Giving 2023

Contact Catholic Human Services Contact CHS / Request a Call Back - Alpena 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? 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!

Senior Volunteer Programs 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 program is part of AmeriCorps Seniors, which provides $600 monthly average stipends for volunteers who qualify. Classroom Grandparent Volunteer (Foster Grandparent Program) 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 Volunteer 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. To learn more, call 1-800-658-8554 or fill out the contact form , and we will contact you.

Give We Appreciate Your Financial Support CHS has been strengthening northern Michigan by providing life-enhancing services to individuals, families, and our community for 50 years. As we towards the future, CHS is focused on strategies that will meet the evolving needs of those we serve. Our plan for the next three years is to 1) strengthen our current programs and 2) expand counseling services for families. Donations play an essential role in sustaining and enhancing services. Here are some examples of how you can help: Client Assistance Fund (CAF): Strengthening northern Michigan means residents can access the care they need for substance use disorders, depression, marital difficulties, unexpected pregnancies, and recovery from trauma. The CAF is available to individuals and families who come to CHS for treatment but have limited ability to pay. 100% of gifts are used to help reduce the cost of care for those in need. $100 donation helps cover the costs for pregnancy or other individual counseling sessions. $150 donation helps cover the costs for family therapy sessions. $250 donation helps cover the costs for group recovery sessions. Educational Programming: CHS provides evidence-based information to enhance the well-being of our residents. CHS provides online, virtual, and in-person learning opportunities for youth, families, teachers, and service providers. $500 helps cover the cost of interactive youth drug prevention classes. $1,000 will provide continuing education for service providers. $5,000 underwrites the cost for a motivational Alcohol and Drug prevention event at a local school. Expanding Programs and Services: CHS staff continuously look for ways to deliver more services to strengthen families. One top community need that CHS would like to address is expanding marriage counseling. CHS receives numerous requests from clergy to refer struggling couples who could benefit from counseling services. CHS plans to expand its offerings and build an infrastructure to serve at least 300 families per year. Expanding the program will cost an estimated $400,000, and CHS seeks donors interested in investing in this family-strengthening program. Once the program is developed, CHS expects it to become self-sustaining within two years.

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Meet our Staff Management Administrative Staff 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. 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. 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. 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. Sister Augusta Stratz, LMSW, RSM Sister Augusta Stratz, LMSW, RSM, was a Religious Sister of Mercy for over 67 years. In the course of her career and ministry, she worked in the office of aging for the Archdiocese of Detroit and served in the Diocese of Gaylord. She earned an MSW from Western Michigan University and worked for Great Lakes Community Mental Health, retiring in 2002. In 2004, through a grant from the Sisters of Mercy, she started a non-profit charitable organization, Health & Healing Ministry in Kalkaska MI. She is the director and continues that ministry today. She is very active in jail ministry with women in Kalkaska County and has created a program acclaimed by local and state corrections agencies. Mackenzie Richie Mackenzie Ritchie is the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Gaylord, a position she’s held since 2020. Prior to this role, her background includes philanthropy and development, and leadership of a young adult missionary program. Mackenzie holds a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College and certificates from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Villanova University. Growing up in the thumb area of Michigan, Mackenzie was delighted to move back to her home state in 2020. She and her husband, Zack, reside in Houghton Lake with their two Siberian Huskies. Over the past several years, Mackenzie and Zack have thoroughly enjoyed leading the youth ministry in their parish together and teaching faith formation classes for the younger students. Mackenzie’s other hobbies include running, ice skating, and enjoying the Michigan outdoors, particularly Burt Lake and Houghton Lake. 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. 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.