Programs

The mission of Catholic Charities Tell City is to work together as parish communities, fulfilling the call of the Gospel, and to help people improve their lives. We believe that through reaching out in service to those in need, by loving our neighbors as Christ loves us, we not only enrich their lives—but ours as well.

Catholic Charities Tell City carries out its mission of helping people improve their lives through its key programs:

Martin’s Cloak
Helps the hungry replenish their home pantries.

Table of Blessings
This weekly hot meal program is a collaboration between Catholic Charities and EUCC.  Begun in February 2010, this ministry continues to grow as it serves a free hot meal to anyone in attendance.  Whether hungry for food or fellowship, it can be found at this gathering.  Everyone is welcome.

The Table of Grace (802 10th St. Tell City) serves a biscuit and gravy breakfast to the patrons of the food pantry each time the pantry is open.

Several area churches, prayer groups, businesses, and civic organizations help this ministry by preparing food (from entire meals to desserts) and also serving and cleaning up the kitchen after the meal.

Perry County Food Coalition
This coalition is made up of five area food pantries:  Martin’s Cloak Food Pantry, Widow’s Barrel Food Pantry, Council of Agencies, Jasper’s Food for the Needy, and Adventist Community Services.  Also members of the coalition are the Weekend Backpack Program and the Table of Blessings.  All food drives conducted on behalf of the Food Coalition are brought to Catholic Charities where they are weighed and distributed to the participating partners. Catholic Charities serves as the fiscal agent for the Perry County Food Coalition. All monetary donations are allocated to the member food pantries.

Emergency Assistance
This ministry allows families in financial crisis to alleviate some of their struggles as help is provided with utilities, rent/mortgage, gasoline for out of town medical needs, prescription medicines, and other needs.  Information is taken at the time of contact to determine eligibility.

Lifeline for Families
This program was formerly known as Matrix Lifeline.  Assistance is provided with diapers and formula for low income families with young children.  Also, the Early Years Store is well stocked with donated items:  maternity clothing, baby clothing (newborn to 2T), some baby furniture, and other baby needs.  This free store is available to families in need.  There are no qualifications for this ministry.

Budget Basics
A program that helps families and individuals begin to pull themselves out of poverty.  Classes are held to teach the very basics of budgeting – allowing people to see where their money is going and working together to decrease expenses through a budget.  Class participants are chosen on a referral basis.

Winter Coat Giveaway
Begins in October or every year and runs through February. New and gently used coats are collected and distributed to those in need. New blankets are also collected and distributed to those in need. A limited amount of hats and gloves are also available.  There are no qualifications for this program.