CCDBR volunteer honored nationally

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge provides a light of hope in moving forward in the darkest times. 

CCDBR assists state and local communities in times of natural disaster, refugees searching for a beacon of light from a place they hope to call home, and individuals and families in the darkness of poverty. On June 23, CCDBR shined the spotlight on its employees, volunteers and board members that serve as their power source in its annual meeting at the Catholic Life Center.

After a welcome from emcee Emily Ziober, a member of the CCDBR advisory board, awards were presented to the CCDBR Co-Worker and Volunteer of the Year.

Julie Fontenot, last year’s Co-Worker of the Year Award honoree, introduced this year’s award recipient, Marlene Martinez.

“The people who nominated (Martinez) said she ‘treats people with dignity and respect’ … ‘her work is exemplary’ … ‘she’s the expert’ and ‘she does what needs to be done without complaint,’ ” said Fontenot.

Fontenot noted that Martinez has encountered almost every person who walked through CCDBR’s door since 2000, close to 400,000 people and “probably answered a half million phone calls.”

“When (Martinez) heard we were going to start to prepare income tax returns she asked if she could do double duty,” said Fontenot. “She took the lead and has prepared close to 10,000 tax forms for low-income wage earners. 

“Year after year Marlene and her crew of volunteers are honored by United Way and the IRS for setting records and providing the best service possible.”

John Kelly was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award.

“(Kelly) is around the office so much that most people would think that he is part of this staff,” said David Aguillard, CCDBR executive director. 

Aguillard said Kelly is patient, resourceful and dependable.

“He even trained himself online to do the work,” Aguillard said. “When (Kelly) retired from accounting he did what most people said they will do but don’t, volunteer.

“And boy did he follow through. He celebrates two seasons with us. During the Christmas season he puts on his elf hat to greet donors and clients. He then tirelessly unloads and loads Christmas presents from opening to closing.”

Additionally, during tax season Kelly has a full appointment list helping prepare taxes two to three days a week.

Next was a surprise announcement that Lisa Namikas, a member of the CCDBR Advisory Board, has been selected as the Catholic Charities USA Volunteer of the Year for her tireless effort in serving the community and assisting refugees.

A strong advocate and supporter of refugees from Afghanistan, Namikas recently helped to rally hundreds of volunteers and collected truckloads of household goods to welcome refugees from Afghanistan resettled by CCDBR since that country fell to the Taliban in August 2021. 

Following the awards, CCDBR recognized four new advisory board members: Ana Forbes, Towana Jackson, Dr. Lily Kim and Dr. Kelli Joseph.

Aguillard reflected on CCDBR’s accomplishments in the midst of the most demanding circumstances.

“I think every year I say last year was unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. I’ll never say that again, unless we get another pandemic, 13 hurricanes in one season and everything that came with that,” said Aguillard.

He referred to the concept called “praxis,” a word used to describe where concept meets reality.

“It’s how you put into practice your motivating ideals, your values and theology,” said Aguillard.

He said he loves CCDBR’s mission of serving the needs of individuals and families, especially the poorest, and working with church and community for justice, peace and compassion in society.

He noted the organization’s ability to find ideas to put that mission into real averages and “hands on execution” and impact people is “unlike anything” he’s experienced with the many projects and programs he has been involved in.

He applauded the employees, volunteers and board members for their   ability to work within its mission statement with fewer resources amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and reach more people than they have before.

“The execution that we have done over the past couple of years is absolutely astounding,” said Aguillard.

He emphasized all that CCDBR has accomplished was done in the realization that “none of us can do it alone.”

“Also what is remarkable is that we’re not resting, we’re continuing to move forward,” Aguillard said. 

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Michael G. Duca said, “I can’t tell you how proud I am of what you do for the diocese. When you come together where no one else has gone before.”

He commended CCDBR for working together in using their skills and resources efficiently to serve people effectively. He additionally found that the way CCDBR inspires the people they serve is a “a powerful witness in the neighborhoods.” 

“I want you to know how much we respect what you do and how proud we are of you as ambassadors of Christ’s love,” Bishop Duca said.