the
top four.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
You, Those are the top four. Those are what people
know us for. We do have other ministries that are
a little smaller in nature. We have a counseling program,
we have immigration services. But I would say those are
the four that most people know about.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Oh boy, And I would go out on a limb here,
maybe not a big limb, but guess that you're very,
very busy with all those ministries. There's a lot of
need in this community.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
There's a lot of need in this community. And so
we don't just serve the Wichitak community. We serve the
whole twenty five county area of the Catholic.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Diocese of which you talk.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
Okay, so we actually have a satellite office in Pittsburgh
as well, and so we serve all of those counties.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Boy, how much many people would you guess you serve
in a year.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
That's a good question.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
I want to say a lot, and we measure a lot.
We like to look at how many services we provide
because we do provide multiple services for different people. So
in our last fiscal year, we provided about one hundred
and sixteen thousand individual services.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Did you say one hundred and sixteen thousand I did
in the course of a year. Correct, That's amazing, that's incredible, right. Well,
that takes a huge group of folks on your staff
then to be able to serve all this Gosh, you've
got to have outreach offices all over Kansas. I would
guess right.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
Most of our staff is here in Wichita and then
down in southeast Kansas. We do have some outreach services
in the Winfield area and Hutchinson and things like that.
We have about one hundred and thirty five total number
of employees for Catholic Charities, and of course we have
a lot of volunteers who help us as well.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Yeah. Boy, what do you think is unique about the
shelters that Catholic Charities provide them? Thinking mainly about Harbor
House and St. Anthony Fair Shelter.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Sure, what I think is unique about our shelters is
that we do so much more than just provide a
home or shelter for people who find themselves homeless or
in a domestic violent relationship. We provide wrap around services,
and so what that means is you have somebody who
comes to Saint Anthony Family Shelter with their family. They
(03:30):
might be unemployed, they might have children who have special
needs that they don't know about or know how to
deal with, and our case managers, our program directors are
dealing with the families, helping them work through those issues.
And so that's I would say, that's one thing that
makes us unique.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
That would be a huge task. I would imagine it's
everything that the family's dealing with. What do you think
the average length of stay would.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Be for a family at St.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
Anthony Family Shelter, The average length of stays about forty
five days. We are classified as an emergency shelter, so
that's enough time to get people back on their feet
in terms of maybe finding employment, finding stable housing, and
things like that. Now we also have some leeway in that,
so if we have a family that needs a little
extra time, we're able to work with them as well.
(04:23):
At Harbor House for Domestic Violence, are the people we
serve stay a little bit longer. Sometimes their issues and
their barriers are significant and it takes us some time
to work through those and of course with people who
we are serving at Harbor House, the most important thing
is that we can find them a safe place and
(04:44):
so sometimes that takes a little while.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
That's number one safety and wow oh wow. So that's
the main way that Catholic Charities is kind of in
the fight against domestic violence and helping that is correct
support and comfort to those who are caught up in
this terrible kind of a thing.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
That is correct.
Speaker 4 (05:05):
So right at the shelter at Harbor House we have
actually twelve rooms, but the outreach services that we provide
through our Safe Project is extensive, and so people who
don't maybe meet the criteria, maybe there's not you know, Unfortunately,
a lot of times people call our crisis line and
(05:25):
it is a life or death situation. And so the
people who are in more crisis we're able to take
in the shelter, But there are a lot of other
people that don't come to shelter that need our services
as well, and we help them with safety planning and
finding a safe place and all the other things that
come along with stabilizing and empowering them.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
And that is a twenty four to seven three sixty
five emergency line. Is it not, Tracy, That is correct.
Do you happen to have that number?
Speaker 3 (05:49):
And see, I certainly do. It's three one six two six,
three six thousand.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Maybe that's a number you may want to share with
a friend, or maybe you want to remember that number
for yourself. Two six three six thousand to three one
six area code. That's the twenty four seven three sixty
five emergency line for Catholic Charity's Harbor House.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
That is correct. That is correct.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Wow, Tracy, What do you think brings you the greatest
joy as executive director of Catholic Charities? What what fulfills you.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
For me? Personally?
Speaker 4 (06:29):
I love seeing our staff work together as a team
to make a significant impact with those on those we
serve and in our community.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
So when I.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Hear success stories or I talk to a program director
about a specific family that we have helped, and you know,
I just have this immense sense of pride in what
we are able to do and the dignity that we're
able to show people and just you know, how we
help them get back on their feet.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
That is just that is very rewarding to me.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
I can only imagine that you have seen some stories
that seem like unsolvable, some problems that seem beyond hope.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Most definitely the thing that we must remember though, even
if let's say we help somebody and they come back
and they need help again, we have made a difference
because we've helped them in that first situation, So it
may not be something. They come to us, and you know,
we stabilize and empower them and they're off to go,
and they're good for the rest of our lives. No
(07:30):
matter where they are, and how many times they come
to visit us, visit us, we are helping them.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
That's wonderful. I love to hear that. Don't forget that
twenty four seven three sixty five emergency line for Harbor
House from Catholic Charities as area code three one six
two six three six thousand. We are visiting with Tracy Kennedy,
the executive director for Catholic Charities here in Wichita, learning
lots about Catholic Charities. Let's take a quick break and
(07:58):
when we return, we'll just thank us some more about
some things coming up between now and the end of
the year for Catholic Charities right here in Wichita. This
is Wichita. Weekend.
Speaker 5 (08:09):
October is domestic violence Awareness Month and here in Wichita,
Catholic Charities Harbor House provides a full range of services
for domestic violence survivors. Learn all about Harbor House online
at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org, slash harbor hyphen House and
if something about your relationship.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Scares you, or if you believe you and your.
Speaker 5 (08:27):
Kids are not safe, call the Harbor House hotline at
three one six two six three six thousand. It's available
twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. That's
three one six two six three six thousand.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
The story of grace Man has always been told through
its people, both those who served and those who it
is out on that are served. We meet at the
intersection of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the weight of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassionate, quality healthcare for all their physical, emotional and
(09:01):
spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope. Bringing find
hope today by scheduling an appointment with Graceman.
Speaker 7 (09:10):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed. Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available twenty four hours a day,
seven days a week, whether it's two BM or two AM.
We're there for you to answer questions, connect you to
(09:30):
the resources you need, or to just listen. As the
most credible source of information, we can answer your questions
about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials. We can
also help you with everyday needs like emotional support and
lodging during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer dot org
or call your American Cancer Society toll free at one
(09:52):
eight hundred two two seven two three four five anytime
day or night. That's one eight hundred two two seven
twenty three.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
And we are back with Wichita Weekend. And our guest
is Tracy Kennedy, executive director for Catholic Charities. And you know,
I know that most people in Wichita have been here
any length of time, are quite familiar with Catholic Charity's name,
and maybe in a general way, they're familiar with all
the good work that Catholic Charities does in Wichita, in
(10:23):
the Greater Area, Greater Wichita area.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Tracy.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Earlier in the first half of our show, you mentioned
you know your staff, and then there's volunteers. How does
somebody who's interested in volunteering giving some time to Catholic Charities,
how would they go about getting in contact with you?
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Guess sure? Sure.
Speaker 4 (10:41):
The best way is actually to submit a contact form
on our website, and so our website is Catholic Charities
Wichita dot org and they can just fill out a
contact form and then we have a volunteer coordinator who
will give them a call. Of course, on the website too,
they'll see the different opportunity that we have and hopefully
something will spark their interests. But one thing that is
(11:04):
very important to me is that if we have people
who want to help us, we also need to be
creative and finding them something to do for us. Yeah,
something might have a special talent or an affinity for something,
and if we could figure out a partnership that works
for both of us, we're very willing to do that, Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
And that's at Catholic Charities dot dot org.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Catholic Charities Wichita dot org.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Catholic Charities Wichita dot org. Yes, I ask that question.
So that we could confirm it. Catholic Charities Wichita dot
org correct another thing to write down and kind of
keep in your memory there for some time when you
may need it in the future. We talked a little
earlier about some upcoming events we have coming now between
(11:45):
now and the end of the year for Catholic Charities.
What's going to be happening. We have Christmas things on
the calendar we do we do.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
We have a couple of upcoming events. One is simply
called Christmas at Catholic Charities, and this is a way
that community can become involved in donating in kind gifts
or monetary gifts so we can purchase things for the
clients who are in our shelter and also past clients.
So basically how it works is we accept all of
(12:13):
these donations and we wrap them and we set up
stores and our shelters, and so the parents can come
in and shop for their kiddos, and the kiddos can
shop for their parents, and so it's just a wonderful
it's a wonderful thing to see happening. Obviously, a lot
of these people don't have resources to do this type of.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
Thing on their own.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
We even invite clients who have stayed with us in
the past to come and shop.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
So it's a pretty special time of year.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Do you have some repeat visitors?
Speaker 3 (12:44):
We do, We do, wonder so.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Unfortunately, sometimes it's hard to keep track of where our
clients go after the exit shelter, but we certainly extend
the invitation to those that we know where to find them.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Yeah, and speaking of that, that made me think of
a question, is there for want of a better term
after care?
Speaker 3 (13:00):
That is a good question.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
So many of our services do provide long term case management. So,
for example, somebody who might go to Harbor House with
the exit shelter, but then qualify for the outreach services,
so they have a case manager who follows them there.
We have a rapid Rehousing program that that actually helps
clients find stable housing and then follows them for a
(13:22):
certain amount of time. We have a Veterans program that
does the same thing. So many of our services, our
follow up services.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
I got you, Okay, rapid rehousing, that's got a great
ring to it. I'm sure that helps a lot of families.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
It does, it does, and those are actually we can
serve individuals as well. That's a system, it's a coordinated
system through our city, and so basically people come up
on a list and those are the people that we help,
kind of in a priority area order.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
Tracy, you've got a busy calendar. You are a very
very busy person. How do you how do you prioritize?
Speaker 3 (14:00):
That's a good question. Sometimes that's difficult.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
You know, one thing that I'm very grateful for is
I have an excellent board of directors and we have
a strategic plan, and so I meet with my boss,
who is the chairman of the board, who really helps
me understand what our priorities are. And so that's what
I like to focus on. There's a million things that
we could be doing, but we need to accomplish what
(14:26):
we've said out in our strategic plan, so we we
use that as our guiding light. Those are the things
that we need to do.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Yeah, targeting those efforts so that you do the most
good for the most people.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Most definitely, most definitely.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Well, thank you again. I'll be thanking you repeatedly for
all the great things that you're doing here in Wichita,
and you know, to help families in need, families and
individuals in need. Tracy, how long have you been with
Catholic Charities.
Speaker 4 (14:56):
Not even two years yet, wow, two years in February.
So I finally feel like I know what I'm doing.
It took a little while, but I finally feel like
I understand our complex organization and understanding what my personal
vision is and how I can help the organizations.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Okay, well, two years behind you, but already a veteran
now and certainly get what we wouldn't call that a
baptism by fire, but boy, you sure learned a lot
in a very compressed period of time.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Yes, I did. I did.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
So it was a little baptism by fire, but it worked,
and I'm so glad to be here.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Where had you been before you came to Catholic Charities?
Where'd you come to us from?
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Sure?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
I worked at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and I
was responsible for stewardship and pastoral planning, which is like
strategic planning. So I was already familiar with Catholic Charities
and the work of the diocese, and so it was
a natural progression in my career to you know, just
kind of the next step.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yeah, Okay, how do you feel your spirituality fuels your career?
How does it inform you.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
Right, my spiritual everything is focused on my spirituality. I
do the work I do because I know I have
an obligation to do that. I'm serving God and Jesus as.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
We serve the people in need.
Speaker 4 (16:21):
And so really, you know, there's some days that I
don't see what's going on in the front lines, but
I have to remember that what I'm doing is what
I am called to do, and part of that is
also being a servant leader for the people who work
for me. So my focus a lot is on serving
(16:41):
those who directly report to me, so then they can
take care of the people in need.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
So time, talent, and treasure is a lifestyle for you.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Most definitely, Wow, most definitely.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Well, it's really inspiring to hear Catholic Charities Wichita. I've
got a wonderful website that's got everything you'd want to
ever learn about Catholic charities right there, Catholic Charities Wichita
dot org. We'll say it again because I got it
wrong the first time.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
That get hard. It's a hard one. It's hard.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
It's pretty easy, but it's really fun to learn more
about what you guys are doing there. And I didn't
realize you were also outside of Wichita, but yeah, some
outreach ministries going on there and twelve ministries total. But
like we said, the four major ones get a lot
(17:33):
done for our community, and our community is better for it.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Most definitely, most definitely.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Tracy, Let's talk about some of the other basic services
that Catholic Charities provides. The food pantry, the adult day
of services.
Speaker 6 (17:47):
Sure.
Speaker 4 (17:48):
Sure, So the food pantry is called Our Daily Bread
and it's located on South Hillside and we are open
three mornings a week, but we serve about one thousand
families who are experiencing food and security every month. So
families can come visit us once a month, and we
operate a choice pantry, which means when families come to us,
(18:09):
they actually have a shopping experience and they get to
choose the food that their families like. So it's not
something they come to us and we just you know,
hand them a box of food or a bag of
food and say here it is. They actually get a
choice in the matter.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Very good. Our Daily Bread on South Hillside. Do you
know where on South hill Side is it?
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Twenty eight twenty five South Hills, Okay.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
So a little bit south of Pawnee that are somewhat
in the plain View area, but that is correct, but
a very important thing that's going on there, So very
glad to hear about. What about Adult Day Services? What
kind of things do you provide there? So?
Speaker 4 (18:41):
Adult Day Services is one of our biggest ministries that
we operate at Catholic Charities. It is a program for
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as seniors
with Alzheimer's, dementia, and loneliness. So on average, we serve
about one hundred and forty five participants each day who
come to us between the hours of seven thirty am
(19:03):
and three thirty pm, and we feed them two meals
a day and snacks. But what's really important about Adult
Day Services is we provide opportunity for socialization with the
people who participate there.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
We give back in the community.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
So our participants from Adult Day Services will go to
our Daily Bread and they flatten bags, you know that
are used for the groceries. They go to a local
church and they clean the pews and they actually make
dog biscuits for a local nonprofit rescue nonprofit. So it's
a wonderful place. It's a really happy place. Adult Day
(19:41):
Services is if I ever need a smile, I will
go to ADS and just talk with the participants there.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Sounds like it. Yeah, people want to feel like they're
they have value. Most definitely they have importance, and that's
a way.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
To write help them find that.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
And first and foremost, and it's in our new mission
statement is we treat every person we serve with the
dignity that they deserve, and that is first and foremost
in our mission. That is what every single one of
our ministries does.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
I can imagine that can be challenging sometimes if you're
dealing with someone who's a little bit difficult that sometimes.
Speaker 4 (20:21):
That is correct, it is it can be difficult in challenging,
and you know, in those times when it's difficult and challenging,
we need to put ourselves in that person's shoes and
understand they are dealing with trauma or crisis or situations
that are really difficult. And I think if you can
have change your mindset to you know, think about how
(20:41):
these people are feeling, then it's a lot easier to
provide them that dignity and respect that they deserve.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Excellent, Yeah, in the two years you've been with Catholic charities.
Have you seen an increase in need?
Speaker 3 (20:58):
Most definitely.
Speaker 4 (20:59):
So I told you earlier that we had provided one
hundred and sixteen thousand services in our last fiscal year.
That's last year, it was one hundred and thirteen thousand services.
And so every year it is on the increase, and
so that's a challenge for us right to be able
to keep up with the services that we provide and
try to meet as much of the demand as possible.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Yeah, and just a little personal side note, we've been
working downtown now for a couple of years. We moved
our offices and so now that we're in the central
core area, I have seen firsthand on my drive to work,
too many people flying a sign, as they say, standing
(21:41):
on the corner with the cardboard sign. Too many people
were sleeping on the street, you name it. So, I
don't know, it's just the result of the times we're
living in, still suffering, still reeling from the after shocks
of COVID, you.
Speaker 4 (21:55):
Know, right, Definitely, anybody who drives, you know, goes to
a major intersection in Wichita can see that the need
has increased. And I don't know part of that is
the cost of living has increased. We're dealing with significant
mental health issues in our community. The drug use is
significant as well, and so all those things when they
(22:19):
come together, it's a perfect storm for homelessness or domestic violence,
or you know, lots of other things that trouble are
the people of our community.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Time for one more quick break, and when we come back,
we'll conclude our conversation with Tracy Kennedy from Catholic Charities
of Wichita. You're listening to Wichita Weekend on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 5 (22:45):
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and here in Wichita,
Catholic Charities Harbor House provides a full range of services
for domestic violence survivors. Learn all about Harbor House online
at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org, slash Harbor hyphenhigh House and
if something about your relationship scares you, or if you
believe you and your kids are not safe, call the
Harbor House hotline at three one six two sixty three
(23:08):
six thousand. It's available twenty four hours a day, seven
days a week. That's three one six two sixty three
six thousand.
Speaker 6 (23:15):
The story of grace Men has always been told through
its people, both those who served and those who it
is out and are served. We meet at the intersection
of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the way of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassionate, quality health care for all their physical, emotional,
(23:37):
and spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope rering.
You find hope today by scheduling an appointment with Grace.
Speaker 3 (23:44):
Men, have you just.
Speaker 7 (23:48):
Been diagnosed with cancer or do you know someone who's
recently been diagnosed, Keep us in mind and pass it along.
The American Cancer Society offers a nationwide cancer information line.
It's available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week,
whether it's two BM or two AM. We're there for
you to answer questions, connect you to the resources you need,
(24:09):
or to just listen. As the most credible source of information,
we can answer your questions about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options,
and clinical trials. We can also help you with everyday
needs like emotional support and lodging during treatment. To learn more,
visit cancer dot org or call your American Cancer Society
toll free at one eight hundred two two seven two
(24:31):
three four five anytime, day or night. That's one eight
hundred two two seven twenty three forty five.
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Speaker 2 (25:42):
Well, if you're listening this morning and you think you'd
like to help out the folks at Catholic Charities, maybe
volunteer some time, talent and treasure. You can go online
to Catholic Charities Wichita dot org and get in touch
with them and find out how you can help. Yes, please, alrighty, wow,
this has been a great hour. We've been visiting with
Tracy Kennedy, the executive director for Catholic Charities in Wichita,
(26:06):
and I know we're coming up on the fourth quarter,
so it's it's kind of at the top of everyone's
mind this time of year, you know, being generous, sharing, caring.
Speaker 4 (26:21):
Caring, that's a good way to put it in sharing.
And we are so blessed with so many people who
care and share with us. And so we have a
thirteen million dollar operating budget and as you can imagine,
that takes a lot of support from the community. So
we do have federal grants and we do charge some
(26:42):
fees for our services for certain ministries. But our goal
for the dollars that we need to raise in our
community is two point four million this year, okay, and
so that is quite significant, yes, And so you know,
we appreciate every dollar that comes to us, and we
try to stretch it, you know, the most we can
(27:03):
and make it go a long way.
Speaker 2 (27:05):
So companies, groups, individuals.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
You name it, you name it.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
We're all you're all invited to.
Speaker 4 (27:14):
Most definitely to participate in whatever way makes sense for you.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
There you go. So and as you look toward the
end of the tax season and the tax here, if
you're looking for a great way to it's really an
investment in Wichita.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
It really is.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
You make a donation a Catholic charity, is it goes
a long long way for a lot of people.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
It does. It does. That's a great way to look
at it.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Okay and Tracy. As we've been talking, a question popped
into my mind. Do we have to be Catholic to
receive services from Catholic charities?
Speaker 4 (27:44):
That is a good question, and absolutely not. We serve
anybody and everybody, So the twenty five county areas, it
doesn't matter what religion, faith, or even if you have one,
you come to us and we will serve you. So
I will tell you there's a little disconnect with that
because a lot of our supporters are only Catholic. So
(28:05):
let's say ninety percent of the people who support us
financially are Catholic.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
But we serve everybody.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
So one of my personal priorities is to break out
of the Catholic community and raise awareness of our work
with everybody in those twenty five counties. And get support
from our entire community.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
That is wonderful to know. Thank you well. Consider learning
more about Catholic charities at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org and
by all means, if you can help out between now
and the end of the year, they'd be great. Don't
forget about Christmas at Catholic Charities. And wow, so much
fun to visit with you, Tracy Kennedy Hugh.
Speaker 3 (28:43):
Thank you. I appreciate it. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
We learned a lot and it's I hope we can
have you back sometime to Wichita Weekend.
Speaker 3 (28:50):
I would love that, all right.
Speaker 2 (28:51):
Thankks you, thanks for listening.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Thank you for listening to Wichita Weekend, a service of
buying Heart radio stations. Will O two won the Bull
Channel nine sixty three ALT one, O seven three and
ninety seven nine B ninety eight. Listen every Sunday or
Wichita Weekend.
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, the weekly public affairs program from
iHeartRadio Wichita ninety seven, ninety ninety eight, Well O two
won the Bull Channel ninety six three and AULT one
O seven three.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
And our guest today on Wichita Weekend is Tracy Kennedy.
She is the executive director for Catholic Charities of Wichita.
Welcome to Wichita Weekend, Tracy, Thank you so much.
Speaker 3 (00:24):
I'm glad to be here.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Great to have you now. As a lifelong Witchitan, I
have heard Catholic Charities four years, but I can't really
say with confidence what all that Catholic Charities is about.
Could you tell us your mission?
Speaker 3 (00:38):
Sure, certainly can so.
Speaker 4 (00:40):
Catholic Charities has been in our community actually since nineteen
forty three, so wow, We've been around for a long time,
and we've done some different.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
Things over the years.
Speaker 4 (00:48):
But right now our focus is on hunger and homelessness,
domestic violence, and enriching lives. So some of the most
well known ministries that we have of our thirteen include
Harbor House, which is a domestic violentce shelter, Our Daily
Bread which is a food pantry, Saint Anthony Family Shelter.
We have as an emergency family homeless shelter, and then
(01:08):
also Adult Day Services, which is a day program for
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
So out of thirteen very important ministries, those are the
top four.
Speaker 4 (01:18):
You, Those are the top four. Those are what people
know us for. We do have other ministries that are
a little smaller in nature. We have a counseling program,
we have immigration services. But I would say those are
the four that most people know about.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Oh boy, And I would go out on a limb here,
maybe not a big limb, but guess that you're very,
very busy with all those ministries. There's a lot of
need in this community.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
There's a lot of need in this community. And so
we don't just serve the Wichitak community. We serve the
whole twenty five county area of the Catholic.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Diocese of which you talk.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
Okay, so we actually have a satellite office in Pittsburgh
as well, and so we serve all of those counties.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
Boy, how much many people would you guess you serve
in a year.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
That's a good question.
Speaker 4 (02:04):
I want to say a lot, and we measure a lot.
We like to look at how many services we provide
because we do provide multiple services for different people. So
in our last fiscal year, we provided about one hundred
and sixteen thousand individual services.
Speaker 2 (02:21):
Did you say one hundred and sixteen thousand I did
in the course of a year. Correct, That's amazing, that's incredible, right. Well,
that takes a huge group of folks on your staff
then to be able to serve all this Gosh, you've
got to have outreach offices all over Kansas. I would
guess right.
Speaker 4 (02:39):
Most of our staff is here in Wichita and then
down in southeast Kansas. We do have some outreach services
in the Winfield area and Hutchinson and things like that.
We have about one hundred and thirty five total number
of employees for Catholic Charities, and of course we have
a lot of volunteers who help us as well.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
Yeah. Boy, what do you think is unique about the
shelters that Catholic Charities provide them? Thinking mainly about Harbor
House and St. Anthony Fair Shelter.
Speaker 4 (03:09):
Sure, what I think is unique about our shelters is
that we do so much more than just provide a
home or shelter for people who find themselves homeless or
in a domestic violent relationship. We provide wrap around services,
and so what that means is you have somebody who
comes to Saint Anthony Family Shelter with their family. They
(03:30):
might be unemployed, they might have children who have special
needs that they don't know about or know how to
deal with, and our case managers, our program directors are
dealing with the families, helping them work through those issues.
And so that's I would say, that's one thing that
makes us unique.
Speaker 2 (03:48):
That would be a huge task. I would imagine it's
everything that the family's dealing with. What do you think
the average length of stay would.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Be for a family at St.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
Anthony Family Shelter, The average length of stays about forty
five days. We are classified as an emergency shelter, so
that's enough time to get people back on their feet
in terms of maybe finding employment, finding stable housing, and
things like that. Now we also have some leeway in that,
so if we have a family that needs a little
extra time, we're able to work with them as well.
(04:23):
At Harbor House for Domestic Violence, are the people we
serve stay a little bit longer. Sometimes their issues and
their barriers are significant and it takes us some time
to work through those and of course with people who
we are serving at Harbor House, the most important thing
is that we can find them a safe place and
(04:44):
so sometimes that takes a little while.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
That's number one safety and wow oh wow. So that's
the main way that Catholic Charities is kind of in
the fight against domestic violence and helping that is correct
support and comfort to those who are caught up in
this terrible kind of a thing.
Speaker 3 (05:04):
That is correct.
Speaker 4 (05:05):
So right at the shelter at Harbor House we have
actually twelve rooms, but the outreach services that we provide
through our Safe Project is extensive, and so people who
don't maybe meet the criteria, maybe there's not you know, Unfortunately,
a lot of times people call our crisis line and
(05:25):
it is a life or death situation. And so the
people who are in more crisis we're able to take
in the shelter, But there are a lot of other
people that don't come to shelter that need our services
as well, and we help them with safety planning and
finding a safe place and all the other things that
come along with stabilizing and empowering them.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
And that is a twenty four to seven three sixty
five emergency line. Is it not, Tracy, That is correct.
Do you happen to have that number?
Speaker 3 (05:49):
And see, I certainly do. It's three one six two six,
three six thousand.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
Maybe that's a number you may want to share with
a friend, or maybe you want to remember that number
for yourself. Two six three six thousand to three one
six area code. That's the twenty four seven three sixty
five emergency line for Catholic Charity's Harbor House.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
That is correct. That is correct.
Speaker 2 (06:12):
Wow, Tracy, What do you think brings you the greatest
joy as executive director of Catholic Charities? What what fulfills you.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
For me? Personally?
Speaker 4 (06:29):
I love seeing our staff work together as a team
to make a significant impact with those on those we
serve and in our community.
Speaker 3 (06:38):
So when I.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Hear success stories or I talk to a program director
about a specific family that we have helped, and you know,
I just have this immense sense of pride in what
we are able to do and the dignity that we're
able to show people and just you know, how we
help them get back on their feet.
Speaker 3 (06:58):
That is just that is very rewarding to me.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
I can only imagine that you have seen some stories
that seem like unsolvable, some problems that seem beyond hope.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
Most definitely the thing that we must remember though, even
if let's say we help somebody and they come back
and they need help again, we have made a difference
because we've helped them in that first situation, So it
may not be something. They come to us, and you know,
we stabilize and empower them and they're off to go,
and they're good for the rest of our lives. No
(07:30):
matter where they are, and how many times they come
to visit us, visit us, we are helping them.
Speaker 2 (07:35):
That's wonderful. I love to hear that. Don't forget that
twenty four seven three sixty five emergency line for Harbor
House from Catholic Charities as area code three one six
two six three six thousand. We are visiting with Tracy Kennedy,
the executive director for Catholic Charities here in Wichita, learning
lots about Catholic Charities. Let's take a quick break and
(07:58):
when we return, we'll just thank us some more about
some things coming up between now and the end of
the year for Catholic Charities right here in Wichita. This
is Wichita. Weekend.
Speaker 5 (08:09):
October is domestic violence Awareness Month and here in Wichita,
Catholic Charities Harbor House provides a full range of services
for domestic violence survivors. Learn all about Harbor House online
at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org, slash harbor hyphen House and
if something about your relationship.
Speaker 3 (08:25):
Scares you, or if you believe you and your.
Speaker 5 (08:27):
Kids are not safe, call the Harbor House hotline at
three one six two six three six thousand. It's available
twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. That's
three one six two six three six thousand.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
The story of grace Man has always been told through
its people, both those who served and those who it
is out on that are served. We meet at the
intersection of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the weight of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassionate, quality healthcare for all their physical, emotional and
(09:01):
spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope. Bringing find
hope today by scheduling an appointment with Graceman.
Speaker 7 (09:10):
Have you just been diagnosed with cancer or do you
know someone who's recently been diagnosed. Keep this in mind
and pass it along. The American Cancer Society offers a
nationwide cancer information line. It's available twenty four hours a day,
seven days a week, whether it's two BM or two AM.
We're there for you to answer questions, connect you to
(09:30):
the resources you need, or to just listen. As the
most credible source of information, we can answer your questions
about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options, and clinical trials. We can
also help you with everyday needs like emotional support and
lodging during treatment. To learn more, visit cancer dot org
or call your American Cancer Society toll free at one
(09:52):
eight hundred two two seven two three four five anytime
day or night. That's one eight hundred two two seven
twenty three.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
And we are back with Wichita Weekend. And our guest
is Tracy Kennedy, executive director for Catholic Charities. And you know,
I know that most people in Wichita have been here
any length of time, are quite familiar with Catholic Charity's name,
and maybe in a general way, they're familiar with all
the good work that Catholic Charities does in Wichita, in
(10:23):
the Greater Area, Greater Wichita area.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Tracy.
Speaker 2 (10:27):
Earlier in the first half of our show, you mentioned
you know your staff, and then there's volunteers. How does
somebody who's interested in volunteering giving some time to Catholic Charities,
how would they go about getting in contact with you?
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Guess sure? Sure.
Speaker 4 (10:41):
The best way is actually to submit a contact form
on our website, and so our website is Catholic Charities
Wichita dot org and they can just fill out a
contact form and then we have a volunteer coordinator who
will give them a call. Of course, on the website too,
they'll see the different opportunity that we have and hopefully
something will spark their interests. But one thing that is
(11:04):
very important to me is that if we have people
who want to help us, we also need to be
creative and finding them something to do for us. Yeah,
something might have a special talent or an affinity for something,
and if we could figure out a partnership that works
for both of us, we're very willing to do that, Okay.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
And that's at Catholic Charities dot dot org.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Catholic Charities Wichita dot org.
Speaker 2 (11:24):
Catholic Charities Wichita dot org. Yes, I ask that question.
So that we could confirm it. Catholic Charities Wichita dot
org correct another thing to write down and kind of
keep in your memory there for some time when you
may need it in the future. We talked a little
earlier about some upcoming events we have coming now between
(11:45):
now and the end of the year for Catholic Charities.
What's going to be happening. We have Christmas things on
the calendar we do we do.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
We have a couple of upcoming events. One is simply
called Christmas at Catholic Charities, and this is a way
that community can become involved in donating in kind gifts
or monetary gifts so we can purchase things for the
clients who are in our shelter and also past clients.
So basically how it works is we accept all of
(12:13):
these donations and we wrap them and we set up
stores and our shelters, and so the parents can come
in and shop for their kiddos, and the kiddos can
shop for their parents, and so it's just a wonderful
it's a wonderful thing to see happening. Obviously, a lot
of these people don't have resources to do this type of.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
Thing on their own.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
We even invite clients who have stayed with us in
the past to come and shop.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
So it's a pretty special time of year.
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Do you have some repeat visitors?
Speaker 3 (12:44):
We do, We do, wonder so.
Speaker 4 (12:46):
Unfortunately, sometimes it's hard to keep track of where our
clients go after the exit shelter, but we certainly extend
the invitation to those that we know where to find them.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Yeah, and speaking of that, that made me think of
a question, is there for want of a better term
after care?
Speaker 3 (13:00):
That is a good question.
Speaker 4 (13:01):
So many of our services do provide long term case management. So,
for example, somebody who might go to Harbor House with
the exit shelter, but then qualify for the outreach services,
so they have a case manager who follows them there.
We have a rapid Rehousing program that that actually helps
clients find stable housing and then follows them for a
(13:22):
certain amount of time. We have a Veterans program that
does the same thing. So many of our services, our
follow up services.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
I got you, Okay, rapid rehousing, that's got a great
ring to it. I'm sure that helps a lot of families.
Speaker 4 (13:35):
It does, it does, and those are actually we can
serve individuals as well. That's a system, it's a coordinated
system through our city, and so basically people come up
on a list and those are the people that we help,
kind of in a priority area order.
Speaker 2 (13:51):
Tracy, you've got a busy calendar. You are a very
very busy person. How do you how do you prioritize?
Speaker 3 (14:00):
That's a good question. Sometimes that's difficult.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
You know, one thing that I'm very grateful for is
I have an excellent board of directors and we have
a strategic plan, and so I meet with my boss,
who is the chairman of the board, who really helps
me understand what our priorities are. And so that's what
I like to focus on. There's a million things that
we could be doing, but we need to accomplish what
(14:26):
we've said out in our strategic plan, so we we
use that as our guiding light. Those are the things
that we need to do.
Speaker 2 (14:32):
Yeah, targeting those efforts so that you do the most
good for the most people.
Speaker 3 (14:36):
Most definitely, most definitely.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Well, thank you again. I'll be thanking you repeatedly for
all the great things that you're doing here in Wichita,
and you know, to help families in need, families and
individuals in need. Tracy, how long have you been with
Catholic Charities.
Speaker 4 (14:56):
Not even two years yet, wow, two years in February.
So I finally feel like I know what I'm doing.
It took a little while, but I finally feel like
I understand our complex organization and understanding what my personal
vision is and how I can help the organizations.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Okay, well, two years behind you, but already a veteran
now and certainly get what we wouldn't call that a
baptism by fire, but boy, you sure learned a lot
in a very compressed period of time.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Yes, I did. I did.
Speaker 4 (15:28):
So it was a little baptism by fire, but it worked,
and I'm so glad to be here.
Speaker 2 (15:35):
Where had you been before you came to Catholic Charities?
Where'd you come to us from?
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Sure?
Speaker 4 (15:40):
I worked at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, and I
was responsible for stewardship and pastoral planning, which is like
strategic planning. So I was already familiar with Catholic Charities
and the work of the diocese, and so it was
a natural progression in my career to you know, just
kind of the next step.
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yeah, Okay, how do you feel your spirituality fuels your career?
How does it inform you.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
Right, my spiritual everything is focused on my spirituality. I
do the work I do because I know I have
an obligation to do that. I'm serving God and Jesus as.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
We serve the people in need.
Speaker 4 (16:21):
And so really, you know, there's some days that I
don't see what's going on in the front lines, but
I have to remember that what I'm doing is what
I am called to do, and part of that is
also being a servant leader for the people who work
for me. So my focus a lot is on serving
(16:41):
those who directly report to me, so then they can
take care of the people in need.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
So time, talent, and treasure is a lifestyle for you.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Most definitely, Wow, most definitely.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
Well, it's really inspiring to hear Catholic Charities Wichita. I've
got a wonderful website that's got everything you'd want to
ever learn about Catholic charities right there, Catholic Charities Wichita
dot org. We'll say it again because I got it
wrong the first time.
Speaker 3 (17:08):
That get hard. It's a hard one. It's hard.
Speaker 2 (17:11):
It's pretty easy, but it's really fun to learn more
about what you guys are doing there. And I didn't
realize you were also outside of Wichita, but yeah, some
outreach ministries going on there and twelve ministries total. But
like we said, the four major ones get a lot
(17:33):
done for our community, and our community is better for it.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Most definitely, most definitely.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Tracy, Let's talk about some of the other basic services
that Catholic Charities provides. The food pantry, the adult day
of services.
Speaker 6 (17:47):
Sure.
Speaker 4 (17:48):
Sure, So the food pantry is called Our Daily Bread
and it's located on South Hillside and we are open
three mornings a week, but we serve about one thousand
families who are experiencing food and security every month. So
families can come visit us once a month, and we
operate a choice pantry, which means when families come to us,
(18:09):
they actually have a shopping experience and they get to
choose the food that their families like. So it's not
something they come to us and we just you know,
hand them a box of food or a bag of
food and say here it is. They actually get a
choice in the matter.
Speaker 2 (18:22):
Very good. Our Daily Bread on South Hillside. Do you
know where on South hill Side is it?
Speaker 3 (18:27):
Twenty eight twenty five South Hills, Okay.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
So a little bit south of Pawnee that are somewhat
in the plain View area, but that is correct, but
a very important thing that's going on there, So very
glad to hear about. What about Adult Day Services? What
kind of things do you provide there? So?
Speaker 4 (18:41):
Adult Day Services is one of our biggest ministries that
we operate at Catholic Charities. It is a program for
adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as seniors
with Alzheimer's, dementia, and loneliness. So on average, we serve
about one hundred and forty five participants each day who
come to us between the hours of seven thirty am
(19:03):
and three thirty pm, and we feed them two meals
a day and snacks. But what's really important about Adult
Day Services is we provide opportunity for socialization with the
people who participate there.
Speaker 3 (19:17):
We give back in the community.
Speaker 4 (19:19):
So our participants from Adult Day Services will go to
our Daily Bread and they flatten bags, you know that
are used for the groceries. They go to a local
church and they clean the pews and they actually make
dog biscuits for a local nonprofit rescue nonprofit. So it's
a wonderful place. It's a really happy place. Adult Day
(19:41):
Services is if I ever need a smile, I will
go to ADS and just talk with the participants there.
Speaker 2 (19:48):
Sounds like it. Yeah, people want to feel like they're
they have value. Most definitely they have importance, and that's
a way.
Speaker 3 (19:57):
To write help them find that.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
And first and foremost, and it's in our new mission
statement is we treat every person we serve with the
dignity that they deserve, and that is first and foremost
in our mission. That is what every single one of
our ministries does.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
I can imagine that can be challenging sometimes if you're
dealing with someone who's a little bit difficult that sometimes.
Speaker 4 (20:21):
That is correct, it is it can be difficult in challenging,
and you know, in those times when it's difficult and challenging,
we need to put ourselves in that person's shoes and
understand they are dealing with trauma or crisis or situations
that are really difficult. And I think if you can
have change your mindset to you know, think about how
(20:41):
these people are feeling, then it's a lot easier to
provide them that dignity and respect that they deserve.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
Excellent, Yeah, in the two years you've been with Catholic charities.
Have you seen an increase in need?
Speaker 3 (20:58):
Most definitely.
Speaker 4 (20:59):
So I told you earlier that we had provided one
hundred and sixteen thousand services in our last fiscal year.
That's last year, it was one hundred and thirteen thousand services.
And so every year it is on the increase, and
so that's a challenge for us right to be able
to keep up with the services that we provide and
try to meet as much of the demand as possible.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Yeah, and just a little personal side note, we've been
working downtown now for a couple of years. We moved
our offices and so now that we're in the central
core area, I have seen firsthand on my drive to work,
too many people flying a sign, as they say, standing
(21:41):
on the corner with the cardboard sign. Too many people
were sleeping on the street, you name it. So, I
don't know, it's just the result of the times we're
living in, still suffering, still reeling from the after shocks
of COVID, you.
Speaker 4 (21:55):
Know, right, Definitely, anybody who drives, you know, goes to
a major intersection in Wichita can see that the need
has increased. And I don't know part of that is
the cost of living has increased. We're dealing with significant
mental health issues in our community. The drug use is
significant as well, and so all those things when they
(22:19):
come together, it's a perfect storm for homelessness or domestic violence,
or you know, lots of other things that trouble are
the people of our community.
Speaker 2 (22:28):
Time for one more quick break, and when we come back,
we'll conclude our conversation with Tracy Kennedy from Catholic Charities
of Wichita. You're listening to Wichita Weekend on iHeartRadio.
Speaker 5 (22:45):
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and here in Wichita,
Catholic Charities Harbor House provides a full range of services
for domestic violence survivors. Learn all about Harbor House online
at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org, slash Harbor hyphenhigh House and
if something about your relationship scares you, or if you
believe you and your kids are not safe, call the
Harbor House hotline at three one six two sixty three
(23:08):
six thousand. It's available twenty four hours a day, seven
days a week. That's three one six two sixty three
six thousand.
Speaker 6 (23:15):
The story of grace Men has always been told through
its people, both those who served and those who it
is out and are served. We meet at the intersection
of compassion and vulnerability, bringing health where there was illness,
and hope where there was despair. Our patients come to
us bearing the way of living in the margins, and
we share the love of Jesus Christ with them by
providing compassionate, quality health care for all their physical, emotional,
(23:37):
and spiritual needs. Because health restored is always hope rering.
You find hope today by scheduling an appointment with Grace.
Speaker 3 (23:44):
Men, have you just.
Speaker 7 (23:48):
Been diagnosed with cancer or do you know someone who's
recently been diagnosed, Keep us in mind and pass it along.
The American Cancer Society offers a nationwide cancer information line.
It's available twenty four hours a day, seven days a week,
whether it's two BM or two AM. We're there for
you to answer questions, connect you to the resources you need,
(24:09):
or to just listen. As the most credible source of information,
we can answer your questions about prevention, diagnosis, treatment options,
and clinical trials. We can also help you with everyday
needs like emotional support and lodging during treatment. To learn more,
visit cancer dot org or call your American Cancer Society
toll free at one eight hundred two two seven two
(24:31):
three four five anytime, day or night. That's one eight
hundred two two seven twenty three forty five.
Speaker 8 (24:39):
Celebrating forty years. Independent Living Resource Center remains dedicated to
supporting people with disabilities in Kansas. Everyone deserves to live independently,
and their services make that possible. From info and referrals
to peer support, advocacy and independent living training, i LRC
will work defind the best. Learn more at ilrc ks
(25:04):
dot org. Independent Living Resource Center Empowering people with disabilities.
At heart Spring, we're skill builders, purpose finders, life changers,
and you too can make a career changing lives at
Heartspring by helping children with special needs on a path
to a more independent life. It's time to start the
(25:29):
rewarding career of your dreams. Join our team of direct
care professionals today. Start your journey. Visit heartspring dot com
slash career apply today.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Well, if you're listening this morning and you think you'd
like to help out the folks at Catholic Charities, maybe
volunteer some time, talent and treasure. You can go online
to Catholic Charities Wichita dot org and get in touch
with them and find out how you can help. Yes, please, alrighty, wow,
this has been a great hour. We've been visiting with
Tracy Kennedy, the executive director for Catholic Charities in Wichita,
(26:06):
and I know we're coming up on the fourth quarter,
so it's it's kind of at the top of everyone's
mind this time of year, you know, being generous, sharing, caring.
Speaker 4 (26:21):
Caring, that's a good way to put it in sharing.
And we are so blessed with so many people who
care and share with us. And so we have a
thirteen million dollar operating budget and as you can imagine,
that takes a lot of support from the community. So
we do have federal grants and we do charge some
(26:42):
fees for our services for certain ministries. But our goal
for the dollars that we need to raise in our
community is two point four million this year, okay, and
so that is quite significant, yes, And so you know,
we appreciate every dollar that comes to us, and we
try to stretch it, you know, the most we can
(27:03):
and make it go a long way.
Speaker 2 (27:05):
So companies, groups, individuals.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
You name it, you name it.
Speaker 2 (27:10):
We're all you're all invited to.
Speaker 4 (27:14):
Most definitely to participate in whatever way makes sense for you.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
There you go. So and as you look toward the
end of the tax season and the tax here, if
you're looking for a great way to it's really an
investment in Wichita.
Speaker 3 (27:27):
It really is.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
You make a donation a Catholic charity, is it goes
a long long way for a lot of people.
Speaker 3 (27:34):
It does. It does. That's a great way to look
at it.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
Okay and Tracy. As we've been talking, a question popped
into my mind. Do we have to be Catholic to
receive services from Catholic charities?
Speaker 4 (27:44):
That is a good question, and absolutely not. We serve
anybody and everybody, So the twenty five county areas, it
doesn't matter what religion, faith, or even if you have one,
you come to us and we will serve you. So
I will tell you there's a little disconnect with that
because a lot of our supporters are only Catholic. So
(28:05):
let's say ninety percent of the people who support us
financially are Catholic.
Speaker 3 (28:10):
But we serve everybody.
Speaker 4 (28:11):
So one of my personal priorities is to break out
of the Catholic community and raise awareness of our work
with everybody in those twenty five counties. And get support
from our entire community.
Speaker 2 (28:23):
That is wonderful to know. Thank you well. Consider learning
more about Catholic charities at Catholic Charitieswichita dot org and
by all means, if you can help out between now
and the end of the year, they'd be great. Don't
forget about Christmas at Catholic Charities. And wow, so much
fun to visit with you, Tracy Kennedy Hugh.
Speaker 3 (28:43):
Thank you. I appreciate it. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (28:45):
We learned a lot and it's I hope we can
have you back sometime to Wichita Weekend.
Speaker 3 (28:50):
I would love that, all right.
Speaker 2 (28:51):
Thankks you, thanks for listening.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
Thank you for listening to Wichita Weekend, a service of
buying Heart radio stations. Will O two won the Bull
Channel nine sixty three ALT one, O seven three and
ninety seven nine B ninety eight. Listen every Sunday or
Wichita Weekend.
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