Hear from Our Volunteers

Terry Wichman

I volunteer at I’m in Ministry!, a 14 year old not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the poor. We pick up donated furniture and household items, and then clean, refurbish and store them until we can deliver them to those in need. I’m in Ministry! partners with Cleveland Mayor Bibb’s A Home for Every Neighbor homeless initiative. In 2024 we outfitted 154 apartments with 1,700 items.  We continues this year with the outfitting of 150 apartments. Currently I drive donated clothes once a week to St. Augustine Church which serves over 1,100 families, and deliver donated medical items, like walkers and wheelchairs, monthly to MedWish. I also serve on I’m in Ministry’s Grant Writing Committee. During 2022-2024 we saved over 32,000 items of furniture from landfills.

In addition, I serve on the Jesuit Retreat Center’s Development Committee, and as Co-Executive Director of the Loyola Service Team.

Kate Campbell

I’m a member of the Catholic Worker community and volunteer at the our storefront on Mondays. It is sometimes called “the Drop.” We serve lunches and provide a shower and a place to visit and talk. The best part is when I get to listen to someone and I know God is present. Here are glimpses at the Storefront when I experienced the honor of witnessing vulnerability:
– A young man struggling to get his bags in position so he can carry them.
– A young woman looking at the piece of clothing given to her with what seems like curiosity and appreciation.
– A man asking why do they hate us? (us being Blacks)
– A woman telling how God has been good to her.
– A woman telling me how much she likes this mug and then thanking me when I told her she could keep it.

Jeff Joecken

At St. Mark’s Church in Cleveland I coordinate the monthly food collection, Food Sunday. Our donations are distributed to St. Patrick’s in West Park, Bountiful Basement at Blessed Trinity Parish, Lakewood Community Service Center, the May Dugan Center, Providence House, St. Herman’s House, and the West Side Catholic Center. I also coordinate Christmas in July when we collect supplies for the same centers.

Julie Jerdonek

Julie engages with families struggling with the challenges of poverty and helps provide for their basic needs. She centers her volunteer work with the Christ Child Society and serves on their Board of Directors. With hope and love, Julie wraps her arms around the children helped by their many programs. She is especially committed to meeting clothing and hygiene needs of refugee children and children attending inner-city Catholic schools.

Julie volunteers with the West Side Catholic Center serving meals, welcoming families to the summer Family Engagement Program, and more.  She also serves on the Social Concerns Commission at her parish, St. Basil the Great.

Mike Grogan

My ministry is one of presence. I walk alongside those living on the streets, offering support simply by being with them and serving them. When they’re ready to leave that life behind, I’ll do everything I can to help them take that next step, including helping to manage their finances.

In 2005 I began volunteering with Labre at St. Ignatius High School. It is one of the best things I have done with my life. Every Sunday night I accompany students and other volunteers in ministering to the homeless. We provide friendship, food and essential supplies. I enjoy mentoring these young men and know they understand what they are doing when I see them give their shirt, their belt, and even their shoes to those living on the street.

In 2022 I set up a homeless ministry at St. Mary of the Falls, my home parish. A group of us go out on Wednesday nights. After several months I realized that we would benefit from having a van and asked my fellow parishioners to join us in a nine day novena for a van. On the ninth day one of the parishioners donated a van. Recently I reached out to four neighboring parishes to see if they are interested in learning about this ministry and possibly establishing one at their parish.

Laureen Nowakowski

My main ministry is at West Side Catholic Center (WSCC). I work with two other volunteers and staff members to cook lunch for 120 guests on Mondays. Our lunches include a hot main dish, a salad or vegetable, and dessert. We work hard from 9AM until serving time. I always like to prepare as if our lunch people are guests coming to my home for dinner. Whenever I encounter our clients I like to be present and friendly. Whether serving lunch or coming or going I say hello and engage with them. We also have students from their Culinary Institute, who are clients trying to improve themselves and their opportunities for employment. I feel fortunate that we can work together and learn from each other. At my home parish, St. James in Lakewood, I serve as the lead cook for our monthly community meal, planning the menu, shopping and making sure the kitchen is staffed. I like the cross-over of clients that I see at WSCC and at the St. James community meal. I have met so many good people.  My volunteer work has enriched my life and deepened my spirituality.

Amy McMaken

 I volunteer at Sisters Haven, a faith-based nonprofit whose mission is Supporting Mothers, Building Families, Developing Community and Upholding Love. Our new westside Cleveland maternity home offers warmth, security, and a fresh start for up to seven pregnant women. Each mother can stay until her baby is about nine months old, gaining the stability and support needed for a strong beginning. Moms can continue to participate in our Sisters Haven outreach events offered to the community, featuring diaper giveaways, educational classes (e.g., nutrition, safe sleep, infant CPR), and a community of love and support.

I help in the home and at the outreach events, developing relationships with moms and babies. I utilize my accounting/business background to serve as the Director of Finance for Sisters Haven. I work individually with residents on financial literacy counseling. I also participate in grant-writing, research, and donor development to raise funds for our much-needed mission. I have been blessed with my own family life. As a mother of three, a wife to an amazing husband, and the daughter of loving parents, I feel called to the ministry of empowering parents to build strong families.