The Ladies of Charity of Metropolitan Kansas City hosted an assembly we will all remember. The theme, “Embrace It – Drive It – Change It” was reflected by the speakers and a variety of workshops ranging from leadership on a governing board, providing information on treatment for addiction and insight on the needs of young urban boys, to focusing on global loan opportunities. The presentations, workshops and round table discussions were directly linked to members discovering for themselves the meaning of “it.”
Following the opening Mass, we were honored to have a personal welcome by the Honorable Sylvester James, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
Guest speakers and their topics were: Frs. Richard and Robert Gielow, CM, “I Could Have Done More;” Natalie Monteza, Secretary General, International Association of Charities (AIC), “Changes being made on the International Level;” Sr. Caroljean Willie, SC, “Characteristics of Systemic Change;” and Kristy Childs, founder of Veronica’s Voice, on the discrimination faced by American women who have been victimized by prostitution. The speakers were very motivating as they focused on a systemic change approach to working with those living in poverty.
Fellowship and the renewing of friendships, along with new ones being formed, will provide for better communication in the future within and among the different regions.
At the conclusion of the assembly, fourteen grants were presented totaling $8,330. The Junior Ladies of Charity were recognized and certificates were presented to the moderators for the Junior Associations.
To Albe McGurk, Gayle Johnson and their entire committees, we thank you and congratulate you on a very successful national assembly. Your kindness and hospitality were appreciated by all who attended.