THE NEWS DESK
The News Desk is a collection of news, notes and breaking items affecting the Fredericksburg community.
Catholic Charities at home in new location
BY LINDLEY ESTES
Up until two years ago, the house at 1101 Stafford Ave. in Fredericksburg was a private residence.
Even though it still looks like a family home, after some extensive renovation it now houses Catholic Charities, an organization that seeks to implement the Catholic Church’s mission of social justice. This branch will work exclusively through personal and relationship counseling.
Michael Horne, program director, said the space is the perfect intersection of personal and professional. The house still has a homey feel, but serves well as the group’s office. Professional counselors and licensed social workers offer help with stress, depression, substance abuse and marital problems.
The home was donated to the adjacent St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, and the church in turn offered it to the charity, which started work there in July.
Horne said that even though it’s a Catholic organization, it aims to serve the entire community.
“We serve absolutely everybody,” he said.
He said that the previous office, in a building on Hanson Avenue, was “pretty standard.”
“It was crowded and really a little unsettling,” he said. “My office was painted an unsettling shade of green.”
Horne’s new office, which was once the living room, has a fireplace and large windows.
He said that clients have said they feeling very comfortable and welcome in the new office.
“It’s more in a neighborhood,” he said. “Clients feel like it’s a house, a home.”
The new office also allows the charity to expand.
Currently, there are five clinicians in the building, but room is available for more.
Horne said the play therapy room for children is one of his favorites.
“There’s lots of space,” he said. “Space for toys and the sand tray. And there’s a lot of natural light throughout the building.”
The building also has a conference room and ample space for administrative work.
“This is a place we can do great work for the community,” Horne said.
For more information, contact Catholic Charities online at ccda.net or by phone at 540/371-1124.
Lindley Estes: 540/735-1976
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