Catholic Charities: Bringing Help, Hope and Healing

GREENSBURG – Imagine losing an adult child and then finding out, at a later stage in your life, that you must take over the role as a parent to your grandchild or grandchildren. It’s not an uncommon situation across the four counties of the Diocese. Melaney Hegyes, Managing Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg, knows it’s a situation that can happen to anyone at any time.

“We had a phone call recently like this,” she said.

“The caller was not sure of where to begin or what to do.” 

Hegyes said resources provided through Catholic Charities enabled this client to share concerns and to provide direction for the care of the children.

“We were able to walk the client through the process of who to call next. I am very proud that my team can respond to these situations and be there for an individual who is having a hard time making critical decisions and decisions that have to be made quickly so that the children don’t have to suffer the pain and knowledge of the unknown. It gave the client the ability to support the children who needed the client the most.”

Sometimes, with the new arrangement of extra children or foster children moving into a household, a child may not have a bed in which to sleep. Hegyes said Catholic Charities has been working this year with Christian Layman Corps of Greensburg and its Bed for Every Child Program to provide a bed, bedding and a dresser for children in need in Westmoreland County.

Offering this type of guidance and support is one of the many services Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg offers to those living in Westmoreland, Fayette, Armstrong, and Indiana counties. It is part of the mission of Catholic Charities to bring help, hope and healing to God’s people as the charitable, service and outreach arm of the Bishop and the Diocese of Greensburg.

The days leading up to the holiday season can be the most difficult for those suffering financial hardship, the homeless, those without utilities, or food, and those suffering from loneliness and isolation.

“Maybe you are an older adult who has lost your connection with your children or family and you are all alone,” Hegyes said of the many older people who feel isolated, especially during the holiday season. “We have supportive volunteers that are willing to make phone calls or stop in to see how you are doing.”

Hegyes said older adults have specific needs. Catholic Charities staff works with volunteers who will reach out to older individuals to make them aware of services offered and services available through other providers.

Hegyes said many programs in the area focus support for Christmas gifts for those with children 12 and under. That is why Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Greensburg likes to make sure teenagers across the four counties are not forgotten.

“Their families are choosing between heating their homes

or feeding their children, and a Christmas gift is something that

is not on their mind because they know they won’t be able to

provide it,” Hegyes said about the annual Catholic Charities

Teen Christmas Program.

She added the program has wonderful sponsors and volunteers dedicated to making sure teens across the Diocese receive gifts.

Catholic Charities, working with Catholic schools of the Diocese of Greensburg, was able to provide student counseling services in 10 of the Diocese’s 12 Catholic schools this year.

“Our counselors help students who may be navigating challenges, whether it’s with their studies, with their friends or with their peers,” Hegyes said. “We are able to help them because, as we know, education is so important for our young children, and we hope that we can be that extra support that they need.”

Damage from high winds, heavy rain or flooding can happen anytime. Hegyes said Catholic Charities has been able to increase its disaster response for those affected in Westmoreland and Fayette counties through a partnership with United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County Community Action and other organizations.

In addition to providing emergency food boxes, baby supplies, rent and utility assistance, counseling and behavioral health services, Hegyes encourages those in need to see the many other ways Catholic Charities can help.

“When you experience these types of situations, it can also cause you to feel that you are alone and feel that you are in need of that listening ear from a person who is supportive.” Hegyes said. “We are here to help.”

If you would like to learn more about services, to volunteer or to donate in support of those in need, CLICK HERE.

If you have a need, contact Catholic Charities AT 724-837‑1840
Monday-Friday from 9AM – 5PM
The toll-free HELPLINE is available 24/7
1-866-409-6455