Catholic Charities, Inc.

Doris - The Shelter

 "Is Grandma here?!"  That enthusiastic question came from a seven year old child, addressing what was most important to her at that moment, as she walked into THE SHELTER with her mom and siblings.

This adoring child has been at THE SHELTER before with her mom and family.   She's here again because their "home isn't safe".   No matter what her mother does to "make things better", the promises are again broken and the abuse continues.

Grandma Doris wasn't present when this child made her request; she had gone home for the day, but staff could reassure the youngster that Grandma would return in the morning.   Grandma Doris has been helping children for almost 29 years as their mothers struggle to transition from a life of violence to a life of opportunity.

Grandma Doris is a welcoming face for children and mothers in transition at THE SHELTER.  She assists with the children during group time, she watches the children while mothers are taking care of business on the phone, she reads the children stories and she always smiles and shows love to them and their moms.  Why?...because she believes in them and their mothers.  And she knows that THE SHELTER is a life changing opportunity for the women and their children to break the cycle of violence; but she also knows that without patience, love and support they will not be free.

Grandma Doris' work doesn't end there.   She is an example to the mothers as they watch their children blossom through the gentle and steadfast guidance and support Grandma provides.  Often mothers come to THE SHELTER to keep their children safe and because they see their youngsters replicating similar patterns of violence in their own lives.   As they observe Grandma Doris the moms begin to recognize the terrible effects that living in a home with violence has on a child, their child!  But Grandma Doris, just by being there and being who she is, teaches mothers new, healthy ways to raise their children and be proud of themselves.

Grandma Doris started volunteering in August, 1981, almost 29 years ago!   She has impacted the lives of thousands of mothers and their children as they sought safety through the domestic violence programs of Catholic Charities.

And she keeps giving! Grandma Doris continues to bring new volunteers to the Foster Grandparent program of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.   She encourages others to be foster grandparents because she recognizes the benefits of doing, of giving, and of helping the community.   Her convictions remain strong at 90 years young!   She is the longest serving Foster Grandparent in the Eastern Nebraska Program and the longest serving volunteer in the history of Catholic Charities Omaha! 
 
Grandma Doris Watkins is a role model to all - her energy, spirit and patience demonstrate how to live and how to love...to every life she touches.     

CONGRATULATIONS TO GRANDMA DORIS on winning as a Silver Honoree in the Mentor category by OVEA – MetLife Foundation!

Christine - St. Martin de Porres Center

I began volunteering at the St. Martin de Porres Center back in 1995, helping with their emergency food assistance services. My mother, a long-time supporter of Catholic Charities, introduced me to the program and to all that Catholic Charities had to offer. It wasn’t long before Catholic Charities became a passion we shared. I’m currently a graduate student and now have children of my own. Despite my busy lifestyle, I’ve decided to continue to be involved with Catholic Charities, and now serve as pantry coordinator at the St. Martin de Porres Center. I believe in the mission of Catholic Charities and feel they do a great job serving the vital needs of those in our community.

Charlotte - Mentoring Moms program

In many ways, I feels as though I have adopted my mentee and her child.  We enjoy a relationship that closely resembles that of mother and daughter.

If you'd like to contribute your story about volunteering, please email your story to Catholic Charities!