As a comprehensive health and human services agency, Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties serves vulnerable populations throughout the year, and Christmas is no exception. The agency’s CEO, Katie Baxter, says that while the efforts are many, the mission is clear. “Our mission is to share the love of Christ by performing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.” Katie oversees those works of mercy, many of them carried out through fostering and adoption services, counseling, meal programs, prevention and education programs, community closets, community services, housing programs, warehouses for nonprofits, and offender services. While these efforts are carried out daily, year-round, Christmas brings even more opportunities to serve. Katie’s team begins preparing for the holiday long before Advent, as they strive to love and serve the poor in what is often a particularly challenging season. “The need is so great it seems like we have insurmountable tasks and work to do and challenges, but God has a way of making a path. He creates a path for us to do His work.”

Aided by a dedicated staff and hundreds of volunteers, Katie sees Christ at work in their sacrifices. “For many of them, it’s more than a job, it is a lifestyle and a real commitment,” Katie notes. Mary Stevenson, director of the Center for Hope in Flint, is among those who give sacrificially through their work. The work, Mary reflects, is life-changing, and not only for those they serve. “Being here for 17 years has changed me. It changed my view, and it is not just a job at which I happen to be Catholic. I wouldn’t trade any of it, good and bad,” she says.

While no two days are alike, Mary says it is not unusual for her workday to begin before she gets out of her car. “Every day, people are waiting when I pull into the parking lot. People are often released from jail in the middle of the night, and they come right here. Sometimes it’s people with children who have no place to go, or people who are living in abandoned houses.” Providing basic needs to the vulnerable, the Center for Hope is aptly named, as it is a place where the needy in Flint find real hope. “They know they can come to us,” Mary says. Providing 70 to 100 people with personal items each morning, serving more than 100 people lunch, and hosting another 70 to 100 people at the community closet in the afternoon, the site, which also offers showers, laundry machines, and a warming center, is a respite for the weary; even more so as winter brings additional challenges for those who do not have reliable heating or adequate housing.

One of the agency’s most experienced employees, Community Service Director John Manse, has worked in his role for more than 30 years. Running the North End Soup Kitchen and the resource warehouse, John spends much of his time coordinating volunteers, who he says play an essential role in the agency’s being able to carry out their mission. “It shows just how much God is present through volunteers who do this work. The community keeps this place going through donations and through time. We get more volunteers in the winter, but the need also increases. And on top of daily needs, last year we registered 1,200 kids for Christmas gifts.” Pairing the individuals and families he registers in the program with churches, schools, businesses, and individuals for gift-giving is no small task. “John coordinates this every year,” Katie says. “And I marvel at it every year.”

While the dedication of community members and employees is admirable, Katie says it is God’s grace that permeates the work happening in Flint at Christmas and year-round. “My own faith has been impacted,” she notes. “My faith is very important to me, it drove me here and it invigorates me to be a part of so many people who are doing good. I see that there is so much tragedy and sadness in the world, but there is also so much good. There are people who are here to help and really care about making a difference.” Mary agrees, adding, “God uses this work to open your eyes. He changes people’s ideas of what vulnerable means. The vulnerable are just people who need help. And that’s what we’re here to do.”