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  • Board of Directors | CHS

    Board of Directors Our Management Team Chip Cieslinski , President/CEO ccieslinski@catholichumanservices.org Kara Steinke , COO ksteinke@catholichumanservices.org Donna Hardies , Prevention Supervisor dhardies@catholichumanservices.org Sarah Hegg , Western and Southwestern Region Clinical Supervisor shegg@catholichumanservices.org Theresa Kerry , Senior Volunteer Programs Director tkerry@catholichumanservices.org Susan Kirkman , Digital Marketing/Charitable Giving Manager skirkman@catholichumanservices.org Larry LaCross , Eastern Region Clinical Supervisor llacross@catholichumanservices.org Lauren Reed , Western Region Prevention Supervisor lreed@catholichumanservices.org Rhonda Reynolds , Human Resources/Accounting rreynolds@catholichumanservices.org Kayla Thomas , Quality Assurance/ Continuous Quality Improvement kthomas@catholichumanservices.org Board of Directors Bishop Jeffrey J. Walsh The Most Reverend Jeffrey J. Walsh was born on November 29, 1965. The son of Jerome and Nancy Walsh, he is a native of Scranton, Pa., and is a graduate of Scranton Central High School. He is one of three children, with brothers James and Joseph Walsh. He graduated from the University of Scranton in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Resources. He went on to complete his priestly studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., earning a Master of Divinity Degree. Bishop Walsh received a Master of Arts in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in 1999 and a Master of Social Work Degree from Marywood University in 2010. Bishop Walsh was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Scranton by Bishop James C. Timlin at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, Pa., on June 25, 1994. After ordination, Bishop Walsh served as assistant pastor at Saint Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale, and the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton. In July 1999, he was appointed to his first pastorate at Saint Mary of the Lake Church, Lake Winola, as well as Director of Spiritual & Liturgical Formation at Saint Pius X Seminary in Dalton, Pa.. From July 2004-July 2006, he served as pastor at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Tunkhannock, until being appointed to serve as Episcopal Vicar for the Eastern Pastoral Region of the Diocese of Scranton. In 2008, Bishop Walsh became administrator of Saint Rita Church, Gouldsboro, and in 2009 was appointed administrator of Saint Anthony, Saint Bridget and Saint John the Baptist parishes in Throop. In July 2010, Bishop Walsh was appointed to serve as pastor at the Church of Saint John, East Stroudsburg. In January 2015, he was appointed Episcopal Vicar for Clergy by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera. While serving in that role, Bishop Walsh also served as Sacramental Minister for Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston. In July 2020, he was appointed pastor at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Carbondale, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Carbondale. During his years of pastoral ministry, Bishop Walsh also served in a variety of diocesan positions, including Director of Religious Formation at the former Sacred Heart High School in Carbondale and the former Bishop Hannan High School in Scranton. For five years he was chaplain at Saint Michael’s School and for 12 years (1995-2007) he served as chaplain to the Deaf Community. Bishop Walsh has also served as diocesan vocations director, was director of youth and young adult retreats at Fatima Center, and served for one year as the Diocesan Deputy Secretary for Catholic Human Services. In 2007, he was also appointed to the Board of Directors of the Notre Dame Regional School System. On December 21, 2021, the Diocese of Gaylord, Mich., announced that Bishop Walsh had been appointed by Pope Francis to serve as sixth bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord. As bishop of Gaylord, he succeeds the Most Reverend Steven J. Raica, J.C.D., D.D., who served as shepherd of the diocese from August 28, 2014 until June 23, 2020, at which time he was installed as bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. Since June 2020, while the diocese was a vacant see, Bishop Walter A. Hurley has served as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Gaylord. Bishop Walsh’s episcopal ordination and installation as the sixth bishop of Gaylord took place on March 4, 2022 at Saint Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Gaylord. Barb Soffredine - Chairperson Barbara Soffredine is a long-time member of the CHS Board of Directors and currently serves as the vice-chair. She is also a member of the Otsego Human Services Network (chair), the Michigan Comprehensive School Health Coordinators Association, the Otsego County Committee to End Homelessness, and the Otsego chapter of the Michigan Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking. Barb holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from Eastern Michigan University. She has held teaching positions at Eastern Michigan University, Macomb Community College, St. Mary Cathedral High School, and currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology for Kirtland Community College. She recently retired from Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District where she served as the Director of General Education. Barb and her husband Russ have lived in Gaylord for almost 40 years. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. James Supina - Vice Chairperson Jim is a member of St. Mary Parish in Mio, where he is a Eucharistic minister, lector, usher, member of Our Lady of the Woods Shrine committee, and chair of the Shrine scholarship committee. He has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Detroit and a master's degree in engineering from Northwestern University. Jim is retired from the Ford Motor Company and Mascotech. Jim and his wife Chris are the proud parents of four children and four grandchildren. Jim enjoys all outdoor activities, youth education, and natural resource conservation. He is currently the vice-chairman of HeadWaters Land Conservancy, a member of the Pigeon River Advisory Council, and active in other conservation-related organizations. Dawn Ewald - Secretary Dawn joins us with over 40 years of healthcare experience. Early in her career, she was primarily involved in maternal/child/infant health both clinically and in the public health arena. For over 20 years, Dawn directed a variety of hospital areas at a local Catholic hospital ensuring Mission integrity through community outreach activities. Dawn established the first area-wide community health assessment and implementation strategy focusing on patient access for substance abuse, chronic disease, and health and wellness especially for the underserved and marginalized. Dawn is retired from the former Mercy Hospital in Cadillac and most recently as the temporary Director of the Stehouwer Free Clinic. She is now focusing her time in community areas that she still has an interest in serving, such as the “All Saints” cluster of churches in the Wexford, Missaukee counties in Parish Health Ministry. Dawn obtained her education in nursing from North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, Ferris State University, and Michigan State University. Her husband Bill retired from the army 12 years ago but remains very active in the community. They are the parents of two boys and grandparents of two girls and one boy. Dan Smith - Treasurer Dan is a member of St. Mary's Cathedral Parish in Gaylord. He is an active member of the Gaylord community serving on several boards, including the Otsego Memorial Hospital and the OMH Foundation boards, and the Otsego County Sports Hall of Fame. Dan graduated from St. Mary's Cathedral School and attended Lake Superior State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He is a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He currently operates his own accounting business in the Gaylord area. Dan is married to his wife Kim who is employed at the Diocese of Gaylord. Together they have six children. Dan enjoys coaching his children in sporting activities. In addition, he enjoys working out on a regular basis and golfing in the summer. Paul Beachnau I am the youngest of 7 siblings born to Richard and Rosemary Beachnau. My dad Richard was the first Director of C.H.S in the Diocese of Gaylord when it was formed in 1971. He was appointed by Edmund Cardinal Szoka, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord. Our entire family moved to Gaylord in 1972 from Lansing where all 7 of us Mike, Pat, Brian, Mary, Karen, Greg, and I were enrolled at Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral High School. Prior to that I had attended Holy Cross grade school in Lansing. I can proudly say that I have 12 years of Catholic education. Following High School, I attended and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Public Administration. I have served as the Executive Director of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce and\ or the Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau for my entire working career. I held a dual role as Director of both organizations until 2017 when I was appointed to serve exclusively as the Executive Director of the Gaylord Tourism Bureau. I have always had an interest in State and Local Government and was elected to the Otsego County Board of Commissioners where I served 18 years. I was Chairman of the Finance Committee and served as Chairman of the Board for two of my 9 terms. I am an active parishioner at Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral and serve as a lector. I have also served on the Parish Finance Council. I have been member of the Gaylord Rotary Club for 36 years. I am the proud parent of two adult children Daughter Abby – 22 and Son – Timmy 21. Both of my children serve our country as active-duty members of the United States Air Force. In my spare time you will find me out enjoying nature where I love to bike, ski, snowshoe, hike and take my beloved Golden Retriever – MAC for long walks on the trails. You might also spot me up in Paradise, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula where the family has owned a cabin on Lake Superior for 44 years. Dr. Jaci Fitzgerald Dr. Jaci lives on the Sunrise side of the diocese in Harrisville, her husband's hometown, Dr. John MacMaster. They live on the MacMaster Centennial Farm, raising four children, registered Angus cattle, a large vegetable garden, and various 4-H livestock projects. As a family physician, her medical practice includes active work in the evaluation and treatment of child abuse in a leadership role for the NE MI Child Advocacy Center. She is also a volunteer medical consultant for the diocesan Natural Family Planning programs. She is active in her community as a 4-H leader, Safe Sitter instructor, and a supporter of the local FFA chapter and high school golf teams. At St Anne’s Parish she serves as lector, cantor, extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, and in various hospitality roles. The CHS adoption program blessed the MacMaster family with their youngest child. Dr. Jaci and the baby’s birth mother have appeared together at speaking engagements promoting open adoption. Dr. Jaci is honored to serve her first term on the board. Betsy Hardy, MSN, RN Betsy Hardy MSN, RN has been a nurse for nearly 30-years, working in areas of perinatal-infant health, early childhood, community collaboration, relationship-based care, trauma-awareness, and resilience. In early 2000, Betsy worked with a multi-organizational regional team representing health departments, hospitals, community agencies, and health care providers, to build the nationally recognized program Healthy Futures. This collaborative, innovative program was the first of its kind, offering nursing support and home visiting resources for all families delivering babies in the northern Michigan region. Betsy is currently working in public health at the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, helping to build nursing programs in area schools. Betsy is a member of St. Francis Church in Traverse City. She is married to Tom, both graduating from St. Francis High School. They have five children who have all attended Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, two sons-in-law, and one granddaughter. Betsy enjoys attending her children’s sporting events and being outdoors, especially gardening. She is honored to be a part of Catholic Human Services. Christine Hitch Christine Hitch is the Marketing Communications Director and Affiliate Director for the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan where she has worked since 2005 serving the communities she has always called “home”. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Oakland University. Christine is active throughout her community as a member of the Rotary Club of Alpena where she serves as the grants committee chairperson, and with Alcona Fit Club where she teaches group exercise classes for community members. She is a lifelong member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Harrisville. She and her husband Adam have two sons, ages 9 and 6. As a homeschool family, they enjoy outside activities, traveling and exploring new, hidden places in northeast Michigan. Renee Shimmel Renee joins us with nearly 40 years of experience in marketing communications. Currently, she is the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Gaylord. Prior to joining the diocese, she created and executed marketing and communications plans for a variety of healthcare companies, including Bi-County Community Hospital, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, Henry Ford Health System, and McLaren Northern Michigan. She holds a master’s degree in advertising from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism/PR from Wayne State University. Originally from metro Detroit, Renee and her husband Dave, moved to Petoskey in 2021. They are members of Holy Childhood of Jesus in Harbor Springs, where Dave is the communications coordinator. Renee and Dave have been married for more than 30 years and are the proud parents of two adult sons who both wed in 2023.

  • Careers | CHS

    Career Opportunities Join the team that's strengthening Northern Michigan For over 50 years, we have committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the communities we serve. As we are driven by our mission to provide support during some of the most challenging times in a person's life, we look to grow our team. We are looking for talented individuals like you to join our ever growing team! Employee Benefits Package Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance with a very low co-pay - choose from 4 plans 5 year vested pension 12 paid holidays 15 paid days off, increases to 20 after 5 years Paid sick time off - up to 75 hours per year Delta Dental insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield Vision benefit Life insurance Short-term and long-term disability insurance Visit MCC to learn more, as almost all of our benefits are through them. Perks of Catholic Human Services Professional Development In addition to reimbursement for external professional development, we offer a variety of internal learning experiences. Collaborative Culture We're a team that cares about you. Our supervisors offer leadership, support, and understanding. Your coworkers are a team-oriented workforce that works together to build an encouraging work environment. Flexible Schedule Life happens, we understand that. From sick children to personal emergencies, things happen that we can't always plan for. Hybrid and flexible schedules help you create a true work-life balance. Mileage & User Access Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel. In today's world, everyone needs to stay connected, which is why we offer user access to help with the cost of your internet and phone. Student Loan Forgiveness Catholic Human Services is a 501 c3 organization, and as such, you have the potential to have your student loan forgiven. Holistic Extras Additional benefits include: 403 (b) option Professional liability Intermediate sick leave Funeral leave Open Positions Nurse Care Manager - Hybrid - Full-time/Part-time Position(s) Full time and/or part time position(s) covering 21 counties of Northern Michigan. The position will be a combination of remote and in-person. Must be an LPN or RN with experience in care management and preference given to applicants with experience in the treatment of substance use disorders, specifically opioid use disorders and medication assisted treatment. Candidate must be self-motivated, thrive in team-oriented approaches and will join a staff of substance use disorder therapists, peer recovery coaches, family support specialists and substance abuse prevention specialists. Must live on the western side of the state. Qualifications: LPN or RN with experience in care management. Self-motivated. Team player. How to apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Larry LaCross at llacross@catholichumanservices.org by February 15, 2025. Ready to join the team? Apply today to one of our open positions Nurse Care Manager SUD Peer Recovery Coach & Prevention Specialist

  • Bridging Hope: Bishop's Walsh's Flock Walk for CHS

    Join Bishop Walsh as he embarks on a time honored tradition of walking the Mackinac Bridge this Labor Day! Bridging Hope: Bishop Walsh's Flock Walk for C.H.S. Thank you to all the walkers who joined us for the Flock Walk! It was a wonderful day to meet and walk with so many who are connected to the mission of Catholic Human Services. Because of you, we have raised over $4,500. Stay tuned for future information on Bridging Hope 2025!

  • Archive Prime For Life 18 and Over | CHS

    Prime For Life 18 and Over Promoting a Life Well Lived Concerned with the role that alcohol or drugs play in your life? Want to make a change but need to learn more? Catholic Human Services offers Prime For Life® classes as a way of understanding how alcohol and drug-related problems develop, what we can do to prevent them, and why sometimes we need help. The virtual course presents carefully selected information in a non-judgmental way which provokes new thinking and provides individuals with a solid basis for making decisions about their alcohol and drug use. Individuals who may not have access to WiFi or have access to a cell phone, tablet, or computer – may request assistance during the registration process. Once we receive your registration, we will email you a confirmation and send class materials through the U.S. mail service.

  • FS Audit | CHS

    FS Audit Download the printable PDF form and complete it or Fill out the online form below. Download and printable FS Audit PDF

  • Mission, Values, Vision | CHS

    Mission, Values, Vision Why we exist For decades, Catholic Human Services has been committed to strengthening northern Michigan, one person at a time. We make a positive difference by providing hope-filled, social, emotional, and spiritual support during some of the most challenging times in people's lives. We serve people of all ages, faiths, and incomes throughout 21 counties in northern lower Michigan. CHS provides counseling, substance use disorder treatment, prevention education, adoption, youth mentoring, and senior services to thousands of people each year. We partner with health care providers, employers, churches, and agencies to offer a wide range of best-practice services. Where we provide services CHS is based administratively in Traverse City, with regional Alpena, Gaylord, and Cadillac offices. Each office is a hub for services located in other communities throughout the 21-county service area. For a complete listing of locations and contact information click here. What we believe A welcoming, open spirit leads to healing. We believe in meeting people where they are. No stigma, just help. While CHS was built on the foundation of the Catholic faith, CHS provides services and employs people of all faiths. We strive to bring a spirit of openness to every interaction with clients, team members, and community partners. We are honored to uplift our clients during times of great challenge and seek to walk alongside them on the road to a better tomorrow. Creative learning leads to better outcomes. We know we don't have all the answers and seek to partner with our clients and communities to develop better and more diverse ways to serve people living in northern Michigan. We do this by: Listening deeply to those we serve. Encouraging innovative thinking of team members. Remaining flexible in our decision-making. Strong people build strong communities. Our communities are stronger when individuals and families are healthy. We believe a strong family is one where each member is accepted and loved and can develop their strengths within the family structure. Parents have what they need to nurture and develop their children, and children have what they need to thrive and grow into healthy, happy adults. Spouses respect, love, and partner with one another to enjoy peaceful moments and successfully take on challenges. Each family CHS works with is unique in makeup and size. Some families are traditional, and others are families of choice. Our vision We can imagine a future where all people in northern Michigan have broken free from abuse, care for themselves, and can find support when they need it. CHS staff, board, senior volunteers, and clients strive every day to build this brighter future one person at a time.

  • Contact CHS - Gaylord | CHS

    Contact Catholic Human Services Contact CHS / Request a Call Back - Gaylord Office Fill out this short form and a Catholic Human Services representative will call you back by the next business day for an appointment. If you need immediate assistance, please call (231) 947-8110. First Name Last Name Email Phone Add a Note What regional office would I like to hear from? * Required Traverse City Alpena Cadillac Gaylord I would like to know more information about the following services: Alcohol and Drug Recovery Services Counseling Services Employee Assistance Program Open Adoption Services Senior Volunteer Programs Classes (Court ordered) Submit Thanks for submitting, we'll be in touch shortly!

  • Helpful Links & Resources | CHS

    Helpful Links & Resources Helpful Links Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous Diocese of Gaylord Northern Michigan Regional Entity AuSable Valley Community Mental Health Authority Centra Wellness Network North Country Community Mental Health Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health Authority Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Make the Connection Families Against Narcotics Medicaid Application Form The Phoenix Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance Money Smart - Financial Education Program Helpful Resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988 Live Chat Now National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678 National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 Text HELP or INFO to 233733 The National Runaway Switchboard: Call: 1-800-RUNAWAY Text: 1-800-786-2929 Live Chat Now Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): 1-888-347-2423 Sexual Assault Hotline Chat: Call: 1-855-864-2374 Text: 1-866-238-1354 National Domestic Violence Hotline Chat: Call: 1-866-864-2338 Text: 1-877-861-0222 Naloxone Kits for Opioid Overdose: https://nextdistro.org/migate (mail order) Also available at Catholic Human Services offices No one will be denied access to services due to inability to pay. There is a discounted/sliding fee schedule available based on family size and income. To learn more visit our Information for Clients page. Este establecimiento de salud atiende a todos los pacientes independientemente de su capacidad de pago. Se ofrecent descuentos para sericios esenciales según el tamano de la familia y los ingresoso. Para obtener más información, pregunte en la recepción o visite nuestro sitio web.

  • Phone Directory | CHS

    Phone Directory Traverse City | 231-947-8110 Gaylord | 989-732-6761 Alpena | 989-356-6385 Cadillac | 231-775-6581 Atlanta | 989-356-6385 Benzonia | 231-775-6581 Harrisville | 989-356-6385 Houghton Lake | 989-732-6761 Mancelona | 989-732-6761 Manistee | 231-775-6581 Mio | 989-732-6761 Rogers City | 989-356-6385 Tawas | 989-356-6385 West Branch | 989-732-6761

  • Senior Volunteer Programs | CHS

    Are you retired and looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of others? Do you live in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, or Wexford County? Senior Volunteer Programs needs you! We help strengthen families in northern Michigan, but we can't do it alone. We seek volunteers to work with children in the classroom setting and become companions to isolated seniors. Senior Volunteer Programs Quotes From Our Volunteers Volunteering makes me feel good. It drives me to get up in the morning and be there for the children. If I didn’t have that I don’t know where I’d be today – Lana My life is richer because of this program. -D Make a Difference Are you retired and looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of others? Do you live in Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, or Wexford County? Senior Volunteer Programs needs you! We help strengthen families in northern Michigan, but we can't do it alone. We seek volunteers to work with children in the classroom setting and become companions to isolated seniors. Our programs are a part of AmeriCorps Seniors which is nationwide. Volunteers can earn up to $600 monthly as a tax-free stipend when volunteering. To learn more, call 231-929-7070 or fill out the contact form, and we will contact you. Classroom Grandparent Volunteer (Foster Grandparent Program) Senior Companion Volunteer Foster Grandparent volunteers, serve as role models, mentors, and tutors to children in need. Volunteers serve 10+ hours/week by meeting with children in schools, Head Start, daycare, YMCA, summer camp, or other center settings. Not only do volunteers help children with specific learning such as reading, writing, and math, but they also provide a listening ear and companionship. Classroom grandparents become safe, consistent mentors in the lives of children at risk. Senior Companion Volunteers serve as advocates, supporters, and companions to older adults who are frail and isolated. Volunteers serve 10+ hours/week supporting seniors, providing respite for family caregivers, and transporting them within the community. Volunteers may transport and accompany seniors to doctor appointments, barber/beauty shop, pharmacy, and grocery shopping. Volunteers provide companionship while visiting. Senior companions help connect seniors to their community and help them maintain their dignity and independence.

  • Counseling Services | CHS

    Counseling Services Individual and Family Counseling Against the backdrop of accelerating pressures in everyday life, CHS offers counseling to help individuals and families get through an array of complex problems. CHS staff use best-practice counseling strategies to empower clients to meet goals. CHS offers sliding fee schedules and provides free pregnancy counseling to those in need. We strictly adhere to state and federal confidentiality guidelines. We provide services to families and individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes. We can help with: Loss and grief Difficulty managing stress Mild to moderate mental health issues Marital, family, or relationship conflicts Adjustment-related problems Trauma Anxiety and depression Addiction Client Financial Assistance: At CHS, your well-being is our priority. We don't want the cost of treatment to be a barrier. We will bill your health insurance whenever possible. CHS fees are charged on a sliding scale depending on family income. And there are times when we can access Client Assistance Funds, which are made possible by generous donors. Inquire about financial assistance Request a call back Pregnancy Counseling Discovering you're pregnant can create a range of emotions. And in the case of an unplanned, unexpected pregnancy, the feelings can sometimes be scary and overwhelming. There are important decisions to make, and it's common to feel unsure. That's when CHS can help. We offer free, confidential, fully supportive pregnancy counseling to help you sort through your options and develop the best plan for you and your baby. Our experienced, counselors will: Respond to your concerns thoroughly and honestly. Help connect you to needed resources. Honor your choices and feelings. If you plan to parent, help you develop the support you need. If you're leaning towards adoption, provide you with knowledge and support to ensure your wishes are fully met. Call 231-590-8337 to talk with someone today, or fill out the contact form , and we will call you. Alcohol and Drug Recovery To learn more about our Alcohol and Drug Recovery Program click here. Client Information To learn more about being a client with Catholic Human Services click here.

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