2001 Honoree Featured in Recent WGN - TV Profile

Unsung Heroes: COURAGE program Jane Boal Reporter October 22, 2005

'The Courage Program' in Oak Lawn provides resources for single moms and their children throughout the Southwest suburbs. As their 25th year of helping single parents approached, they're also celebrating the people who make it possible for many teen moms to keep their children. "When you're crying they talk to you," says Theresa Cavanaugh. Theresa Cavanaugh says she's grateful for all of the help she receives from 'The Courage Program' and it's volunteers. She credits the one-on-one counseling, and offer of supplies that has allowed her to raise her 19-month-old son mostly on her own. "People say, oh you should have gave him up for adoption too cause you can't do it on your own," Theresa says. The Oak Lawn Courage Program gives Theresa along with hundreds of other teen and single parents, who might otherwise lose their children, the resources to raise them. "We have our monthly meetings, we have our single parenting meetings, we have our GED classes," says Maureen Shields, founder of The Courage Program. Maureen Shields created the program 25 years ago to help with self-esteem and independence issues among single parents. "It was just an issue for me that I felt sorry for the girls that found themselves pregnant and there wasn't enough help for them," Maureen says. She says they depend on the dedicated volunteers who give the single moms companionship and support. "We're very grateful for our 45 volunteers and the Parish of St. Germaines in Oak Lawn," Maureen says. "They're your cheerleaders. They're the ones telling you, you know you can do it, you are ok," says Linda Serrato. The volunteers pack welcome bags for all new moms. It includes a bouncy seat, knitted blanket, clothing, bedding, and a bag full of baby necessities including diapers. Maureen Shields and all of the Courage volunteers are Unsung Heroes for offering support to those who are doing life's most important job alone. "Mostly listen to 'em, help them through their difficulties, celebrate their triumphs," Maureen says. The Courage Program also offers subsidized housing and resources for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. The COURAGE Program 9711 S. Kolin Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453 1-708-636-8001 Donations of baby clothing and furniture most welcome. Copyright© 2005, WGN-TV

St. Francis Award

On Friday, October 7th, 2005 Bill and Mary Lou Rafferty joined several family members and Margaret Paluch to celebrate her latest honor as recipient of the 2005 St. Francis Day Award. Each year the the Diaconate community of the Archdiocese of Chicago joins together to celebrate the life and lessons of St. Francis of Assisi, their most memorable church 'Deacon'. During this celebration, the deacons honor a person who has assisted their deep appreciation for Margaret's "encouragement and generosity" to their group, highlighting the complimentary printing she and J. S. Paluch provide for their newsletter.   Comprised of over 600 Chicago area deacons, this Office of the Diaconate serves deacons and their wives by providing various services, including retreats, ongoing formation, and crisis intervations. Their efforts help these men and women in both individual and joint efforts to serving the needs of God's people.   Congratulations once again to Margaret Paluch!

Council of Catholic Women honors Mickey

On May 7, 2005, Margaret Paluch received the Park Ridge Catholic Women's Club Woman of the Year Award from the Chicago Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women (ACCW). Mrs. Paluch joined Vicariate II, a section of the northwest area of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The presentation took place at a luncheon at The White Eagle in Niles. Members of the Paluch family, some from out of town, delighted Mrs. Paluch by joining her and local friends to celebrate this recognition of her leadership and service to the Church.