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May 2008 Issue
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Deborah J. McCormack: A Mission of the heart...
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For
Deborah J. McCormack, president and CEO of Catholic
Charities West Michigan, the mission and vision for
the organization she heads is clear, “We want to help
more people – the most vulnerable – with more services.
That’s our goal.” |
McCormack
was appointed by Bishop Walter A. Hurley in March 2007 to
lead Catholic Charities West Michigan, an agency formed through
the integration of four diocesan corporations – the Secretariat
for Social Justice, Catholic Human Development Outreach, Catholic
Social Services Muskegon, and Catholic Social Services Grand
Rapids.
The
goal of the integration, a process that began in 2006 with
governance and agency overviews, was to streamline the administration,
resources, and services of the individual corporations into
one all-encompassing agency. The result was Catholic Charities
West Michigan, an organization committed to the clients it
serves and to the support of its donors. McCormack works closely
with a strong administrative team and approximately 300 staffers
who serve the agency’s comprehensive and results-oriented
programs. McCormack is thankful for their support, years of
experience, and personal faith commitment. Together, they
provide help and create hope for individuals and families
throughout the eleven counties of the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
“I
am proud to be a part of Catholic Charities West Michigan,”
McCormack said. “It’s a great organization doing great things
for families. The staff has a mission in their hearts.” The
focus of CCWM is to serve the most vulnerable people of all
faiths. The organization offers unique service programs designed
to meet specifi c community needs. Another priority for Catholic
Charities West Michigan is to keep families together whenever
possible because, in McCormack’s own words, “Families are
the building blocks of community.”
During
the past year, there have been times when McCormack has felt
“tested” and things have not always been easy, but she draws
her strength and support from her connection with God. The
challenges she has faced have pushed her to become more spiritual
and have strengthened her Catholic faith, a faith she converted
to more than 20 years ago when her fi rst daughter, Lauren,
was born. Since moving to Grand Rapids from Macomb County,
McCormack has attended St. Paul the Apostle Parish, in Grand
Rapids, where the Rev. Msgr. Ernest Schneider, pastor, helps
make the message of faith real for McCormack through his kindness
and humor. Mass helps get her “centered” for the week, helping
her to remember what is important in her faith and in her
life. “In this leadership role,” said McCormack, “I am a bridge
between the day-to-day operations and moving Catholic Charities
West Michigan where it needs to – helping as many people as
possible.”
McCormack
is enthusiastic about her role at Catholic Charities West
Michigan and it shows through her commitment to the organization.
She attends early morning and evening activities such as fundraisers
and board meetings. She visits program sites around the diocese.
She regularly meets with Bishop Hurley and appreciates his
direct connection and active support of the agency and its
mission and vision. She has been dedicated to serving organizations
that have a Christian basis in their mission and feels this
is a refl ection of her faith and her desire to give something
back to the community.
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