Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

More than 50 former employees of Catholic Charities are coming together to support the agency's mission and expand its reach. Under the leadership of Darko Mihaylovich, who retires from Catholic Charities this week after almost 24 years of service, and Deacon Lucio Caruso, who retired in 2021, these retirees have formed a new "alumni" association.

Mihaylovich, the brain behind this initiative, expressed his desire to stay connected to the agency that has been a significant part of his life in Louisville. Having been resettled in the city by Catholic Charities in 1997 after fleeing the war in his native Sarajevo, Bosnia, Mihaylovich began working for the organization three years later and held 11 different roles before retiring as chief programs officer.

Reflecting on his impending retirement, Mihaylovich said, "After 24 years, I can't just walk through the door. I have to stay connected with the agency. It's going to be hard (retiring). I've spent half of my professional life at Catholic Charities. In some way, the alumni association will help me."

The newly formed alumni association aims to provide an opportunity for individuals, like Mihaylovich, who wish to remain connected to Catholic Charities. While the frequency of meetings is yet to be determined, the members are enthusiastic about the prospect of reestablishing ties with the agency.

Mihaylovich highlighted some of the association's goals, stating, "It's important we just stay in touch and see how each of us can help the agency with those simple goals."

Working alongside Mihaylovich, Deacon Caruso, who retired as director of mission, will oversee the alumni association. Mihaylovich credits Caruso's dedication to Catholic Charities and ongoing involvement as the inspiration behind the idea of forming an alumni association. Caruso expressed his belief that the association is an excellent extension of the church's efforts to improve the world and the community. He emphasized the unique bond that former employees share from having served at Catholic Charities, which will undoubtedly benefit the association.

Caruso also commended the alumni for their remarkable contributions to bettering the community and the world, saying, "There are so many different resources that folks can bring to the agency."

For Mihaylovich, who has experienced the hardships of war in his homeland, the skills he acquired in leadership cannot be learned in a business school. He hopes that he has been able to utilize his experiences from Sarajevo to make a difference at Catholic Charities.

In April, members of the alumni association plan to gather at Catholic Charities' new headquarters. This reunion will serve as an opportunity to reconnect and further support the agency's mission.

To learn more about Catholic Charities of Louisville and their work, visit their website at https://cclou.org/.