Catholic Charites

Upcoming Events:

1. QCC Area Director Keynote Speaker
At Quincy Notre Dame Commencement

Kurt Stuckman, QCC Area Director, will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Quincy Notre Dame High School Commencement slated for Sunday, May 20, 2007, at 1p.m.

"I am truly humbled by the opportunity to go back to my alma mater to share some words about hope, faith, and the importance of family to the QND class of 2007, “said Stuckman, who is a 1991 graduate of QND.

QCC is a not-for-profit, United Way agency active in the Quincy community since 1945 that provides professional services and operates nationally accredited programs without regard to age, race, income, gender or religious affiliation.

Quincy Notre Dame, as a private, Catholic, co-educational school, seeks to build a community of learners among its faculty, staff, students and parents. Founded on faith in God and trust among its members, this community strives to make Catholic values an integral part of its existence. Quincy Notre Dame fosters an environment of consideration and acceptance, while challenging its members to develop their potential through strong educational and extracurricular programs. Quincy Notre Dame strives to prepare its students to assume vital Christian roles in a constantly changing world.

2. Bridge The Gap Celebrates Banner Year!

The Bridge The Gap committee is extremely pleased with the results and the hard work that went into the six annual run walk that took place on Saturday, March 31, 2007, at Clat Adams Park. The event for the second straight year saw a record number of participants who enjoyed a brisk run or leisurely stroll over the mighty Mississippi.

“We had approximately 600 more registrants this year over last year. We had 1,078 last year and 1,692 this year. What a tremendous feeling to see the community rally behind such a heartwarming cause in support of the MedAssist program,” said Kurt Stuckman, QCC Area Director.

Dick Beardsley, keynote speaker, spoke at several different venues while in town from the breakfast optimist club: to kids at Chaddock, the Adams County Youth Home, to students from Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame. “Dick is a tremendous speaker who has a way to strike the core in each of us,” said Kurt Stuckman.

Mark your calendar -- the 8th annual event is slated for April 2008. For more on-going information please go to our website www.bridgethegaptohealth.com.

Since January 2000, the MedAssist Program has assisted over 2,028 patients secure over 18,300 medications at a dollar value over $4 million!

3. Volunteer Spotlight: Thomas Lawless

Thomas Lawless has been volunteering in the QCC Food Pantry since November 1999! It all started when Thomas was looking for somewhere to get involved!

Thomas is responsible for taking the recyclable cardboard received through the food pantry to the recycling center. Thomas enjoys walking and playing his guitar in his spare time. Thomas is a member of St. Peters Catholic Church We would like to say “Thank You” for your 8 years of service to QCC!

4. Endowment Campaign Nearing Goal: Needs One Last Push

Quincy Catholic Charities is pleased to announce the progress towards
the $1 million dollar goal of the FamilyFirstFund campaign.

“Thus far we have over $563,000 pledged to the campaign thanks to two recent generous gifts totaling $50,000. We are aggressively pursuing the funding to put this campaign over the top,” said Kurt Stuckman, QCC Area Director.

The direct mailing campaign was recently launched in April 2007 targeting over 1,300 businesses and individuals. All money raised is invested and solely benefits operations of Quincy Catholic Charities. Please consider a one-time gift, a five-year pledge, or remember us in your will through a bequest.

For more information about the campaign please call our office at 222-0958.

Impact of Campaign:

Allows QCC to provide a balanced food supply to the needy.
Provide life-sustaining prescription medication assistance to those whom have nowhere else to turn.
Advocate and assist families through life challenges to keep the family unit intact
Advocate for the youth of our community to end the abuse and neglect they are enduring.
To support children who are having a difficult time in school with social, emotional, and behavior challenges.
To provide preventative education to youth of our community enhancing life and character building skills.
To help new parents through the new phase of life with regards to child rearing.
To help couples salvage a marriage and a family through communication, conflict resolution, and understanding.
Provide an opportunity for a healthy beginning in a new family through adoption.

5. Quincy CC Director Participates in Leadership Institute Offered by Catholic Charities USA

Kurt Stuckman, area director of Quincy Catholic Charities, was one of only 36 Catholic Charities staff from across the nation who recently participated in Catholic Charities USA’s Leadership Institute.

Held at Colorado College in Colorado Springs from June 10-16, the intensive institute engaged Stuckman and his peers in a week-long process of personal, professional, and spiritual growth designed to help them become better leaders and enhance their strategies for implementing the mission of Catholic Charities in their agencies and communities.

“What makes this annual Leadership Institute unique compared to other management seminars is that it integrates leadership and management with theology and spirituality,” said Jean Beil, senior vice president for Catholic Charities USA.

Over the course of the week, Stuckman focused on:

deepening his understanding of the foundations of the mission and identity of Catholic Charities, such as Catholic social teaching, Scripture, theology, mission, and spirituality.
developing his leadership and management skills; and
developing strategies to implement the mission of Catholic Charities with a diverse staff serving and working in a pluralistic society.

The Leadership Institute’s faculty was comprised of experts in social services and leadership development, including Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA.

6. Quincy MedAssist Program Reaches $3 Million Milestone

The MedAssist program operated by Quincy Catholic Charities recently reached the milestone of obtaining $3 million worth of prescriptions for area residents in need since the program's inception in January 2000.

MedAssist advocates assist eligible residents with chronic medical conditions in Adams, Brown and Pike Counties in obtaining prescription medicines for free or at little cost from patient assistance programs operated by major pharmaceutical companies. Generally, eligible clients have no private or government-sponsored prescription coverage. The typical client served by the Quincy office is female, between 45 and 60 years of age, with an annual household income under $15,000. The most common condition among MedAssist clients is heart disease, although the program serves those with other primary diagnoses such as diabetes, hypertension and depression.

The Quincy-based program has served 1,730 area residents since 2000 by obtaining 14,670 prescriptions valued at $3 million. Funding for two part-time employees of Quincy Catholic Charities that administer the MedAssist program is provided by several sources, including United Way of Adams County, private foundation grants, individual contributions and local fundraising efforts, including the annual Bridge the Gap to Health race and walk, which netted $30,000 in 2005. Area physicians, including those affiliated with Quincy Medical Group and Blessing Hospital’s Community Outreach Clinic, refer significant numbers of clients.

“The MedAssist program continues to meet a tremendous need in the Quincy area,” said Kurt Stuckman, Catholic Charities Area Director, “We’re amazed by the feedback from participants who say they would be in dire need, or perhaps even dead, if it weren’t for this assistance.” Stuckman cited events like Bridge the Gap to Health and the agency’s annual fundraising dinner in June as critical to the retention of the MedAssist program, as well as individual contributions. Click here for more information on MedAssist.

7. Quincy Catholic Charities Launches Endowment Campaign

The Quincy Catholic Charities Advisory Board of Directors recently embarked upon The FamilyFirst Fund campaign to create a $1 million endowment to enable the Quincy office to maintain a local, positive presence. In assessing our ability to continue serving for many years to come, the advisory board recognizes the most significant barrier to meeting needs in purely monetary. As needs continue to mount, costs to meet those continually increase.

Achieving a $1 million endowment campaign will ensure that Quincy Catholic Charities has adequate resources to continue meeting local needs. The following identifies important aspects of The FamilyFirst Fund campaign: 1) first major fundraising campaign for Quincy Catholic Charities; 2) gifts may be made one time, or as a five-year pledge in 2005-2009; 3) support welcomed from donors of all backgrounds and faiths; and 4) contributions are tax-deductible according to current laws.

"I am moved by those who have given sacrificially over the years to support our efforts," said Kurt Stuckman, Area Director. "It is our hope that individuals, churches, organizations and businesses will give gifts that are meaningful to them and their families." Stuckman acknowledged campaign chairs Bob Daly, Kevin Reller, Tony Oakley and consultant Ben Stewart. To make a secure online donation now, please click on the Donate banner (above left). Or, call 217.222.0958 for a campaign brochure and pledge card. God bless you for caring.

8. Local Artist Creates New Mural for Quincy Catholic Charities

An artistic mural now graces the lobby of Quincy Catholic Charities, thanks to collaborative efforts with artist Bonnie Zanger and the Quincy Notre Dame High School Art Department. The new mural promotes the agency's mission of "providing help, creating hope," in and around Quincy since 1945.

"We are grateful to Bonnie and Quincy Notre Dame for the time and effort placed into this project," said Kurt Stuckman, Area Director. "The mural reflects the level of service that people should expect when they seek help from us."