Archbishop William E. Lori talks to Grant Coleman, interim coordinator for the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center in Wheeling March 2. Also pictured is Beth Zarate, chief executive officer of CCWVa (left); and CCWVa Board members.
Joining him on the March 2 tour was CCWVa Chief Executive Officer Beth Zarate and board members from across the state, including Matthew and Jenna Bowles, Janet Boyle, Michael Farris, Congregation of St. Joseph Sister Jane Harrington, Miri Hunter, Jesuit Father Brian O'Donnell, Chris Sharps, Paula Taylor, and Danny Vance.
"We get a ton of donations from the local community," Coleman said. Most donations come from Reisbeck's, Walmart, Target and Panera Bread.
Coleman led the group into the center's food pantry, which is meeting a great need in the community, he said. "Every Tuesday and Thursday we open this up to about 400-500 families a month," he said. Families sign up to receive provisions and are able to fill a box of food.
Project HOPE/Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department operates a public health homeless outreach healthcare clinic under the direction of the department's employed Project HOPE staff of Dr. William C. Mercer, Dr. Thomas Wack and Crystal Bauer, RN. Primary health services include general medical exams, over the counter medication dispensing, general health consultation, referrals and other services. Clients served by Project HOPE are required to pay for services. Wheeling Hospital provides medications for the clinic at no charge.
Eye care is also provided at the center by Lenscrafters, the Anwar Eye Center and the Lions Club.
The center also offers Hospitality House, which is transitional housing for families going through hard times. Families have a safe and clean private residence for up to six months to establish the services and assistance steps they need to get back on their feet, program officials said.
The center was founded in 1969 and, since then, has been providing an array of services to those in need. The center annually serves more than 80,000 meals in house and through its meal delivery program. Daily services include breakfast and dinner, laundry, showers, phone service and children's services. Additional services include case management, the food pantry, SNAP Enrollment, assistance with utilities, and cleaning supplies.
On April 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center will have its annual spaghetti dinner with all proceeds benefiting the center. This is a chance for the community to offer support for the center, share in fellowship, and enjoy a meal together, center officials said.
The center is located at 125 18th Street, Wheeling. For more information about the center or the dinner, call the center at (304) 232-7157.