By Scott Held
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope you have experienced many blessings in your life this past year as we head into such a joyous time. Let me tell you, it has been a busy 6 months for Catholic Social Services of Montana (CSSM) since I was appointed Executive Director by our Montana Bishops. It has been full of accomplishments, though! To briefly name a few: we helped build families by facilitating the adoptions of multiple children; we secured $60,000 to support the disaster relief efforts from the flooding in southcentral Montana; and we received a grant to support the expansion of goods at our Baby Boutique that are offered to families in-need.
Within that time frame, under the instruction of our Board of Directors, I have had two things on my mind. How can CSSM enhance the excellent work already being done through our adoption ministry? -and– How else can CSSM serve the people of Montana? For an organization already serving such a wonderful ministry, these are daunting questions. Yet, in our world that has so much need, important questions. After spending extensive time traveling, visiting, and researching, I have some answers!
First, it must be understood that CSSM is a vehemently pro-life organization, not just limited to the common social concept and label. Specifically, through our commitment to Catholic social teaching, we seek to serve those in-need from the point of conception to natural death, i.e. ANYONE in-need. That said, our adoption ministry will continue to be our cornerstone, just as it has since 1953. We will continue to build Montana families. Additionally, we hope to enhance our support for families in-need by expanding our Baby Boutique locations, support Montanans by delving into mental health services, and assist our noncitizen neighbors by providing immigration and legalization assistance. While we have other topics on our list, such as housing and childcare, we plan on prioritizing those areas previously mentioned. When will these new services roll-out? Good question. The timeline is flexible, and plans may change, but we are committed to broadening the ways we help those in-need across our state.
Although this update was brief, hopefully you can see an exciting future of continued and expanded service awaits CSSM. As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we will need your continued support through the gifts of your financial support, time, word-of-mouth, and prayers as we take on these new callings. You can learn more about CSSM, read our newsletter/request a copy, and donate by visiting www.cssmt.org. Also, follow us on Facebook to see our latest updates! THANK YOU for your support of CSSM; together, we hope to build a brighter future for our communities and all those we serve.
Scott Held is the Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Montana
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