Catholic Charities casts a wide net. The social services organization operates in 10 counties in southeastern Wisconsin, offering mental health care, case management, pregnancy and parenting support, adoption assistance, refugee and immigration services, hoarding intervention and treatment, and care for older adults and those with intellectual and development disabilities. Its impact is vast across the many fields.
Laura Ramos, licensed therapist and director of community counseling, focuses on the mental health aspect of the Catholic Charities mission to alleviate the impact of poverty through high-quality human services where each person is treated with dignity and respect.
“We’re passionate about helping underserved communities,” Ramos says. “There are people who need this help, who haven’t been able to see a therapist in the past because they don’t have [insurance] coverage. Our team is passionate about eliminating barriers to reach those who are isolated, lack resources and other community supports.
“We never turn anyone away,” Ramos says. “We’re a unique organization because we can do that.”
Flexibility in treatment is a key component in providing quality care for people affected by poverty.
Catholic Charities is adept at tailoring solutions to meet individual needs across their various programs.
“There has always been a need to provide treatment when someone is experiencing any change, loss or crisis. In recent years, we have seen an increase in anxiety and depression, especially in youth and elderly populations,” Ramos says.
With bilingual therapists and case managers, Catholic Charities provides access to mental health services for Spanish-speaking families and a community advocate who can help with basic needs and assist in reaching goals to improve well-being.
Catholic Charities is a state-certified outpatient clinic for behavioral health care. The counselors hold master’s degrees in clinical social work or professional counseling and participate in ongoing clinical supervision and training.
“Thanks to donations and community support, we can offer counseling and mental health therapy at no cost to those who do not have access to health insurance or affordable coverage,” says Ramos.
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What We Do
- Catholic Charities provides social services for individuals and families affected by poverty. It provides culturally and linguistically competent services with dignity and respect for people of any religious background living in 10 counties in southeastern Wisconsin.
- The charitable organization helps people who have no other support system. It cares for the well-being and stability of people with low or no income who are experiencing emotional or financial crisis, as well as refugees and immigrants, pregnant women and new mothers, older adults and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Where Your Money Goes
- Donations are used to fund programs to provide free counseling and case management services; free, quality legal services for refugees and immigrants; and assist pregnant women, seniors and adults with disabilities.
Catholic Charities
PO BOX 070912, MILWAUKEE, WI 53207 | 414-769-3400
