The document discusses the role of Catholic Charities in providing various social services and how their 'Board Relations' department assists in fulfilling this mission. It emphasizes the importance of behind-the-scenes work that supports volunteers and enhances client-focused services, while also highlighting the significance of junior board activities. The text reflects on the author's personal journey from direct service to recognizing the value of supporting roles within the organization.

1. The Value in Behind-
The-Scenes Work
TIM PLATTEN

2. Why Am I Here & What Are We Talking
About?
Social Justice Interns 2017-2018

3. What Does Catholic Charities Do?
•“Catholic Charities fulfills the Church’s role in the mission of charity to anyone in
need by providing compassionate, competent and professional services that
strengthen and support individuals, families and communities based on the
value and dignity of human life.”
• Provides over 150 social service programs throughout the diocese serving over
1 million persons.
• In areas such as Child Development, Counseling, Domestic Violence, Emergency
Assistance, & much more…
• Advocate for their clients in local & state governments.

4. What Does “Board Relations” Mean?
Broken into 3 Parts
• Board Relations
• “The primary role of the Department of Board Relations is to assist the Catholic Charities Board of
Advisors in fulfilling the mission of Catholic Charities.”
• Junior Board
• “The Catholic Charities Junior Board is a group of young adults supporting the programs and services
of Catholic Charities through volunteer, social and faith-based activities.”
• Volunteer Relations
• “Manages intake, response, screening, and matching of volunteer inquiries to Catholic Charities
service programs that need them.”

5. “The Weight is a Gift”
• Casino Night
• Celebration of Giving
• Junior Board

6. What Does Behind-The-Scenes Work
Even Mean?
• Work that is done when no volunteers are
around nor fantastic events taking place.
• It is the work that almost no one sees, yet sets
everyone and everything else up for success.
• It is the epitome of what unfolds in the offices
of the amazing people at Catholic Charities.

7. Why Does It Really Matter?
• Without the amazing work of those in volunteer relations, a
lot of the volunteers would never be exposed to things like
working with those experiencing homelessness.
• Their work is what allows for the breaking down of barriers in
society.
• It creates an environment that emphasizes the clients rather
than volunteers or donors. Significantly lessening the “hero
complex” that can be seen in service work.
• In a department that is focused on mission engagement, it
does just that.

8. My Own Humbling Journey From Hands-on
Service to Behind-The-Scenes Work