Make God's Love Visible: Gary's Story

October 30, 2024

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Gary’s Financial Counseling Journey

Gary has been a client of Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling program since 2013.


He was referred to the program by his family after it became overwhelming for his mother and three sisters to manage his finances. Gary was having trouble paying all his bills, including his rent. When it became clear that he could face eviction, his family offered to help him cover his back rent if he would meet with a financial counselor at Catholic Charities.


Gary enrolled in Catholic Charities managed checkbook service program which offers managed checkbook services through a local bank where clients’ funds are held in a protected “For the Benefit Of” account. 


Your gift to Catholic Charities provides Gary and thousands of others the help they need AND gives them a chance for a brighter future.


For the past decade Gary has been meeting with Emily, a Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counselor, at the beginning of each month. Over the years, a positive professional relationship has developed between Emily and Gary. As his trusted advisor, Gary feels comfortable and safe asking Emily to help with his finances. With Gary’s permission, Emily is also able to keep his family informed of his finances and provide them with peace of mind.


Through the managed checkbook service, Gary’s essential bills such as rent, health insurance, car insurance, and utilities are paid. After these bills are paid, Gary receives a weekly spending check which is used for items such as gas, food and medication. Along with receiving social security, Gary works and over the years has built up a healthy balance in his checking account. This allows him to weather any unplanned emergency such as a health crisis or car repair. 


Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling helps keep people in their homes, become more financially self-sufficient and maintain a safe place for their families to live. We meet people where they are and empower them to build the skills necessary for future financial success, stability and independence. Last year, 472 individuals like Gary received financial and housing counseling services.


Our ability to continue helping our neighbors depends on donors like YOU. Please consider donating to Catholic Charities today to provide help and hope to people in their hour of greatest need.  



“Financial and Housing Counseling services from Catholic Charities is something that we had no idea was available until a friend of the family suggested it. As a family it has brought peace of mind for us all, knowing that Gary’s finances are being expertly managed.” - Gary’s sister, Ann

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