Employee Spotlight: Paul

March 28, 2024

Employee Spotlight: Paul Sad

Every employee, whether in direct or supportive service, is working to make a different tomorrow for our central Minnesota neighbors.


Meet Paul.


Paul Sad has been working for Catholic Charities for 11 years and is currently our Database Administrator / Software Developer.


What inspired you to join the Catholic Charities team? 

I drive by the Food Shelf frequently since I live near there and I’d see a lot of cars in the parking lot. I wanted to offer my abilities to help our community.

 

What does your job entail? 

Searching and analyzing data, creating reports for grant requirements, developing software tools to perform functions not handled by our purchased software programs and general help desk tasks.

 

What do you think is the most important skill a successful employee at Catholic Charities needs to have? 

Communication. I believe a person needs to have good listening skills along with verbal and written communication abilities. You will deal with a lot of people with varied backgrounds.

 

What do you enjoy most about working here? 

The appreciation I get after I’ve created a report or a software tool that saves a co-worker time and makes their job easier.

 

What do you think makes you unique as a team member at Catholic Charities?

I can use my knowledge and experience as a software developer to help others, and save Catholic Charities money.

 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in your department?

Be flexible and be able to multitask. Your daily plans might change with one phone call or service ticket.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Traveling, reading, keeping up on current events.


Thank you, Paul, for your 11 years of service at Catholic Charities!

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By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.

Volunteering at Lincoln Elementary

By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2025
At Lincoln Elementary in Little Falls, the pre-K classroom thrives thanks to Miss Maranda and Dorothy, a Foster Grandparent volunteer. Ms. Maranda values having Grandma Dorothy in the room. "It's great to have someone with a fresh perspective who connects with students," she says. Dorothy helps students with academics and brings a caring approach to the youngest learners. Dorothy enjoys her role, finding it both fun and meaningful. "The kids are so much fun, and I'm happy to help with lessons that impact their learning for years," she says. The appreciation between Miss Maranda and Dorothy is mutual. "Dorothy brings positivity, is helpful and kind, and has become an integral part of our classroom team," Miss Maranda shares. Dorothy feels valued, especially when teachers note her impact on students. "When my teacher tells me, 'I can tell which students you've worked with,' it lets me know I’m making a difference," Dorothy says. Their collaboration has led to touching moments, such as a student hugging Dorothy at Walmart. "It shows the lasting connection we’ve made," Dorothy recalls. Miss Maranda echoes this, saying, "We’d gladly welcome another foster grandparent into our program. It’s refreshing to have a grandparent figure who makes a lasting impact on both learning and relationships." Dorothy’s support is important for struggling students. "I love encouraging them to do their best," she says, finding joy in seeing their proud faces when they grasp a concept or complete a project. The partnership between Miss Maranda and Dorothy highlights the impact of volunteers. Dorothy’s positivity, support, and perspective enhance the learning experience and provide invaluable help to teachers, showcasing the mutual benefits of the Foster Grandparent Program.
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