Catholic Charities of DeSoto County

Agency offers hope and support to rural poor

 

Arcadia—Whether a family is struggling with financial hardship, potential homelessness, or children who are unsuccessful in school, Catholic Charities of DeSoto County offers hope and support.

 

“Over the past year we have seen many people who have never had to request assistance before because of job loss, unexpected medical emergencies and foreclosure notices,” said Andrea Herigodt, director of the agency. “We are seeing clients who formally had enjoyed a normal lifestyle and now are in a situation in which they have no experience.”

 

Herigodt said as Catholic Charities continues to serve and support the rural poor of DeSoto County, their ability to stretch resources to help all who come to the agency is becoming more and more difficult. 

 

“A client hesitantly came to us wondering how he and his family reached such despair,” Herigodt said.  “After being successfully employed for many years, he had lost his job and faced the task of continuing to pay his bills and support his family while searching for work.”

 

His visit with Catholic Charities resulted in identification of a number of resources that would facilitate his job search, manage his ongoing bills, and provide his family with food. “He recently returned with the great news that he had found a job,” Herigodt said.

 

Catholic Charities of DeSoto County offers a food pantry, case management, financial assistance, immigration services, and after school tutoring for at-risk students.

 

A six-year-old girl, whose family just relocated to DeSoto County from North Carolina, came to the After School Program in the middle of the school year. She had never attended school before and was struggling with English as well as the structure demanded in a classroom.

 

“We all know and value the importance of a good education,” said Herigodt. “Farm worker families have the same hopes and dreams for their children. They know school success is the first step in moving their children into mainstream life and out of the fields.”

 

Tutors focused on language development and provided the young girl with gentle guidance regarding the expectations of a classroom. “She was promoted to the next grade and exhibits a quiet confidence that was not apparent when she came to us,” Herigodt said.

 

The After School Program exists to tackle the many barriers farm worker children and their families face. Children enjoy a safe, nurturing environment and their parents are supported in communicating with school personnel, learning how to help their children at home, and utilizing available community resources.

 

Please consider supporting the good work of Catholic Charities of DeSoto County with a contribution to the agency. Donations can be sent to 1210 East Oak Street, Arcadia, FL 34266.  Volunteers also are needed. For more information, please call Andrea Herigodt at 863-494-1068.