GUILD OF CATHOLIC WOMEN

GCW is celebrating over 100 years of service as a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to Christian values. We provide community services for individuals and families within St. Paul and surrounding communities.

We’ve been called upon to serve the needs of others that are overlooked or forgotten. For the last 30 years much of our work has been focused on serving the needs of individuals with mental health issues. Each year over 600 clients are invited to share in a Christmas dinner and party. For many this may be their only holiday celebration. Each client of Guild, Inc. is also given $25.00 in cash as a Christmas gift to treat themselves to something special. We also host a summer picnic – another favorite event for our clients to enjoy the outdoors!

Additionally, each year a portion of the GCW budget is set aside for the Angel Fund Program. This program has enabled us to assist our clients in paying for essentials that provide a way out of an unexpected crisis. Last year the fund assisted one client in obtaining the ashes of her son in order to provide him a proper burial service. We’ve also provided assistance for a broken down cars, broken eye glasses and pet care services during a client hospitalization.

Our Next Steps Program helps bridge the gap for young adults aging out of foster care. Our goal is to provide them support and encouragement as the move into independent adulthood.

In 2008, GCW funded an initial gift to Loyola Spiritual Direction Center to create a Veterans Welcome Home Ministry Program. The ministry is designed to provide a confidential safe setting to talk about experiences or problems that may be affecting a veteran’s ability to reintegrate into civilian life – particularly questions of meaning and faith. Since this program began, the additional need has arisen to assist WWII veterans in dealing with end of life issues. This service is provided free of charge and we continue to raise funds to support this much needed program.

As our journey of service continues, we keep our hearts open to serve those most in need within St. Paul and surrounding communities.