Protecting Our Children
Serving the most vulnerable means more than responding when a need arises. It means preparing and empowering our communities before those challenges begin. Through Catholic Charities Social Concerns, Theresa Chamblee leads the “Protecting Our Children” program, bringing education and resources to Catholic schools, parents, teachers, and parish communities. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, the program helps young people understand their dignity and worth while providing practical tools to navigate dangers such as online exploitation, social media risks, and human trafficking.
Now in its fourth year, the program” has reached thousands of students, families, and educators across the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Made possible through the United Catholic Appeal, this ministry is an investment not only in the challenges families face today, but in protecting the children and communities of tomorrow.
“Charity is the courage to love. And sometimes it’s really hard to love,” says Theresa.” But when we have that courage, not only are we filled with joy that we’ve never experienced before, but we see joy in other people.”
This year’s United Catholic Appeal theme, Go Forth in Joy, calls each of us to take action—to extend the Church’s mission beyond the pews and into the lives of those who need it most. You may not be able to welcome a mother into shelter or build walls with your own hands, but your support ensures that someone else can.
When you give to the United Catholic Appeal, you become part of stories like Dorcas’. You provide more than temporary help—you build bridges to lasting hope. You allow our Catholic Charities ministries to go forth in love, in mercy, and in faith. And that, truly, is the work of Christ in the world.
