In this episode, we speak with Dr. Agnes Thomas, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto (CCAT). Dr. Thomas delves into her values-driven leadership, the historic roots of Catholic social teaching, and how these principles guide the work of CCAT and its member agencies today.  

Key Takeaways:

1) Values-Driven Leadership: Dr. Thomas shares how her alignment with the core values of human dignity and social justice led her to CCAT, emphasizing service to marginalized communities.-

2) Role of Catholic Social Teaching: Catholic social teaching, with its principles like human dignity, solidarity, and the common good, remains a cornerstone of CCAT’s approach to fostering a just society.-

3) Historical Context and Modern Relevance: The CST movement began with figures like Father Ketteler and Pope Leo XIII in response to prevalent social issues, illustrating the timelessness of its principles in modern-day social justice work.

4 Vision for Leadership and Community Impact: Agnes discusses the importance of developing strong leaders who embody the values of solidarity and social justice, reflecting Jesus’ model of radical hospitality and communal responsibility.

In this episode, we are joined by Priscilla Manful, Executive Director of  Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto. Priscilla sheds light on the organization's rich history and unwavering commitment to serving children and families with compassion and care.

Key Takeaways

Shared Decision-Making in Child Welfare Involving family members in decision-making processes leads to better outcomes in child welfare, highlighting the importance of collaboration and empowerment in supporting children and their families.

Embracing Diversity and Equity The agency prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion to dismantle racism, aiming to address disparities and over-representation of indigenous and black children in the child welfare system.

Support for Transitioning Youth The Catholic Children's Aid Society prioritizes skill development, housing, and education for young people transitioning out of care, offering meaningful readiness programs to prevent them from transitioning into poverty.

Community Engagement and Support Priscilla highlights the transformative journeys of youth, inspiring stories, and the crucial role of community support in making a positive difference in the lives of children and families within the catholic community in Toronto.

In this episode, we speak with Pat Colucci, the Administrator of the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence, part of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto. Pat provides an insightful look into the history and ongoing mission of providing compassionate care to the most vulnerable members of society.

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Roots and Mission: The Houses of Providence trace their origins to the Sisters of St. Joseph, who opened the doors in 1857 to provide shelter and care for society's most vulnerable, including children, women, and men in need of food and shelter.
   
   
2. Adaptation to Changing Needs: Over the years, the organization has adapted to evolving community needs, shifting focus to caring primarily for elderly residents with complex medical and cognitive requirements.
   
   
3. Technology and Innovations: The Houses of Providence have embraced technology to enhance resident care, such as utilizing iPads for virtual family visits during the pandemic, while continually seeking innovative ways to integrate technology into care practices.
   
   
4.  Intergenerational Programs: Strong intergenerational programs connect residents with younger generations through volunteer opportunities and school partnerships, enriching the lives of both residents and the youth involved.Join us to hear how the Cardinal Ambrozic Houses of Providence continue to honor their legacy while innovating to meet modern challenges.

In this episode we speak with Madonna Gallo, the Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Madonna highlights St. Elizabeth's historical roots and its ongoing mission to foster social change through healthcare services.

Key Takeaways

1.  Origin and Mission of St. Elizabeth Healthcare St. Elizabeth Healthcare, inspired by the charitable legacy of Elizabeth of Hungary, was founded in 1908 to provide essential nursing services free of charge to the poor and continues to operate on principles of social justice and community service.
2. Commitment to Indigenous Health The SE First Nations Inuit Health Program underscores a significant stride towards equitable healthcare services, emphasizing cultural respect and accessibility in indigenous communities across Canada.
   
   
3. Commitment to Innovation in Healthcare St. Elizabeth has been a pioneer in community-based care, introducing groundbreaking services like home chemotherapy and digital wound care assessments, striving for continuous improvement in healthcare delivery.
   
   
4. Expansion and Future Directions With recent expansions into residential care homes and innovative housing-health solutions, St. Elizabeth Healthcare is poised to address evolving healthcare needs while maintaining its foundational commitment to underserved populations.

In this episode we speak with Brenda Spitzer, Executive Director of Catholic Family Services of Toronto. Brenda shares the rich history and impactful work of the organization, which has been serving the community for over a century.

🔍 Three key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Rooted in Compassion: The agency's rich history is deeply rooted in the Catholic principles of inclusion and meeting people without judgment, offering hope and support to the most excluded and marginalized individuals.
   
   
2. Evolving Programs and Collaborations: Over the years, Catholic Family Services of Toronto has evolved to address new needs, collaborating with other agencies such as Catholic Children's Aid and other community organizations.
   
   
3. Innovation and Professionalization: Embracing technology and data to improve outcomes, the agency has shown resilience and adaptability, particularly evident during the challenges of the pandemic.

Find out more about Catholic Family Services of Toronto by visiting their website: https://www.cfstoronto.com/

In part three of our conversation with former CCAT Executive Director, Michael Fullan, we discuss the challenges and evolution of charity work over the years, the power of collaboration among member agencies, calls for systemic change, and innovative approaches in the work of CCAT..

Our discussion also delves into the societal shifts within the Archdiocese of Toronto, the ongoing call to faith and social justice across the entire organization.

In this episode, we continue our  conversation with Michael Fullan, about the development of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto and its member agencies.

We discuss the emergence of new social challenges in Toronto in the early 20th century, and how Catholic charities addressed these challenges by providing settlement services and support for vulnerable populations, such as single immigrant women. 

We also explore the role of Catholic parishes in supporting charitable work  The episode sheds light on how the organizations within CCAT developed, the challenges they faced, and the unifying philosophy of the organization.

Join former CCAT executive director, Michael Fullan, as he takes us on a journey into the early days of Catholic Charities in the Archdioceses of Toronto. With a nod to history and a focus on the present, Fullan shares stories of compassion, community, and hope.

Explore the origins of CCAT, the role of parishes, and the vision of serving the poor as a privileged source of God's presence and salvation.

For more insights into the work of CCAT, visit https://ccat.ca

Join us as we begin a journey that a powerful vision for social justice and service, as expressed in the work of CCAT and it's member agenices. This inaugural episode sets the stage for future discussions on the pressing concerns and transformative practices aimed at promoting human dignity and creating a just society throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto and beyond.

Welcome to this journey of learning and sharing Insights and Encounters.

Visit the CCAT Website