Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is being spotlighted on the Sherri Takiff Zirlin Community Art Wall located in the lobby of First Bank Chicago. The exhibit highlights the organization’s foundational mission to accompany anyone in need, regardless of their faith, race, gender, or ethnicity.
Catholic Charities was formally established in 1917 to centralize and coordinate the myriad relief efforts that had served Chicago’s poor since the 1840s. Over the last century, it has grown into one of the largest non-profit social service agencies in the United States, serving hundreds of thousands of individuals annually across Cook and Lake Counties.
The organization’s mission is to fulfill the Church's role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, and professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families, and communities, always grounded in the value and dignity of human life. This unwavering commitment to non-judgmental support is a cornerstone of their services, as Giving Hope Fund Participant Dianne shared: "I never had someone show me so much love and respect. They didn’t judge me for who I am. And that showed me that no matter what goes on in my life, I can always come to Catholic Charities."
With a staff of nearly 800 employees and a vast network of volunteers, Catholic Charities’ work is organized around three core impact areas that offer critical, life-changing support across the region’s most underserved communities:
- Immediate Needs: Providing essential and wraparound services for people in crisis, including food, clothing, homelessness prevention, and emergency financial assistance.
- Mothers & Families: Offering holistic services that promote physical and psychological safety, wellbeing, and healing through family support, pregnancy and parenting assistance, and child development programs. For residents in their transitional housing programs, like House of Peace, the support extends beyond physical shelter to building vital community. As one former resident noted, "I have felt alone and isolated for a long time but experiencing companionship with others was one of the most valuable experiences for me and my children during my time in House of Peace. I found a community of support that I could lean on for help."
- Seniors & Housing: Creating dignified housing communities for older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities, alongside at-home and community-based services that foster independence and connection. Programs like Home Delivered Meals are essential for the health and financial stability of those on fixed incomes. As one Lake County recipient stated, "These healthy meals are needed. With seniors being on fixed incomes and medication costs so high, if you don’t get the right balance, it can put you behind the eight ball. I thank God for Catholic Charities."
The Catholic Charities exhibit is located in the bank lobby and will be open to the public during regular business hours throughout the month of December. For more information about Catholic Charities or to sign-up for their newsletter, visit https://www.catholiccharities.net/ or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
ABOUT SHERRI TAKIFF ZIRLIN COMMUNITY ART WALL
The Community Art Wall was created in 2019 and is dedicated in memory of Director, Sherri Takiff Zirlin. The Community Art Wall showcases novice artwork from local non-profit organizations and provides visibility to the various resources and services offered throughout the community. For more information call 847-432-7800 or visit www.firstbankchicago.com.
ABOUT FIRST BANK CHICAGO
The Bank Chicago provides full-service banking solutions for commercial and consumer clients throughout Chicagoland. With over 65 years of banking history, First Bank ranks as one of the five largest privately held banks in Chicago. Our experienced bankers utilize our personal service model to provide customized banking solutions without the bureaucracy of the megabanks. First Bank’s deep culture of caring includes giving time, talent, and resources to all corners of our community. Our bank has been recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” by Crain’s Chicago Business for 8 consecutive years (2018-2025). In 2024, First Bank was recognized by American Banker as the #1 “Best Bank to Work For”. To learn more about the First Bank Chicago, visit www.firstbankchicago.com
