100 people in 100 days: Catholic Charities’ leader is reaching out

The president and CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis is reaching out in a 100-day effort, talking with 100 people the nonprofit organization serves, its staff, donors and volunteers as well as government, business and faith leaders, including Archbishop Bernard Hebda.

Michael Goar said the challenges of providing social services and housing to people in need — the core of what Catholic Charities does — are increasing, and it’s important to build a strong community together.

“I know that no matter how hard we work, Catholic Charities can’t do this work on our own. Supporting our community is a team effort,” Goar said in a blog posting announcing the initiative.

People who would like to participate or share ideas for the effort can email Catholic Charities at [email protected].

Wendy Underwood, Catholic Charities’ vice president for social justice advocacy and engagement, said Goar took the helm of the organization in the beginning of 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time there were no vaccines. Keeping clients and staff safe and wrapping up projects planned before he came meant Goar’s agenda was not his own until now, Underwood said.

The 100 x 100 campaign began in mid-October and is expected to wrap up by early January. With the input, Goar plans to start putting together immediate and long-term plans.