Catholic Charities Indianapolis receives national award for helping people devastated by disasters

By John Shaughnessy

Catholic Charities Indianapolis recently received a national award from Catholic Charities USA, honoring its commitment “to providing meaningful and impactful services to those in need, before, during and after disasters.”

As the coordinator of the archdiocese’s Catholic Charities’ Disaster Preparedness and Response efforts, Jane Crady accepted the Innovation in Disaster Excellence Award on March 17, during a weeklong conference in Orlando, Fla., organized by Catholic Charities USA.

The conference brought together Catholic Charities agencies, non-profit organizations and government agencies for training to help the Catholic Charities network across the country be better prepared to provide short-term and long-term aid in the aftermath of disasters.

Providing help to people after disasters is “chaotic and difficult work that requires adaptability, flexibility and creativity by all involved,” said Kim Burgo, vice president of disaster operations for Catholic Charities USA, in announcing the honor.

“Catholic Charities Indianapolis has certainly demonstrated innovative and exciting programs, partnerships and procedures to overcome barriers to ensure help and hope find their way to disaster survivors in their time of need.”

The national honor reflects the archdiocese’s commitment to disaster response efforts, under the leadership of Crady, noted David Bethuram, the executive director of the archdiocese’s Catholic Charities.

“I am so proud of Jane’s leadership both here in Indiana and throughout the country,” Bethuram said. “It is through her commitment to disaster recovery ministry that Catholic Charities of the archdiocese was selected to be this year’s recipient of the Catholic Charities USA 2026 Innovation in Disaster Excellence Award.

“Jane’s leadership embraces for Catholic Charities that disaster response is not simply a program area. It is an expression of our mission to provide help and create hope for our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Crady said, “I am humbled and honored by this award. Catholic Charities USA is like a family to me.” †

 

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