Make God's Love Visible: Gary's Story

October 30, 2024

From Overwhelmed to Empowered: Gary’s Financial Counseling Journey

Gary has been a client of Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling program since 2013.


He was referred to the program by his family after it became overwhelming for his mother and three sisters to manage his finances. Gary was having trouble paying all his bills, including his rent. When it became clear that he could face eviction, his family offered to help him cover his back rent if he would meet with a financial counselor at Catholic Charities.


Gary enrolled in Catholic Charities managed checkbook service program which offers managed checkbook services through a local bank where clients’ funds are held in a protected “For the Benefit Of” account. 


Your gift to Catholic Charities provides Gary and thousands of others the help they need AND gives them a chance for a brighter future.


For the past decade Gary has been meeting with Emily, a Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counselor, at the beginning of each month. Over the years, a positive professional relationship has developed between Emily and Gary. As his trusted advisor, Gary feels comfortable and safe asking Emily to help with his finances. With Gary’s permission, Emily is also able to keep his family informed of his finances and provide them with peace of mind.


Through the managed checkbook service, Gary’s essential bills such as rent, health insurance, car insurance, and utilities are paid. After these bills are paid, Gary receives a weekly spending check which is used for items such as gas, food and medication. Along with receiving social security, Gary works and over the years has built up a healthy balance in his checking account. This allows him to weather any unplanned emergency such as a health crisis or car repair. 


Catholic Charities Financial and Housing Counseling helps keep people in their homes, become more financially self-sufficient and maintain a safe place for their families to live. We meet people where they are and empower them to build the skills necessary for future financial success, stability and independence. Last year, 472 individuals like Gary received financial and housing counseling services.


Our ability to continue helping our neighbors depends on donors like YOU. Please consider donating to Catholic Charities today to provide help and hope to people in their hour of greatest need.  



“Financial and Housing Counseling services from Catholic Charities is something that we had no idea was available until a friend of the family suggested it. As a family it has brought peace of mind for us all, knowing that Gary’s finances are being expertly managed.” - Gary’s sister, Ann

Donate to Make God's Love Visible
Make God's Love Visible

Our Recent News

Introducing Porch

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Gordon's Story

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
We are always honored to serve seniors like Gordon, whose story reminds us of the profound impact our Senior Dining program has on the lives of individuals in our community. Gordon, a widower of 58 years, currently lives with his son, but he continues to make the five-mile drive to the Senior Dining congregate site in Maple Lake every weekday. For Gordon, this is more than just a meal, it’s a chance to connect, stay healthy, and maintain his independence. "I can’t cook, and often I’m left eating Cheerios and coffee at night," Gordon shared. That’s where the Senior Dining program becomes so vital for him. The nutritious meals provided at Catholic Charities help him maintain a balanced diet and ensure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. While Gordon says, “You can’t please everyone all the time,” he enjoys the meals offered and values the healthy options available to him. But it’s not just about the food for Gordon. It’s the sense of community he experiences each day when he visits the Maple Lake site. Gordon enjoys visiting the other diners and the staff, who he calls "perfect" and insists they "do their jobs well." He appreciates the laughter, the warm welcome, and the connection with others that make each visit special. Catholic Charities Senior Dining Program serves seniors aged 60 and over, offering nutritious meals that help them stay healthy and independent. Whether it’s through congregate dining sites, or Meals on Wheels services, we are committed to providing seniors with the support they need to lead a healthy, independent life. Gordon is one of many seniors who rely on this program, and his continued dedication to attending every weekday demonstrates the importance of these services in maintaining his health and quality of life. He says he plans to keep coming as long as he’s able—a sentiment that reflects the value that Senior Dining brings to seniors in our community. We’re grateful for Gordon’s participation in our Senior Dining program and for the positive impact it has on his well-being. For Gordon and many others, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the connections, the care, and the opportunity to stay independent and healthy.

Grow & Give

By Jenna Pettit • August 14, 2025
If your garden is overflowing this summer, you’re not alone—and that’s a good thing. Whether it’s tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or beans, your extra produce can do more than fill your pantry. It can help feed families right here in our community. Catholic Charities of St. Cloud is hosting a Grow & Give donation event, running now through October 2025. The idea is simple: if you’re growing a garden, consider growing a little extra—or sharing what you won’t use—and donate it to Catholic Charities Food Shelf. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always in high demand, and your homegrown produce can make a real difference for neighbors facing food insecurity. How to Donate 📍 Drop-off Location: Catholic Charities Food Shelf 157 Roosevelt Road, Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN (Use Door D) 🕘 Donation Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 am to 3 pm Friday: 9 am to 12 pm 🔔 Please ring the buzzer at Door D during donation hours. Staff or volunteers will meet you at the door to accept your donation. For food safety, donations must be handed directly to staff—please do not leave produce unattended or drop off outside posted hours.