DIOCESAN NEWS
06/08/07
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Annual Bishop’s Ball funds children’s programs
By Fabvienen Taylor
       JACKSON — A couple of months ago Joey, a 17-year-old recently released from an alcohol and drug abuse treatment center knocked on Our House’s door.
       There he was met by Dr. Mary Sims-Johnson, program director for the shelter for runaway and homeless youth.
       Short on staff that day, the program director, a seasoned professional with experience on every level of the program she oversees, invited Joey in and listened to his story.
Joey told of a life with a mother addicted to crack, a father incarcerated, no other family to take him in, a desperate search for refuge from unsafe streets and homelessness.
       After performing the necessary interveiws, telephone calls, assessments and investigations, Sims-Johnson determined Joey needed Our House’s help. And he got it.
       These days Joey is working in a restaurant, attending classes to get his GED, getting counseling and attending a substance abuse support group and reports for follow-up sessions.
       “He recently called to let me know how well he was doing,” said Sims-Johnson. “I saw that Joey was a kid who needed an opportunity, needed someone to care for him. I knew he was a kid with potential.”
       Our House, a 24-hour emergency shelter for runaway, homeless neglected and abused youth, ages 12-17, is only one of Catholic Charities’ programs for children which will benefit from funds raised at the second annual Bishop’s Ball from 6:30 p.m to midnight on Thursday, June 28, at The Country Club of Jackson.
       A black-tie optional event, entertainment will be provided by “Just Right.” Cost of tickets is $75 per person.
Honorary chairpersons of the event are Larry and Mary Anne Lefoldt and Johnny and Sharon Maloney
       Last year’s benefit raised over $18,000. Proceeds will go to help children in the Domestic Violence Shelter and Daycare, Our House Runaway and Homeless Shelter, Therapeutic Foster Care, Adoption, and Hope Haven Programs.
       “This will be an event where people can socialize with their friends from around the Diocese of Jackson and get to know other people who care about the work of Catholic Charities,” said Elizabeth Barbour, who is on the planning committee for this year’s Bishop’s Ball.
       “People can have a wonderful meal and dance the night away,” she said.
“And they will know their contribution is going to help the children who are in particular need of assistance from Catholic Charities in our diocese.’
       Barbour is the immediate past chair of Catholic Charities Governance Council. She became an active volunteer about 10 years ago working with an annual drawdown to benefit the Domestic Violence Center.
       For more information call 601-355-8634.

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