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

In a recent event on Apr 17 2024, Catholic Charities of Louisville unveiled its new Catholic Charities Center on East Broadway, focusing on upholding the dignity of both its employees and clients. Lisa DeJaco Crutcher, the CEO of Catholic Charities, emphasized the importance of the agency's foundational principles, stating, "It’s the foundational premise of the work we do. People often ask why we do this work and that’s the answer."

DeJaco Crutcher highlighted the agency's perspective towards those they serve, mentioning, "We see them not just as recipients of help but as people with dignity." She pointed out that the new center visually represents this perspective, offering private rooms for staff to meet with clients, enhancing the dignity of interactions compared to the previous setup where meetings were held in hallways.

The new headquarters not only benefits the clients but also uplifts the agency's staff members. DeJaco Crutcher noted that the renovated building includes amenities like wellness rooms for nursing mothers and a prayer room, contributing to the well-being and dignity of the employees.

During the opening event, Bart Weigel, the chief operating officer, reiterated the agency's mission, stating, "We have 10 programs, but only one mission and that’s to care for those in need." Weigel emphasized the significance of having most of the agency's programs and staff under one roof, enhancing collaboration and understanding among the team members.

The centralized location of the new headquarters, which now accommodates around 115 of the agency's 144 employees, is expected to bring substantial benefits in terms of productivity. DeJaco Crutcher expressed her agreement with Weigel, stating that having staff members together in one location will streamline tasks like signing documents and facilitate discussions and collaborations within the team.

The new Catholic Charities Center stands as a testament to the agency's commitment to upholding the dignity of individuals, both in the services they provide and in the working environment they have created for their dedicated staff members.