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Program spotlight:
Elevating Families
Helping parents gain the confidence and skills to achieve economic independence.
A Life Saved in the Heat of the Day:
Why Safety is Sacred at Catholic Charities
It was late afternoon on a scorching summer day, the sun casting heavy heat across the walls of our St. Vincent’s Food Pantry on 4th Street. In a narrow sliver of shade near the entrance, a man collapsed. He had overdosed.
Thankfully, Daniel, our Safety Welcome Ambassador, was nearby. He’s responded to overdoses before —
trained, equipped, and always alert. Recognizing the signs immediately, Daniel administered Narcan, which our safety team carries at all times. But it wasn’t enough. He sprinted for more.
Niki, from St. Marguerite Support Services, quickly handed him additional doses. At the same time, Jose, a Battle Born employee working at our Thrift Store, dropped everything to begin administering CPR.
Inside the Food Pantry, Carlos, our director, called emergency services. They arrived just as the final, life-saving doses were given. These combined efforts brought the man back.
The entire effort unfolded over 15 minutes — a tightly coordinated, deeply human response. Three women shopping at our Thrift Store watched it all, astonished. They later shared how struck they were by the seamless teamwork: the handoffs, the clarity, the compassion. And when the man was finally stabilized and emergency services took over, the staff quietly returned to their posts, their hearts full — their work unfinished but never unnoticed.
This is Catholic Charities.
Our campus is built on more than food, emergency support, and legal aid. It is built on safety, dignity, and care for the whole person. Our Safety Director, Larry, leads ongoing updates and training sessions, ensuring our team is prepared, keeping critical resources stocked across every department. Because for us, safety
isn’t just policy — it’s a sacred responsibility.
And this isn’t an isolated story. It’s a window into the values that guide everything we do.
If not for Catholic Charities — then who?
This is what your support makes possible. Lives are changed here every day. And sometimes, they’re saved.
