Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley

06/19/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, all CSSMV offices will be closed, resuming normal operating hours on Monday, June 21, 2026.

On this day, 160 years ago, all people living in the United States, including the formerly enslaved, were declared free. For many, the fight for true equality was just beginning. We honor this Emancipation Day and pray for a time when we all live free of the shackles that bind.

En este día, hace 160 años, todas las personas que vivían en los Estados Unidos, incluidas las que habían sido esclavizadas, fueron declaradas libres. Para muchos, la lucha por la verdadera igualdad apenas comenzaba. Honramos este Día de la Emancipación y oramos por un momento en que todos vivamos libres de los grilletes que nos atan.

*Graphics from CCUSA*

06/18/2026

What a beautiful celebration of academic success! Our Pasos families celebrated all of the accomplishments with a short program hosted by our Pasos Navigator team at the end of May.

Every child deserves to shine, and our Pasos students are doing just that.
With the help of our Pasos Navigators providing language support and family connections, these kids are stepping into classrooms ready to grow, dream, and succeed. Congratulations on a successful school year! We look forward to seeing you continue to grow throughout the summer!

Photos: Julie Noeth of Julie Walling Photography

06/17/2026

We appreciate the chance to highlight the incredible work taking place in Dayton and the surrounding communities in The Catholic Telegraph .

Check out our three 2026 features below to learn more about the impact being made right here at CSSMV!
✨ Lenten Love in Action
https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/lenten-love-in-action/103959
✨ Servant Leadership
https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/servant-leadership/105857
✨ Erma’s House
https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/ermas-house/107300

by Susan Bergman When Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV) launched the Lenten Love in Action campaign in 2023, their goal was simple: celebrate the good already happening in our neighborhoods and inspire even more of it. Seeing countless small acts of kindness quietly unfolding in s...

06/11/2026

This year, we are honored to have volunteers who are celebrating 5, 10, 15, and 25-year service anniversaries.

5 years of service:
• Donna Conley - Erma’s House
• Sister Martha Eckstein - Erma’s House
• Steve Morris - Finance Committee, Board of Directors
• Joseph Bradley - RideConnect program
• Ann Kolb - RideConnect program
• Phil Lahrmer - RideConnect program
• Rick Schrader - RideConnect program
• Kathleen Stechschulte - Opus Est committee
• Phil Walbright - RideConnect program
• Bill Wilson - RideConnect program

10 years of service:
• Matt Scarr - Treasurer of the Executive Board, Chair of the Finance Committee, and serves on the Audit Committee.

15 years of service:
• CJ Schoeff - Eckerle Front Desk, Community & Agency Committee, and Development Committee

25 years of service:
• Cyndi Adams - Erma's House Visitation Monitor

06/10/2026

Karen Wendeln has dedicated more than a decade of exemplary service to Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley as a committed and influential leadership volunteer. Her journey with CSS began in 2016 when she joined the Northern Counties Advisory Council, where her insight, passion, and dedication quickly made a lasting impact.
In recognition of her strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the mission, Karen was invited to serve on the Board of Directors in 2021. She continued to exemplify exceptional leadership, accepting the role of Northern Counties Advisory Council Chair in 2023 and most recently serving as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors in 2025. In each of these roles, Karen has been a fierce and steadfast advocate for Catholic Social Services, consistently championing its mission, programs, and people.

Karen is an engaged and hands-on leader who regularly attends CSS-sponsored events to demonstrate her support and connect with the community we serve. She is reliable and brings thoughtful, steady leadership to every role she serves.

Beyond her work with Catholic Social Services, Karen is deeply committed to civic service in the Piqua community. She has generously shared her time and expertise as treasurer for Girl Scouts of Piqua and Meals on Wheels of Piqua, as well as serving with the YWCA and numerous other organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others.
Karen’s long-standing dedication, thoughtful leadership, and readiness to serve wherever she is needed embody the true spirit of volunteerism. We are grateful for her years of service and the knowledge she so generously shares. Karen Wendeln is highly deserving of the Pam Fenn Award—not only for her outstanding contributions to Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, but also for her enduring impact on the many organizations and individuals she has supported throughout her community.

06/09/2026

Since joining RideConnect in October 2023, Rocco Latino has become an important member of our volunteer team, someone who embodies the very spirit of the Pamela Fenn Outstanding Volunteer Award. In less than three years, Rocco has provided over 200 trips and driven more than 8,000 miles, ensuring our clients reach their destinations safely and reliably.

Numbers alone do not show the importance of Rocco’s contribution. He demonstrates a combination of dependability and genuine kindness to the clients we serve. Whether it is stepping in to fill a last minute gap or offering a kind word to a passenger in need, Rocco consistently goes above and beyond. His initiative to look at our unfilled requests and willingness to help wherever a need arises reflect the high standards of excellence and community commitment that Pamela Fenn championed throughout her career.

Rocco does more than just provide transportation; he provides a connection to the community. Heather had the honor to nominate Rocco, a volunteer who so perfectly represents the impact an individual can have on the lives of those we serve.

06/08/2026

Roy Richards is another recipient of this year’s Pam Fenn Award. Since officially joining our Choice Food Pantry in late 2023, Roy has shown a level of dedication and heart that is truly exceptional. He is, without question, one of the hardest working and most committed individuals you will ever meet.

From the moment he walked through our doors, Roy began building connections with everyone he encountered. Whether it’s a volunteer, a family seeking support, or someone walking in for the first time, Roy makes sure they feel welcomed. If he can’t personally assist someone, he will find someone who can.

He arrives before most of our staff, always with a huge smile, ready to get to work. Roy lives out our mission every single day. He strengthens individuals and families through acts of faith, service, and charity—not only by providing food, but by offering dignity, respect, and kindness. He treats every person who comes through our pantry as if they were part of his own family.

As of April 22nd, Roy has contributed an incredible 965 hours to our Choice Food Pantry—though in truth, it’s likely closer to 1,000. His impact is immeasurable.
Roy, thank you for everything you do. Your service is a gift to this community.

06/05/2026

Sister Linda Pleiman joined Erma’s House in June 2021. At the time, she was serving on the Board at Catholic social Services and felt called to deepen her involvement through volunteer work. She first began helping in our Choice Food Pantry but soon found herself drawn to the mission of Erma’s House. With her background in elementary education—as both a teacher and a principal—Sister Linda knew she could offer the steady, compassionate presence needed in a monitor.
Sister Linda brings a warm, approachable, and genuinely inviting spirit that immediately puts families at ease. Since joining our program, she has generously given 294 hours of her time to the families we serve.

Sister Linda shared that she simply wants to be of service to God’s people. At Erma’s House, she sees herself as playing a small but meaningful role in helping families heal and reconnect. The children she works with trust her deeply. She is dependable, rarely misses a visit, and always greets them with a kind smile that helps them feel safe and supported.

Thank you, Sister Linda, for the compassion, dedication, and joy you bring to Erma’s House. Your presence makes a meaningful difference to the families we serve and to all of us.