Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Former executive director receives national award for devotion to children and families

Rosemary Winder Strange, former executive director of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice, was awarded the Bishop Sullivan Award by the Children, Youth and Family Services of Catholic Charities USA.

The national award, which honors an individual who exemplifies dedication and leadership in service to children and families, was presented at an evening reception on September 6 in Newark, N.J.

Winder Strange has served children and families through Catholic Charities for 35 years. She retired from the executive director position in the Diocese of Venice in July after 5 years of service. Prior to that, she worked as director of social services for Catholic Charities USA for 12 years. Winder Strange also worked for Catholic Charities agencies in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Mobile, Ala.

In retirement Winder Strange will continue her work for children and families by assisting the Caritas Internationalis organizations in Eastern Europe develop their fledgling child welfare system and programs and remain active in the work of Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice.