Bishop Steiner paused for a photo with Fr. Tim Mockaitis and Fr. Philip Waibel (masks removed for photo) (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Hundreds of masked attendees gathered at the “Building Resilience through Hope and Healing” luncheon on Sept. 29. It was held at the Salem Convention Center and hosted by Catholic Community Services.
Students and staff volunteered behind the scenes. Seira Kitagawa and Ismael Lopez Manuel were among the many volunteers from Blanchet Catholic School who served as greeters.
Over thirty sponsors and forty-four table hosts invited guests to be inspired by stories of healing. Talented Christian singer and songwriter Julie Hoy performed her songs “Higher Ground” and “It’s a New Day.” Bishop Kenneth Steiner provided the blessing.
Bishop Steiner paused for a photo with Fr. Tim Mockaitis and Fr. Philip Waibel.
Chief Executive Officer Josh Graves helped frame the event and the purpose of the gathering.
There was a moment of remembrance for Chuck Lee, who recently passed away. Lee was the founder and president of Blanchet as well as a leader at the Salem-Keizer Career Technical Education Center.
There is excitement around the Seymour Center for Children and Families, named after longtime CCS leader Jim Seymour. The center, located on the CCS Portland Road campus, offers a one-stop-shop for people seeking support services.
The event included a multimedia program that put a face to many of CCS services. Kayla Murray told of her struggles with homelessness and addiction and how the CCS Father Taaffe Homes program introduced her to Ed and Teri Moore. The Moores now enjoy participating in raising Kayla’s son, Percy. Also featured were Bonnie Perez, a longtime volunteer, and Matt Holt.
Dr. Lee and Lynda Harrington closed the event by focusing on the healing power of community. Guests were inspired to make free-will donations to the cause.
Founded in Salem in 1938, the agency offers eleven programs across ten Oregon counties and serves more than 7,000 people each year. Catholic Community Services is a faith-based nonprofit supporting people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and children, youth, and families facing adversity.
Learn more or donate at www.CCSWV.org
Amber Tela from CCS, Seira Kitagawa, and Ismael Lopez Manuel from Blanchet Catholic School served as greeters (masks removed for photo). (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Julie Hoy performs at the CCS Luncheon. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Teri Moore, Percy Murray, and Ed Moore attended the CCS Luncheon (Courtesy/Karlene Curtin)
Dr. Lee and Lynda Harrington speak at the CCS Luncheon (Courtesy/Karlene Curtin)
Jim and Lorna Monaghan attend the CCS Luncheon. (Courtesy/Karlene Curtin).
Judy Powers, volunteer table host, attended the CCS Luncheon. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing regularly for Salem Reporter. [email protected] and follow her on Facebook.
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