Catholic Charities - Diocese of Cleveland

11/20/2025

Meghan and Kenneth Adoption Story pt. 1 of 3

💜 Turner Syndrome is a rare disease that affects 0.1-0.2% of women and can cause a variety of health concerns, such as infertility.

This is the case for Meghan and Kenneth.

Knowing that having children naturally was not in their future, Meghan and Kenneth decided to go through adoption to build their family.

Meghan, a teacher at a Catholic school in the Diocese of Cleveland, always passed by a Catholic Charities building across the street.

Knowing little about adoption, Meghan and Kenneth decided to reach out to the Adoption office and see what steps they needed to take.

The adoption process can be long, and it’s important to remain positive and patient.

“I think we both have learned patience. There was a process where we didn’t know what was going to happen, and that was not the easiest time,” Meghan and Kenneth said.

Before welcoming a baby home, several steps are taken to ensure that the adoptive home and family are a good fit.

One of the first steps Meghan and Kenneth had to take was to attend parenting classes and create a book for birth families to review, allowing them to get to know the adoptive parents a little better before meeting in person.

They also had to complete a home visit, where Ellen, an Adoption Social Worker, or a member of her team came into their home to ensure Meghan and Kenneth were ready to welcome a baby home.

This process took Meghan and Kenneth about nine months to a year to complete.
Not long after their paperwork was finalized, Ellen called them to say that a birth mother was interested in meeting with them about her daughter, Isabella.

Come back tomorrow to hear more about Meghan and Kenneth’s story!

11/19/2025

We sincerely thank our Catholic Charities Medina County Advisory Board and staff, who have organized volunteers for the Holiday Parade of Lights at the annual Medina Candlelight Walk for over a decade.

This weekend, the parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, November 22, starting at E. Liberty Street, continuing on N. Court Street, and ending at E. Washington Street. Details on the parade and Candlelight Walk: mainstreetmedina.com/candlelight-walk

Catholic Charities Medina County is proud to partner again with Main Street Medina for this great weekend of events.

We invite you to discover more about Catholic Charities and our impact in Medina County. Visit ccdocle.org/counties/medina to learn how you can connect, support or join our efforts.

11/17/2025

Orders for Thanksgiving meal delivery are almost full! Place your order now, or plan to join us in person at the St. Augustine Hunger Center on Thursday, November 27, for a free Thanksgiving dinner.

11/17/2025

The Bishop Cosgrove Center, one of greater Cleveland's largest day drop-in centers for individuals in need, has reopened for services following a brief pause for renovations. Daily services at the center (1736 Superior Ave., Cleveland) include hot meals, emergency financial assistance, a clothing closet, showers and more. Thank you to everyone in our community for your patience!

11/13/2025

Jennie and Coleman Story pt. 3 of 3

Jennie and Coleman’s story doesn’t end with Willow’s adoption — it’s only the beginning.

Even after welcoming their daughter, their mission to support kids in their community continues.

“We actually had a kid live with us last year who wasn’t in foster care, but he was a high schooler who needed a place to live for a little bit,” Jennie explained.
Jennie and Coleman have made it their goal to keep their doors, and their hearts, open to any child or teen who needs a safe space.

Through their church, they also give back in another special way: every Sunday, they host a teen community group in their home. It’s open to everyone and is a place where young people can learn about belonging, faith, and what it means to build each other up.

Jennie and Coleman don’t just talk about community — they live it.

Their open adoption with Willow’s birth family is another beautiful example of that love in action.

“What a gift it is that we get to parent this sweet little girl; they [birth parents] get to parent their girls, and we can all be community to each other,” Jennie said.

And that sense of family extends to the Catholic Charities adoption team, who Jennie and Coleman describe as “small but mighty.”

Coleman added, “Adoption is more than having a child — you’re potentially saving a child from entering the foster care system. Catholic Charities gives birth families another option, and they do a great job with it.”

For over 100 years, Catholic Charities has been offering adoption services across the eight counties of the Diocese of Cleveland — continuing to walk beside anyone who comes through their doors.

If you or someone you know is interested in fostering or adoption, visit ccdocle.org/adoption or call (216) 319-0639 to learn more.

11/13/2025

Catholic Charities, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, is mourning the loss of our dear friend and colleague, former CEO Patrick Gareau. Pat retired at the beginning of 2025 after 14 years as President and CEO of this organization, and 17 years as President and CEO of St. Augustine Health Ministries.

We share our deepest condolences with his wife, Maureen, and his children and grandchildren, who he loved dearly.

“Catholic Charities is a better place for the care and leadership Pat gave to us all for over 30 years,” said current President & CEO Jim Mullen. “He will be deeply missed by many of us.”

We offer prayers of comfort and gratitude to everyone in Pat’s community as we share in grief together. Please feel welcome to share memories or reflections in the comments.

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

Jennie and Coleman Story pt. 2 of 3

The bond between Willow’s birth family and Jennie & Coleman only grew stronger. 💛

When baby Willow was born, Jennie and Coleman welcomed her older siblings into their home so the birth father could stay by the birth mother’s side.

Once Willow’s birth mom was discharged from the hospital, Jennie brought the kids and stayed with Willow until she and Coleman could finally take her home.

In Ohio, there’s a 72-hour waiting period before birth parents can sign adoption consent forms, giving them time to make a thoughtful, intentional decision.

“We also just went [a year prior] through a failed adoption, so that was scary,” Jennie expressed.

Still, Jennie and Coleman held onto faith that Willow was meant to be part of their family.

“[Willow’s birth parents] were the most thoughtful human beings throughout this whole process,” Jennie said. “They didn’t take anything lightly.”

When the adoption was finalized, something beautiful happened — both families chose to stay connected.

Jennie and Coleman have an open adoption with Willow’s birth parents and her older sisters. This means Willow will always know where she came from — and will grow up surrounded by even more love.

“I don’t want her to see the family tree project as a negative because her parents chose this to be a positive.” Jennie said.

Stay tuned tomorrow for the rest of Willow’s story.

11/12/2025

We couldn't provide hot meals and pantry staples every Thanksgiving without the generous partnership of Elk + Elk. Looking forward to another year together to support our neighbors in need.

11/12/2025

Looking for ways to help with food assistance? Help us FILL THE PANTRY! Our pantries will need extra support this holiday season! On Wednesday, November 26, drop off pantry staples, cleaning supplies, canned soups and other essentials at the St. Augustine Hunger Center to support families across Cleveland all winter long.

Ways to help:
📦 Start a food drive! There are TWO WEEKS to call on friends, family & colleagues to help gather items for donation.
💳 Donate today - financial gifts allow our pantries to purchase their own staples, often at a wholesale discount.

Find everything you need at ccdocle.org/holiday

However you choose to support us, your giving can do GOOD this holiday season. We are thankful. 🙏

11/11/2025

Jennie and Coleman Story pt. 1of 3

What started as a simple way to give back… turned into something life-changing. 💛

Meet Jennie and Coleman — foster and adoptive parents with Catholic Charities.
Coleman, a high school teacher, began noticing that many of his students were part of the foster care system. Seeing their struggles up close, he and his wife, Jennie, felt called to make a difference.

“We have the capacity — a four-bedroom house, the ability — so why not look into it?” Jennie shared.

Soon after getting licensed, they welcomed a sibling group of four — ages 7, 8, 11, and 16. That experience opened their eyes and hearts, showing them how deeply they connected with teens.

As time went on and more youth came through their home, Jennie and Coleman began to wonder what it might be like to have a child of their own.

With the guidance of Ellen Specht, an Adoption Social Worker, they connected with a couple seeking adoptive parents for their unborn baby — just one week before the due date.

When the two couples met, both had something beautiful in common:
They each had the name “Willow” on their list.

Maybe it was coincidence… or maybe it was meant to be.

Stay tuned — tomorrow we’ll share the rest of Willow’s adoption story.

11/11/2025

🇺🇸We are grateful for every individual -- client, employee, family or friend -- who answers the call the serve. We pray that God bless all those who have served their country through service in the armed forces. Grant healing to those veterans who have been wounded, be it in body, mind or soul. Happy Veterans' Day to all. 🙏