Mary Ann's Story & Video

When Mary Ann stepped through Catholic Charities doors for the first time in 2008, she had no idea that it would be a continued place of refuge for her family throughout the next 15 years. Mary Ann, who resides in Manhattan, came to Catholic Charities for the first time after her family encountered financial difficulties that put them on the brink of homelessness.

“When I first came to Catholic Charities, my family was in a situation where we were staying at a homeless shelter. I went to Catholic Charities hoping they could help us find a place,” Mary Ann said. “They directed us, and within two days they helped us find a place to live and helped with the deposit. I was treated like a human being, like I was somebody. Without the resources and support of Catholic Charities, my family would probably have been homeless.”



In the proceeding years, Mary Ann’s family also received assistance for her grandson, who had severe health complications at his birth. “My grandson was born with one kidney,” Mary Ann said. “Jessica Sampson (director of family support services) made sure he had the things he needed to survive, such as food and his necessary electrolyte drinks.” While Mary Ann was apprehensive about approaching Catholic Charities for help at first, she said that leap of faith led to her life’s greatest blessings.

“Catholic Charities means a lot to me,” Mary Ann said. “I think a lot of people do not ask for help because they are afraid that they will be judged. You are never judged at Catholic Charities. Whatever I have needed help with, they have been there. And if for some reason they could not help me, they would find me assistance elsewhere.”

Along with being a wife, mother, and grandmother, Mary Ann is also a three-time cancer survivor, something she holds near to her heart. Her prolonged history with disease was brought up again upon her husband’s recent cancer diagnosis. Mary Ann says it was Catholic Charities who checked in on their family during this fraught time.

“When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, Catholic Charities stepped up and asked us if there was anything we needed,” Mary Ann said. “Just when I felt like I had nobody to turn to, there was Catholic Charities.” Because of the generosity of donors like YOU, Mary Ann was able to receive the support she needed at these three critical times in her life.

She expressed that Catholic Charities not only carried her through these adversities but brought her closer to hope. “To me, hope means that you never give up,” Mary Ann said. “There have been times where I am so down and struggling. But when you have somebody that you can talk to and express how you feel and not be judged, it makes you feel good. Every time Catholic Charities has helped me, they make me feel like I count.”

Mary Ann wants the community to remember that Catholic Charities is a place that welcomes all people, regardless of their background, beliefs, or religious affiliations. “Just because its called Catholic Charities, it does not mean you have to be Catholic to receive services,” Mary Ann said. “It is not a matter of what your religion is, it’s about what’s in your heart.”

Mary Ann urges those who are able to give and support those throughout northern Kansas facing financial and emotional hardship. “Everybody needs to support them because there may be a time in your life when you need somebody. Catholic Charities is there for you,” Mary Ann said. “We need these programs. We need people who care, and they care.”