PANAMA CITY
p=. Welcome to Catholic Charities Panama City Regional Office,Serving Bay, Gulf, Washington, Calhoun, Jackson, and Holmes Counties!
The Panama City office is located in the eastern area of town and is convenient to Highway 98 that runs west to east, and highways 231 and 77 which run north to south. An eclectic population exists in these 6 counties; from the seasonal high tourist- occupied Panama City Beach, to the equally beautiful beaches but slower pace of Mexico Beach; from the more rural areas of Vernon and Chipley to our north to the more populated area of Panama City, one of the 8 municipalities in Bay County.
As with most of the Panhandle, there has been much growth in recent years, particularly in Bay County (approximately 150,000 populated), with a forecast of accelerated growth in the next several years. Issues such as affordable housing, transportation, jobs with pay that allows sustainability for families, training and educational opportunities, all become increasingly important elements to providing a decent quality life to the residents in this area.
Catholic Charities is a United Way affiliate agency and an active member of the Homeless and Hunger Coalition of Northwest Florida.
With your help and support, we can make a difference.
Help us to help others: PROVIDE HELP. CREATE HOPE.
SERVICES OFFERED
Emergency Assistance provided in several ways
Financial: Rent deposits and utility deposits; past-due rent and past-due utilities; other financial needs (i.e. daycare, emergency travel, etc.) can be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and depending on current funds available.
Tangible aid: Through operation of one of the largest food pantries in the Panhandle, we provide non-perishable food for individuals and families who are in a financial crisis; clothing is provided to clients who have experienced a fire in their home, recently released from incarceration, or some other similar situation. Half-price vouchers for clothing are provided also. Household and furniture items (when available) are also given to victims of a fire. Personal hygiene and household cleaning supplies (when available) are distributed to clients through our food pantry. Baby items—diapers, formula and baby food, infant clothing and other baby supplies are also distributed to new mothers. Depending on the (changing) status of donations, gas vouchers, gift cards for local food stores, and other such needs may be met.
Parenting Classes are offered throughout the year. This consists of a six-week course, professionally facilitated by a staff member. A certificate of completion is awarded to those who attend the 12-hour program.
Shelter through our Naomi House The St. Barnabas House, an 8- bedroom home provides housing for families, single parents with minor children and pregnant women.
Special Holiday Programs such as the Christmas Hope Project, that distributes toys and items for children of all ages, as well as other timely assistance during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, provide an annual boost to families that are having a difficult time with added expenses during the holidays.
The Thrift Store operates from donations of family clothing, furniture and household items which are offered to the public at affordable prices. Free household, clothing and furniture (if available) are given to families who are victims of a home fire, or some other unforeseen disaster.
PREGNANCY AND ADOPTION PROGRAM:
Pregnancy counseling and supportive services are provided to birth parents experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy. This gives those involved an opportunity to explore the alternatives available to them and make a plan for parenting the child or placing the baby in an adoptive home. The Panama City office is a licensed Child Placing agency by the state of Florida. Both domestic and international adoptive home studies are provided, as well assistance with preparations for parenthood. Once a child is placed in the home, an adoptive caseworker will follow with support and supervision until finalization. Additional services available include quality foster care homes (working exclusively with Catholic Charities); post adoption searches; post-abortion counseling and support in healing.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with others. We’re open to all kinds of ideas, from sporting events to theater to anything else you might be considering. If you would like to sponsor a special event to help raise money to support the mission of Catholic Charities Pensacola Region, please call or email Diane Williams, Regional Director williamsd@cc.ptdiocese.org
Also see:
2005-2006 Annual Report
2006-2007 Annual Report
Donation Information
Volunteer Information
Would you like to receive information about Catholic Charities Pensacola news and events? Send an email to williamsd@cc.ptdiocese.org
REGIONAL STAFF
M. Diane Williams, MA, Regional Director
Donna Perdue, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
Robin Tabotabo, Administrative Assistant
Amanda Coffman, Receptionist
Brandi Boyer, MS, Adoption Counselor
Joe Myhill, Shelter Resident/Assistant
Deborah Walton, BSW, Emergency Assistance and Shelter Program Coordinator
Andi Casarez, Thrift Store Supervisor
Forest Yanke, Program Manager for Homeless Day Resource Center
Margaret Lamkin, Case Manager at Homeless Day Resource Center
Tasha Jackson, Case Manager at Homeless Day Resource Center
Jack McCord, Caseworker at Homeless Day Resource Center
Tee Lord, Receptionist at Homeless Day Resource Center
Ed Cashman, _Receptionist at Homeless Day Resource Center_
3128 E. 11th Street
Panama City, Florida 32401
Phone: 850-763-0475
Fax: 850-763-2969
map it
Services:
Emergency Assistance
Adoption Counseling
Shelter Services
Thrift Store
REGIONAL BOARD
Margaret Neubauer, President
Fr. Sean Knox, Vice President
Kelli Mellerski, Secretary
Anthony Arnone, Treasurer
Dave Capps
Mark Gutcher
P. Kevin Hall
Tim and Ruby Mixdorf
Erin Pigneri
Michael J. Pizza
Marybeth Ray
Suzanne Selph
Tara Catalano-Smith
Beverly Stephens
Kerry Warner