Catholic Charities Northside Child Development Center Presents: Annie Jr.

Catholic Charities Northside Child Development Center (NCDC) collaborated with the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) this summer to present a special performance of Annie Jr. at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis!

Students at NCDC worked hard and rehearsed all summer before the red carpet was rolled out for them and their families. Northside’s rendition of Annie Jr. featured a ten-year-old Oliver Warbucks, a strong-willed Miss Hannigan, a wonderful lead Annie, and the rest of the amazing characters that make the play so iconic.

View some of our favorite photos from the evening:

Recognizing Catholic Charities Employees

Catholic Charities Twin Cities helps tens of thousands of people each year, thanks to more than 500 dedicated employees. This year, nearly 200 employee recognition award nominations were submitted by staff across the agency. Each nomination contained a story of dedication, compassion, and excellence. We’re honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Employee Recognition Awards:

Housing Emergencies Can Happen to Anyone

Chandra loves to help people and has always been a hard worker. For years, she worked at a nonprofit where she helped people access housing. Working with her community was meaningful to her, even though it could be draining. Chandra felt like she couldn’t help others when she wasn’t confident in her own life circumstances.

“I would tell my boss I didn’t feel comfortable teaching these classes because I’m not even there where I need to be,” Chandra explained.

In 2023, Chandra ended her marriage. She left her apartment after her landlord wouldn’t accept a partial rent payment. Chandra began experiencing homelessness. With nowhere else to turn, she began living in her car. Later that year, that car got stolen.

How Displacement Happens

Thomas and his wife Yolanda spent decades working hard so they could enjoy their golden years together. But after a flood took away their apartment and everything inside, they found themselves in a position they never expected: living outside as older adults. In 2024, Thomas and Yolanda endured months of unsheltered homelessness. They had to navigate freezing weather, chronic illnesses, and be on the move constantly to find places to sleep.

“Nobody is prepared to be homeless…I never thought it could happen in a million years,” Thomas recalled. “Weeks felt like months, and the days never seemed to end.”

Experiencing Homelessness as a Member of the LGBTQ+ Community

James has navigated his way through more challenges than the average person. He was only 47 years old but had battled chronic illness for a long time. He required the use of a cane to walk and had struggled with addiction in the past, too. But James worked hard to build towards the life he wanted, and he wore his identities proudly. Disabled. Sober. Gay. Survivor.

When James fled from an abusive relationship in another state, he packed what he could and bought a one-way Amtrak ticket to Minnesota.

“I knew I needed to move somewhere far away,” James explained. “It cost me money that I didn’t have but there was no other choice.” James arrived at Union Depot in St. Paul in poor health. He had recently sustained domestic violence injuries and hadn’t been able to manage his other chronic conditions, so he checked himself into Regions Hospital. It was there that he learned about Catholic Charities.

A Place to Heal

James had his basic needs met at Dorothy Day Place. But aside from things like shelter, food, and safety, he found resources that helped him heal physically and mentally. Over 4,000 people volunteer in different ways with Catholic Charities each year, and some simply provide companionship to people receiving services. “Every Wednesday and Friday, I meet with a Volunteer Listener,” explained James. “It makes such a difference to have someone to talk to.” James also accessed mental health care from Radias Health at Dorothy Day Place.

Above all else, James emphasized how he found a sense of trust and community with Catholic Charities. And while he has made friends at the shelter, he is currently working to find a permanent place to live. “I’ve dealt with more discrimination and hate than you can imagine,” stated James, “But I don’t know that I’ve ever been helped like this before — I’m ready to move on, but I’m so thankful for this place.”

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Martodam

When Karen Martodam retired from her career as an accountant in 2015, she knew she wanted to give back—she just wasn’t sure how. In 2016, her brother-in-law, former Catholic Charities CEO Paul Martodam, encouraged her to volunteer at Higher Ground Minneapolis. She began as a front desk volunteer, answering phones, but her role quickly evolved into something much more personal.

A lifelong sewing enthusiast and avid quilter, Karen noticed a need among the residents and guests—clothing repairs. Zippers, buttons, and other basic fixes were frequently requested, but few had the tools or skills to make the repairs. “I knew that a lot of people can’t fix their own clothing,” she said, “so it was important to me to fill a niche.”

Finding Hope at Catholic Charities

Emily is a dedicated mother and a fierce advocate for her three sons. She is a survivor of domestic violence who has worked tirelessly to build a bright future for her children. But during the last few years, Emily faced a crisis — her son Lucas began struggling with severe behavioral and emotional challenges. Lucas had experienced emotional difficulties before, but things worsened in 4th grade when he learned that his elementary school was closing. Leaving friends behind and transitioning to a new environment triggered an emotional spiral.

As Lucas’s behavior worsened, Emily had to resort to calling the police on her son. When these calls became more frequent, Emily knew he needed more help than traditional schools and outpatient therapy could provide. That’s when they found Catholic Charities Children’s Day Treatment, a program in Minneapolis that offers mental health services and academics on-site.

Nicole Finds Catholic Charities Twin Cities

Born in Australia, Nicole moved to the United States to pursue her college education. She earned a psychology degree with honors from St. Cloud State University and had dreams of becoming a marriage and family therapist.

But in 2019, a difficult breakup with a long-term partner triggered a downward spiral. “I suffer from depression, and it just spiraled out of control,” Nicole shared. She lost her job after missing too many days of work and lost her housing after falling behind on rent. Nicole had nowhere else to go and began living out of her car. She stayed with friends when possible but experienced homelessness for almost two years.

While staying in her car, Nicole’s life changed forever. She was the victim of a violent assault that left her partially paralyzed. She spent months in the hospital and barely survived. At the hospital, Nicole was referred to a Catholic Charities medical respite program, which provides a place to stay for people who would otherwise be discharged to the street. It was there she began her journey toward stability.

An Opportunity to Meet Catholic Charities’ Leadership

Zoomin’ with Catholic Charities is a special one-hour webinar with agency leadership, and an opportunity to discuss how we are solving issues and improving the lives of our neighbors.