Catholic Charities of Jackson, Hillsdale & Lenawee Counties - Sue Lewis
Our own Sue Lewis, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, updated members on her agency and the many programs it offers. Formerly Catholic Social Services of Lenawee County, the agency’s name was changed in 2003 to Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties to reflect their connection to a much larger network of Catholic Charities in the diocese, the state, and the country.The agency continues to provide counseling services in addition to programs that serve youth, individuals, and families in need and all focusing on improving the quality of life for their neighbors in the community, fulfilling their mission of charity. The agency, Sue said, is now part of the Diocese of Lansing. In 2010 Catholic Charities of Lenawee merged with Catholic Charities of Jackson County to become Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties. Among the programs offered are: Substance Abuse Counseling, Mental Health and Marital Counseling, Sexual Abuse Treatment, Prisoner Re-Entry program, and Foster Care & Adoption to name a few.
Sue’s agency also provides transportation services for seniors and veterans 60 years of age and older to and from medical appointments but in the Jackson area only at this time. Many personal needs items are made available to individuals on the second and fourth Fridays of each month (except holidays) from 9am – noon at their Jackson offices on Mechanic Street.
A large part of the agency’s focus of late, she said, has been on the development of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Adrian in a building formerly owned by the First Presbyterian Church. The CAC provides a child-friendly, protective environment for the investigation and intervention of child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. Sue thanked our club and the Morning Rotary Club for securing a district grant in the amount of $4,000 which will help in the renovation of the building. For more information about Catholic Charities, you’ll want to visit www.catholiccharitiesjlhc.org