Catholic Charities Winter Shelters & Fort McCoy Afghan Refugee Mission (Advent 2021)

Host Jack Socha reflects on Thanksgiving, the start of Advent, and stories of charity and hope, including food and coat drives in La Crosse and a Florida woman awakening from a COVID coma after prayer. He encourages eligible listeners to seek COVID booster shots and explains their purpose amid variants. Soscia interviews Catholic Charities Director Roberto Partaru about warming centers operating since Nov. 1 at capacity in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Wausau, providing meals, showers, laundry, counseling, and housing support through collaborations with other agencies, emphasizing dignity, security, and trust. Development staffer Karen Becker describes Catholic Charities’ work at Fort McCoy since Aug. 26, expanding legal education, women’s and children’s centers, sewing and recreation programs, and volunteer support, plus urgent needs for winter gear, supplies, donations, and volunteers, while also noting local programs.

00:45 Stories of Hope and Charity

03:08 Historic Snapshot Tease

03:55 COVID Booster Explained

05:59 Meet Catholic Charities Director

06:58 Warming Centers Winter Response

12:26 Donations and Dignity

15:23 Work as Love in Action

18:53 Introducing Fort McCoy Mission

20:11 Refugee Support Expands

23:16 Community Donations and Volunteers

25:10 A Formula Can Story

27:44 Refugees Settling In

28:45 Escape From Afghanistan

29:46 Joy At Fort McCoy

30:17 Blonde Hair Icebreaker

33:22 Hospitality Pays Forward

35:08 Faith Support On Base

37:28 Volunteer Safety And COVID

39:43 Life In The Barracks

41:44 Donate Money And Supplies

44:40 New Babies And Layettes

47:33 Roberto Wrap Up

49:02 Why Charities Serve

51:52 Thanks For Supporting Radio