Beginning July 1, 2021, several Diocese of Kalamazoo pastoral ministry outreach offices joined the Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo (CCDOK) agency. The transition allows for an expansion of resources for Catholic Charities in the areas of immigration assistance, outreach to the Hispanic/Latino and migrant population, social services to the Benton Harbor community, as well as advocacy and programs related to pro-life and persons with disabilities issues.
“Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo has long-standing success in providing a beacon of hope to those in need throughout the nine counties of our Diocese,” said Bishop Bradley. “Aligning our like ministries in these crucial need areas provides us an even greater opportunity to further the mission of the Church.”
Deacon Don Bouchard, DO, Executive Director of CCDOK and President of Holy Family Healthcare, notes that the synergies in welcoming the new ministries will allow for greater optimization of available resources.
“We are excited to welcome these ministry offices to Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo,“ says, Deacon Bouchard. “These ministries were a natural fit to the outreach to our sisters and brothers in need throughout our Southwest Michigan community. We look forward to expanding our mission to be God's hands providing housing, health and hope to his children.”
Catholic Charities welcomed five new employees to its Gull Lake, Kalamazoo offices. The Catholic Community Center retains its offices in Benton Harbor.