PRESS RELEASE

Louisville’s JoAnne Sherman and Kay Hackett Named Finalists for
Catholic Charities USA’s 2007 National Volunteer of the Year Award

Alexandria, VA—JoAnne Sherman and Kay Hackett of Louisville, KY, who volunteer for the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Louisville, are two of 14 extraordinary finalists for Catholic Charities USA’s 2007 National Volunteer of the Year Award.

This annual award recognizes the invaluable contributions volunteers make to the Catholic Charities network. “It is a pleasure to recognize two people as deserving as JoAnne and Kay,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. “When I look at the lives that they have touched and the difference that they have made in their community, I am grateful that they are part of the Catholic Charities family. The world is a better place because of Kay’s and JoAnne’s commitment and dedication to others in need.”

Sherman and Hackett were chosen from nominations submitted by local Catholic Charities agencies and other institutions that are members of Catholic Charities for exemplifying the spirit and mission of Catholic Charities in reducing poverty, supporting families, and empowering communities.

The two women have been the Archdiocese of Louisville Catholic Charities' premier volunteers for over 20 years, working with a variety of programs including helping in the agency’s now-closed maternity home, working with homeless young adults, serving on the agency’s board of directors, organizing adoption get together parties, buying baby supplies for the Mother-Infant Care Program, and much more.

For the past several years, they have offered their assistance in a very special way—working at least two days a week with the agency’s adoption-record archives. Catholic Charities of Louisville has the longest standing adoption program in the state. Prior to their arrival in this current role, the records needed to be reorganized, updated and archived.. Within no time, they had developed an efficient system and continue to maintain them.

“The area of service that has impressed people the most is JoAnne and Kay’s great compassion and sensitivity serving as conduits for reunions between adoptees and their birthmothers and/or other relatives,” said Helen B. Rothgerber, director of women and family-related services for Catholic Charities of Louisville. “These situations are such a precarious time, and JoAnne and Kay rise to the occasion of being so present to individuals who are fearful and anxious in this process.”

“JoAnne and Kay are truly performing the work that Christ modeled for us with their gentle, caring ways,” Rothgerber added. “They could not be more responsible and dedicated to the job if we were paying them.”

Volunteers nationwide provide the backbone of the Catholic Charities movement. Collectively, local Catholic Charities agencies rely on more than 263,000 volunteers each year to serve more than 7.4 million people of all faiths and diverse needs.

“JoAnne and Kay are both truly remarkable,” said Rothgerber. “All we had to do was exhibit the need and they have always been willing to step forward to assist however possible.”

The 2007 award recipient will be announced during National Volunteer Week, April 15–21, and will be honored at Catholic Charities USA’s Annual Gathering on Sept. 15 in Cincinnati.

To learn about the other finalists, visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

Catholic Charities USA’s members—more than 1,500 local agencies and institutions nationwide—provide help and create hope for more than 7.4 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic background. For more than 275 years, local Catholic Charities agencies have been providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from day care and counseling to food and housing. For more information, visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

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