Catholic Charities Disability Services & Ministries - Diocese of Cleveland

11/18/2025

Inclusion at work! Great job Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)

We’re thrilled by the incredible response to our sensory bags - thank you for all the support, excitement, and shares!

Originally created for our very first Flight School event, these bags were thoughtfully designed to support travelers of all ages with sensory needs - including those who experience pre-flight anxiety, autism, or other sensory sensitivities. While we didn’t expect them to take off online (pun intended), we’re so grateful they did!

These sensory bags are part of our broader Hopkins Hospitality initiative, which aims to make travel more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.

In addition to the bags, we also offer noise-reducing ear muffs (not Bluetooth headphones) in both adult and child sizes, available upon request.

If you or someone you’re traveling with has a hidden disability - such as anxiety, autism, or a chronic condition, we encourage you to pick up a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard offered at the same locations. Wearing this lanyard signals to airport staff that you may need a little extra time or support during your journey.

Sensory bags and sunflower lanyards are available at:

📍 Central Information Desk – Ticketing Level
📍 Welcome Information Desk – Baggage Claim Level

Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program here: https://www.clevelandairport.com/airport/hopkins-hospitality/hidden-disabilities-sunflower-program and our Hopkins Hospitality initiative here https://www.clevelandairport.com/airport/hopkins-hospitality.

Happy travels! ✨

11/18/2025

Working outside the office today - getting things done. We Give Catholic - Coming Soon!! Dec 2!

11/14/2025

Over the past year DSM participant and volunteer, Michael, has worked very hard peeling and sorting all of our old crayons from MANY years of use at Camp Happiness! 🖍️☀️🖍️

Currently volunteer (& retired art teacher) Mrs. Mailey, is melting down the crayons to make recycled easy-grip crayons that we will hand out at our Journey to Bethlehem Mass on December 6th! 🎄🎁 🎨

Shout out to staff member Gerry who works closely with Michael! Its a team effort! 🤩

11/13/2025

Such sad news to share. Our former CEO and more importantly, friend to Disability Services & Ministries, Pat Gareau has passed away. We will miss him terribly and send our love and prayers to his wife Maureen and their family. Safe Home Pat.

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.

11/06/2025

Thanksgiving is only THREE WEEKS away, and we've been busy prepping for our holiday meal distribution. We are pleased to once again offer free hot meal delivery on Thanksgiving Day, in addition to a hot meal service at the St. Augustine Hunger Center.

The Thanksgiving meal program is possible thanks to the generous support of our partners at Barons Bus and Barons Hockey, as well as contributions from long-time partner Elk & Elk Co. Ltd. and local parishes.

Thanks to everyone who has signed up to volunteer to prepare and deliver meals. If you want to help, consider collecting shelf-stable goods for our FILL THE PANTRY donation opportunity on November 26. Learn more on our website: ccdocle.org/holiday

11/04/2025

St. Joe’s will be celebrating a “Sensory Friendly Mass” on Monday, November 10th, at 6:30 pm in the church. What’s a sensory-friendly Mass? It’s a Mass where the environment will be more sensitive and inviting for people with developmental disabilities. There will be low lights, soft music, a short homily, and a welcoming atmosphere for those who have different needs. After Mass, there will be a light reception in the Holy Family Center. All are welcome to attend, and please share this invitation with anyone you think would be interested!

11/03/2025

A wonderful visit for Sean, a seminarian from St. Mary Seminary, and Fr. Joe McNulty. Sean is working with our disability programs and ministries for his field education and Fr. Joe had lots of wisdom to share regarding ministry to individuals with disabilities! And lots of stories and humor as well.

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from our Saturday Program Participants and the DSM team! 🎃👻🍁

10/28/2025

Inclusion at Work!
There will be a Sensory Friendly Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Strongsville on Monday, November 10 at 6:30pm. They will offer low lights, soft music, a short homily and a welcoming atmosphere. There will be a light reception following mass in the Holy Family Center. All are welcome! St. Joseph is located at 12700 Pearl Rd., Strongsville.