On Wednesday, April 10, 2013, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference hosted Catholics at the Capital in Madison. This biannual event brings Catholics from all over the state together at the beginning of each new legislative year to discuss positions that are true to the social and moral teachings of the Church related to current  public policy considerations. The Most Reverend Peter Christensen (pictured above) was invited to make the keynote address, “Reclaiming the Common Good in the Year of Faith”.

The day long event offered attendants both  morning and afternoon break out sessions covering many pertinent  legislative issues. Mr. Alan Rock, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Bureau, was invited to speak on the subject of Long-term Health Care during one of the afternoon sessions.  Through Catholic institutions and in keeping with Catholic Social Teachings we work to provide the social ministry on behalf of our Bishop. We offer a myriad of services and care, especially for the poor and vulnerable. The afternoon session examined current issues for those most in need of access to quality, affordable health care and long-term care in Wisconsin.

Pictured at right: Following the afternoon sessions Bishop Peter Christensen was asked to join a panel discussion during the general session:  Voicing Catholic Values in a Diverse Society.

HOUSING EXPO KICKS OFF HOMEBUYING SEASON

The housing market in Superior and Douglas County which has experienced growth and expansion in the last six months has generated optimism and excitement. The 17^th Annual Housing Expo Saturday, March 9, 10 AM to 3 PM at the Mariner Mall, Superior, will bring together prospective home buyers, persons interested in selling, prospective renters and lease holders, landlords, and home improvement personnel with local financial institutions, Realtors, abstract companies and  home inspection companies to kick off the Spring Home Buying Season.

The Housing Expo will begin at 10:00 AM and over 50 exhibitors are expected to be on hand to provide information, resources and materials for the public. Real Estate information, the latest home mortgage products from financial institutions, housing and Home product exhibits will be available with consultation and time to discuss individual housing needs with housing professionals. Seminars on Space Planning, Down Payment Financial Assistance, and the general housing market will begin at 11:00 and be available throughout the day. Many exhibitors provide door prizes and the event is free.

 “Each year over 1,000 people attend the Housing Expo and find the information they need to buy, rent, sell, or remodel their home,” said Sandy Carlson, Director of the Catholic Charities Bureau Housing Counseling Program which sponsors the Housing Expo, “ It’s a great way to gather the information a family needs to begin the process of home buying or relocation. The area housing professionals are very helpful and accessible.”     

With so many housing professionals, lender, Realtors, and remodelers under one roof, at one time, the Housing Expo offers a unique opportunity to begin planning for either buying, selling, renting or remodeling a family home. The Housing Expo also provides an opportunity for many emergency housing agencies and providers of housing for low to moderate income families to disseminate information.

Alan Rock named Catholic Charities Bureau Executive Director

ALAN ROCK APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CATHOLIC CHARITIES BUREAU           

The Most Reverend Peter F. Christensen, Bishop of the Diocese of Superior, announced the appointment of Alan Rock as Executive Director of Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc. effective January 10, 2013.

Mr. Rock previously served as Associate Director of Catholic Charities Bureau and was the Comptroller of the Challenge Center, Inc., an affiliate agency of Catholic Charities Bureau. Prior to coming to Catholic Charities in 1997 Mr. Rock’s professional experience included positions with U.S. Filter Corp and Concerned Care, Inc.  As an active community volunteer Mr. Rock has served as President of the Superior Rotary Club, Standing Chair of Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival,  and he’s an active leader with the Boy Scouts of America.

“We’re most pleased to have a professional of Mr. Rock’s integrity and devotion to our mission serving as our new Executive Director.” said Bishop Christensen in announcing the appointment.

Mr. Rock succeeded Brian Soland who  served Catholic Charities as Director of St. Joseph Children’s Home, Associate Director and as Executive Director since 1971. He is retiring on January 10, 2013.  “Mr. Soland has loyally served the Diocese of Superior for 41 years  said Bishop Christensen. “He will assist Mr. Rock in the transition process to ensure that Catholic Charities Bureau continues its long tradition of providing help and creating hope in Northern Wisconsin.”

Bishop Peter Christensen (right), President of the Membership of Catholic Charities Bureau, congratulates Matt Crowell (center), on his election as Chair of the Catholic Charities Bureau Board of Directors.  Alan Rock (left), is the new Executive Director of Catholic Charities Bureau, succeeding Brian Soland who has retired after 41 years of service to the organization.

Jan Hanson (center) has retired from the Board of Directors after serving two three year terms, the last two years as Chair of the Catholic Charities Bureau Board.  Thanking her for her service are Bishop Peter Christensen, President of the Membership, and retiring Executive Director, Brian Soland.  Ms. Hanson is the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Bishop Peter Christensen visits with Catholic Charities Bureau Board member, Dr. Renee Wachter at the recent Annual Meeting of the Board and Membership.  Dr. Wachter, Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Superior, has served on the Board Committee overseeing Housing Programs for the elderly and persons with disabilities in seventeen communities of the Diocese of Superior.

GOVERNOR WALKER, A.G. VAN HOLLEN,  VISIT CHILDREN’S CENTER

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen visited Hudson Community Children’s Center on February 12, during a statewide tour to advocate for new legislation to protect children and adolescents from Internet Crime and Exploitation. Governor Walker,  Attorney General Van Hollen, and Jenniffer Price, Special Agent in Charge of the Internet Crimes Task Force,  spent over an hour at the Center visiting with the children and staff, consulting with HCCC Board members, and meeting parents of the children attending the Center. 

Pictured above, from left front row: Tyler Sias, Ella Pierce, and Sebastian Navarro. Enter from left: Jenniffer Price, Special Agent in Charge of the Internet Crimes Task Force, State Senator Sheila Harsdorf, Hudson Mayor Allen Burchill, Governor Scott Walker, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Judy Brekke, Director, Hudson Community Children’s Center: Back Row, form left , Stan Sias, HCCC Board Member, Captain Jeff Klatt, St.Croix County Sheriff’s Office, Bob Amundson, HCCC parent, and Hudson Chief of Police, Marty Jensen.  

The Code of Ethics of Catholic Charities Bureau states: “We will respect and conform to civil law and its governance. We will also seek to peacefully change those civil practices that adversely affect the well being of the people we serve.” The exploitation and abuse of vulnerable children on the internet is an emerging threat to children and families. Catholic Charities Bureau supports the efforts of civil authorities to enhance the apprehension and prosecution of persons engaging in sex trafficking and other exploitive and abusive crimes via the technology available on the internet.

Governor Walker and Attorney General Van Hollen  both spent time interacting with the children, encouraging them to read good books and to listen carefully to their parents about the use of the computer. Judy Brekke, Director of the Hudson Community Children’s Center and Toni Chambers, Chair of the HCC Board,  met with State Senator Sheila Harsdorf at the event. Senator Harsdorf is a long time supporter of early childhood education and programs for children with special needs.

  Above Picture:  State Senator Sheila Harsdorf visited with HCCC parents Dana and Rob Amundson and their daughter Emma during the Governor’s visit to Hudson Community Children’s Center, February 12. Senator Harsdorf, who represents the Hudson area in the Wisconsin Legislature has long been a leader in legislative efforts to improve day care services for working families

Catholic Charities Bureau is very appreciative of Senator Harsdorf’s support of our programs throughout her district and welcomed the opportunity to share  with Governor Walker and Attorney General Van Hollen the success of the Hudson Community Children’s Center and the challenges faced by children’s programs during this time of decreasing  financial support from the public sector.

Hudson Chief of Police Marty Jensen, St. Croix County Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Klatt,  and Hudson Mayor Allen Burchill were special guests at the event. The children enjoyed meeting the police officers. Mayor Burchill is a long time supporter of Hudson Community Children’s Center and has been an advocate for children and families during his long tenure as mayor of Hudson.

The Hudson Community Children’s Center is located in a totally new facility completed in 2008 and opened a new infants and toddlers program in 2012. The Center can serve over 60 children.

HCCC Teacher Stacy Johnson (left) introduced the children to Governor Scott Walker. Governor Walker visited with the children about books they had read and his favorite book, “Green Eggs and Ham”.

The Knights of Columbus, Council 4932 of Wabeno, recently presented a check in the amount of $459.75 to Headwaters, Inc.  This check represents the proceeds from the Knight’s annual tootsie roll sales and will be used toward the purchase of specialized equipment for adults with intellectual disabilities and children with special needs served by Headwaters, Inc. in Rhinelander.  Standing left to right are: John Ehlinger; Mary Hardtke, Director; David Hobbs, Philip Alger, Grand Knight; and Ray Ehlinger.  

Flood Relief Information
 
 
                                               
Persons seeking financial assistance for damages from the June 19-20, 2012 flood are encouraged to contact the UNITED WAY by dialing 211 or 715-394-2733
www.unitedwayofsuperior.org
 
The United Way is providing long term assistance and is collecting information on households severly impacted by the flood.
 
 
 
 

Extra Mile Employees Dina Maki and Bobbi Edwards

 On April 24, 2012 Brian Soland, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Bureau, traveled to the Hudson Community Children’s Center in Hudson, WI. on behalf of the Catholic Charities Bureau Board of Directors to recognized Judy Brekke (center) with the Extra Mile Employee Award and Cindy Payseur with the Good Samaritan Award for their work and contributions to the children Served At HCCC. Congratulations to Judy and Cindy!

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