Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Compassionate Community Support in Michigan
Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties has been creating hope for spiritually, emotionally, and financially vulnerable individuals since 1958. Our organization delivers counseling programs, child advocacy services, foster care and adoption support, and community initiatives rooted in the Catholic Church's mission of mercy. With over six decades of experience, we empower individuals to overcome challenges through trauma-informed therapies, grant-funded programming, and specialized services like our accredited Child Advocacy Centers. Our team of licensed professionals and dedicated volunteers serves all faiths and backgrounds, prioritizing accessibility through sliding-scale fees and community partnerships.We maintain rigorous standards through National Children's Alliance accreditation for our child protection services while innovating through programs like the Roadmap to Graduation, which has achieved a 100% high school graduation rate for at-risk youth. Our commitment to transparency is demonstrated through annual reports and donor accountability, while our community-driven approach ensures services evolve with local needs through initiatives like the Senior Transportation Program and Personal Needs Closet.
Services
Counseling Services
Child Advocacy Centers
Foster Care Placement
Adoption Services
Senior Transportation
Trauma Assessment
Grief Support
Marriage Preparation
School Social Work
Personal Needs Assistance
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed counseling with 60+ years of community service experience
- Our accredited Child Advocacy Centers coordinate multidisciplinary abuse investigations
- 24/7 support available for foster care families through dedicated case managers
- Proven 100% graduation success rate for at-risk youth through Roadmap to Graduation
- Licensed substance use disorder treatment with state-certified counselors
Associations and certifications
- National Children's Alliance
Services
Counseling Services
Professional counseling for individuals, families, and couples using evidence-based trauma-informed practices. Our masters-level therapists treat complex trauma, PTSD, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues through play therapy, domestic violence support, and ADHD management. Services available for ages three to 100+ with sliding-scale fees and grant-funded programming for underserved populations.
Child Advocacy Centers
Accredited multidisciplinary centers investigating child abuse cases through coordinated law enforcement, medical, and CPS collaboration. Forensic interviews and trauma therapy help child victims heal while maintaining court admissibility. Services include caregiver support, medical evaluations, and advocacy throughout legal proceedings for sexual abuse and physical trauma cases.
Foster Care Placement
State-licensed foster care program recruiting, training, and supporting families for children removed from unsafe environments. Includes 24/7 crisis intervention, financial stipends, and therapeutic support. Focus on family reunification while providing stability through trauma-informed care and structured home environments with licensed foster parents.
Roadmap to Graduation
Mentorship program pairing homeless high school juniors/seniors with host families to ensure educational completion. Combines stable housing, life skills training, and academic support achieving 100% graduation rates. Post-graduation assistance includes college applications, vocational training, and transition planning for independent living.
Senior Transportation
Volunteer-driven transportation service for Jackson County seniors attending medical appointments. Provides door-to-door access for non-ambulatory individuals through insured drivers. Program combines community volunteerism with critical healthcare access for elderly residents lacking alternative transportation options.
People
Sue Lewis
Executive Director
Sue Lewis leads Catholic Charities' strategic operations across three counties with over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She oversees program implementation, staff development, and community partnerships while maintaining organizational alignment with Catholic social teachings and mission objectives.
Connie Varner
Human Resources Director
Connie Varner manages talent acquisition and staff development for Catholic Charities. With PHR certification, she ensures compliance with employment standards while fostering a supportive work environment that aligns with the organization's values and service mission.
Tracey Ventola
Child Welfare Director
Tracey Ventola oversees child protection programs including foster care, adoption services, and child advocacy centers. Her MSW background informs trauma-informed practices that prioritize child safety while supporting family reunification efforts through evidence-based interventions.
Caitlyn Hayes Cheng
Childrens Advocacy Center Director
Caitlyn Hayes Cheng directs the accredited Children's Advocacy Center of South Central Michigan. She coordinates multidisciplinary teams for abuse investigations while ensuring therapeutic services meet national standards for child victims and their families.
Layla Wood
Clinical Director
Layla Wood supervises outpatient mental health services with expertise in trauma treatment. As a licensed professional counselor, she develops clinical protocols that integrate faith-based approaches with contemporary therapeutic techniques for diverse client populations.
Questions
What counseling services do you offer?
We provide individual, family, and marital therapy for trauma, PTSD, substance abuse, and behavioral issues using evidence-based practices for ages three to 100+.
How can I become a foster parent?
Contact our office to complete GROW training, background checks, and home assessments. We provide 24/7 support and financial stipends for licensed foster families.
Do you accept donations?
Yes, we rely on community support through monetary donations, in-kind contributions, and volunteer participation to sustain our programs and outreach initiatives.
Are services faith-based?
While rooted in Catholic values, our services are available to all individuals regardless of religious affiliation or background through our mission of compassionate care.
How do I access senior transportation?
Jackson County residents can call our office to schedule medical appointment rides through our volunteer driver program with eligibility requirements applying.
What child abuse reporting options exist?
Our accredited Child Advocacy Centers coordinate with law enforcement for forensic interviews and provide therapeutic support for suspected abuse victims under age 18.
Videos
