"Dear Friends, September is upon us! We say goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall. It is the month of the autumn equinox when day and night are of equal length. For us this year, it will occur on September 25th. As the days grow shorter, I pray that we all will be rejuvenated in mind, body, and spirit.
Did you know that for Catholics, the month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows? Mary’s Seven Sorrows come from the Gospels: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of the child Jesus in the Temple, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, the crucifixion and death of Jesus, taking Jesus down from the cross, and the burial of Jesus.
How does this apply to you and me? From Mary's Seven Sorrows, we learn how to endure profound suffering with deep faith, resilience, and unconditional love. This is entwined with our Mission at Catholic Charities - the spiritual works of mercy as we strive to bear wrongs patiently and forgive all injuries. All of us have experienced some level of trauma, been mistreated from time to time, and some of us have even endured abuse. How can we, without God’s help, ever overcome our hurt and turn it into a joyful life of service and peace? Not one of us. But with God, all things are possible. And even in the most simple aspects of life, fulfilling our daily responsibilities, we can choose to embrace this truth and experience joy during times of celebration and even of trial. Each day brings a new opportunity.
Whatever your role is at Catholic Charities, you are here for a reason; it is not by accident, nor is it insignificant. You matter, the work you do matters, and every person you serve matters." - Katie Baxter, CEO and President
Coming Soon...Hopeliner: Fall 2026!
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
- September 8-11: Substance Use Prevention Week | Baker College, Owosso
- September 11: Coffee and Donuts | 9:30AM | Sacred Heart Veteran Village
- September 15: Food Giveaway | 11AM-1PM | Center for Hope Parking Lot
- September 25: Knits & Bits Fundraiser | 6PM | Nicole's First Impressions
- November 5: Chair-ity Fundraising Event | Sponsor our event here: https://catholiccharitiesflint.networkforgood.com/events/97148-chair-ity-2026
- November 7: America 250 Military Gala | Benefiting Sacred Heart Veteran Village
Get Involved
- We're Hiring: Conference Center Event Support Staff, Therapists for Owosso, Custodian/ Light Maintenance Team Member, Foster Care Worker
- Sponsor our Chair-ity Event, Donate Auction Items, Volunteer at Event
- Select Catholic Charities in Kroger Community Rewards Program
- Help sort donations in Owosso | call: (989) 723-823
- Sponsor a Meal or Haircut Day at the Sacred Heart Veteran Village | call: (810) 239-4417
- Adopt-A-Day at the Center for Hope or North End Soup Kitchen (weekdays and weekends)
- Apply for a Membership to our Mid-Michigan Resource Warehouse - Teachers, First Responders, and Non-Profits | apply on our website
- Rent our St. Michael Conference Center for your next meeting or big event | call (810) 232-7586
- Join us for Mass on Thursdays at 12:10PM in St. Michael's Chapel
What is Needed
- Hope in a Box Collection for September: Bar and Hand Soap for Center for Hope
- Foster Parents: Contact Ken at Child Welfare - Ken Schram, kschram@ccsgc.org or (810) 232-9950 ext. 358
- Household Items, Plastic Banquet Tables: Owosso Location
- Steel Toe Boots, Non-Perishables and Personal Needs Items: Center for Hope
- Household Furniture, Dishes, Towels, Microwavable Shelf-stable Meals: Offender Success
"Whatever our stage in life, God is always sending his graces and blessings upon us. We are never too young, too old, too poor, too insignificant, or our life situation so grave that we cannot receive what he has prepared for us and share it with those around us." - Deacon Ken Preiss, Chaplain
Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties is planning our annual fundraising event “Chair-ity” to be held on November 5, 2026 at our beautiful St. Michael’s Event and Conference Center. It is our 85th anniversary of serving the people of Genesee and Shiawassee Counties and we are planning a very special occasion. It is our largest fundraiser of the year and money raised from this special event will support the direct services that we offer daily throughout the area.
Calling all artists! We are calling for uniquely decorated chairs or art to be auctioned at our fundraiser. Transform a plain chair into an amazing work of art and your donation will not only provide someone with a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, it will provide those most in need with help, hope and healing.
This special event will bring people together for an evening of generosity, connection, and impact—and we invite you to be a part of it. Your generous donations make a tremendous difference in the lives of those we serve. From providing the most basic of life's essentials to offering enrichment classes to promote thriving independence, your contributions are essential to our mission.
As a sponsor, you will:
Gain visibility among community members and local leaders
Demonstrate your commitment to helping the most vulnerable in our community
Play a direct role in changing lives for the better
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can provide help and give hope to those who need it most.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Diamond Sponsor
Retired Men's Fellowship of Greater Flint
Platinum Sponsor:
ELGA Credit Union
Gold Sponsor:
St. John Vianney Church
Silver Sponsors:
Communications Technologies, Inc.
The Catholic Foundation
Huntington Bank
Bronze Sponsors:
P&H Plumbing and Heating
The Williamson Foundation
United Way of Genesee County
Drs. Mukkamala and Kulkarni
WE'RE HIRING - JOIN A MISSION THAT MATTERS
Are you looking for more than just a job? Do you want your work to make a real difference in people’s lives every single day? Join our team and be part of our amazing mission-driven organization committed to providing help and creating hope in our communities.
Now Hiring for:
Conference Center Event Support Staff
Email your resume to givehope@ccsgc.org
KNITS & BITS FUNDRAISER | SEPTEMBER 25
Join us for an evening fundraising event with fashions from a local knitter. Stop and shop a wide variety of hand-made knitted sweaters, hats, scarves, socks and more.
All donations are tax deductible with proceeds benefitting Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties.
Hosted by Nicole’s First Impressions
1122 N Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430
FREE ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES
Quick to get angry? Stay angry for long? Causing problems at school or work?
We offer a FREE, 7 week class that will help you identify the causes of your anger and assist you in developing coping skills. Classes are available for both adolescents and adults.
(810) 444-8213
FREE SUBSTANCE USE EDUCATION
What may seem harmless at first can lead to addiction, health problems, and difficult life choices. Learning the dangers of drugs and alcohol helps you make informed decisions and protect your well-being.
This 7 week, FREE class will help you identify the short and long term risks of substance use. Classes are available for both adolescents and adults.
(810) 444-8213
MID-MICHIGAN RE-SOURCE WAREHOUSE: A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR NON-PROFITS, TEACHERS, AND FIRST RESPONDERS
Shoppers can benefit by stocking up on office supplies, tools, small appliances, clothes, toys, and other items for their clients in need. Members receive huge saving off thousands of items!
Annual Non-Profit Membership: $100
Annual Teacher Membership: $25
(810) 391-2509 or email MMRW@ccsgc.org
6340 N. Genesee Rd. Unit 1, Flint 48506
RESERVE THE CONFERENCE CENTER FOR YOUR NEXT MEETING, RETREAT, GALA, PARTY, OR FUNDRAISER!
St. Michael’s Conference Center aims to provide an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance for a variety of events, specializing in graduation open houses, coming-of-age parties, galas, conferences, small group off-sites, presentations, and other formal and informal gatherings.
Our flexible venue can accommodate groups up to 350 people. With a convenient location, affordable prices, and remarkable ambiance, St. Michael’s is sure to fit your style and budget.
(810) 232-7586
conferencecenter@ccsgc.org
609 E. 5th Ave., Flint, MI 48503
COUNSELING SERVICES IN OWOSSO
Our counseling program helps children, adolescents, individuals, and families experiencing emotional or mental health issues such as: Depression, Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Divorce, Anger Management, Family Crisis, Domestic Violence, Parenting and Pregnancy, and Substance Use Addiction. Catholic and Christian counselors are available upon request. Because we never want you to worry about how your counseling will be paid for, we can assist you one-on-one to develop a payment plan. In addition, we work with a variety of insurances and agencies to ensure you get the care you need.
(989) 723-8239
1480 N. M- 52, Ste. 1, Owosso, MI 48867
BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT
There are children in our community right now who need a safe home—and you could be a vital part of that process.
Every day, kids enter foster care through no fault of their own. They need more than just a roof over their heads—they need patience, stability, and someone who shows up for them when it matters most. The need for foster parents has never been greater.
Foster parenting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about offering consistency, care, and compassion during a time of uncertainty in a child’s life.
Catholic Charities provides training, guidance, and ongoing support every step of the way.
Staff Contacts
Katie Baxter, President and CEO: kbaxter@ccsgc.org
Mary Stevenson, Director of Center for Hope: mstevenson@ccsgc.org
John Manse, Director of Community Services: jmanse@ccsgc.org
Shelly Safi, Director of Finance: ssafi@ccsgc.org
Robert Benish, Director of Development: rbenish@ccsgc.org
Tasha Donald, Director Child Welfare: tdonald@ccsgc.org
Chris Gough, Manager of Human Resources: cgough@ccsgc.org
Rochelle Gasso, Director of Offender Success and Prevention: rgasso@ccsgc.org
Cathy Sprague-Emans, Manager of Owosso Site: cemans@ccsgc.org
John Inman, Director of Facilities: jinman@ccsgc.org
Michelle Simpson, Executive Projects Manager: msimpson@ccsgc.org
Daily Services Offered
Center For Hope: (810) 265-7025 | 810 Root Street, Flint, MI 48503
Community Closet: Monday-Friday | 1-3PM | 2x/Month
Soup Kitchen: Daily | 12PM-1PM
Personal Needs Room: Monday-Friday | 9:30AM-12PM | 1x/30 Days
Showers and Laundry: Make appointment in person
St. Christopher Medical Transport: Schedule Only | Bennie
Work Ready Resources: Contact us for availability
Warming Center: November - March
Center for Hope Donations: Monday-Friday | 9:30AM-3:00PM
Outreach: Monday-Friday | 8:30AM-4:30PM | Cyndi (810) 234-4693
North End Soup Kitchen: (810) 785-6911 | 735 E. Stewart Ave., Flint, MI 48505
Monday-Saturday Lunch 11:30AM-12:30PM, Dinner 4PM-5PM | Sunday Lunch 1PM-2PM
Sack Lunch Distributions:
My Brothers Keeper, 101 N. Grand Traverse St., Flint, MI
South Flint Soup Kitchen, Lincoln Park United Methodist Church 3410 Fenton Rd., Flint, MI
Sacred Heart Veteran Village: (810) 239-4417 | 734 E. Stewart Ave., Flint MI 48505
Resource Center | Monday - Friday | 9:30AM-5:00pm
St. Michael Conference Center: (810) 232-7586 | 609 E. 5th Ave., Flint MI 48503
Available for Small Meetings, Conferences, Open Houses, Fundraisers, Coming of Age Parties, and more
Prevention and Education
Schedule a Program | (810) 444-8213
Mid-Michigan ReSource Warehouse: (810) 391-2509 | 6340 N. Genesee Rd. Unit 1, Flint 48506
Memberships for Non-Profits, Churches and Public Schools, Teachers, and qualifying First Responders Only
Monday-Thursday | 10AM-5PM
Friday | 10AM-4PM
Child Welfare Program: (810) 232-9950
Foster Parent Information: contact Ken Schram, kschram@ccsgc.org
Adoption Information: contact August Zech, azech@ccsgc.org
Shiawassee County Location
(989) 723-8239 | 1480 N. M- 52, Ste. 1, Owosso, MI 48867
Monday & Wednesday: 8AM-5PM, Tuesday & Thursday: 8AM-6:30PM, Friday: 8AM-2PM
Shiawassee County Counseling: Appointment Only | (989) 723-8239
Shiawassee County Community Closet & Food Pantry
Monday | 12PM-3PM
Wednesday and Friday | 9AM-12PM