Sister Marie Josepha Kluczny, RSM, APRN-CNM

director@catholiccharitiesswla.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Sister Marie Josepha was born and raised in Minnesota. At the age of 9, she made a promise to God to become a religious sister. Even at a young age, this promise gave an internal peace she still remembers. She obtained her degree and worked as a registered nurse but never forgot her promise. In 2012, she entered religious life with the Religious Sisters of Mercy, in Alma, Michigan. Additionally, in 2019, she advanced her practice of nursing and became a certified midwife. Though nursing has exposed her to impoverished situations with families, she looks forward to more direct involvement in meeting the needs of the poor. Sister Marie Josepha is ready to "expand my heart" and "learn to love in more ways". 

Gloria Hypolite

OFFICE MANAGER

Gloria brings over thirty years of schooling children and caring for them to our office. After she retired, she decided to continue working towards ensuring every child, daughter, or son is fed and sheltered. In addition to her beautiful smile, she has a gracious and loving spirit that comforts our clients in a way that you have to see to believe.

Jessica Watson

FINANCE AND GRANTS DIRECTOR

Having been a part of our team for 8 years, she has been a part of many operations here. Describing her role at CCSWLA as her "dream job", she states, "every day it's an honor and privilege to work here". With a degree in finance and the bonus of being from the area, she is able to use her gifts to give back to this wonderful community. She feels "lucky to be working for a Catholic organization" and her ability to go above and beyond for others shows. 

Jessica Sias 

CALCASIEU PRISON RE-ENTRY PROGRAM LEAD CASE MANAGER 

Ms. Jessica has a unique position here at CCSWLA. She helps formerly incarcerated citizens successfully return to society through assisting with job placement, housing, transportation and locating additional resources to help improve their lives. With a master's degree in Social Work, Jessica is able to assess the needs of the individual from a holostic approach. She loves her role and loves witnessing the change in people's lives for the better. She loves "when they feel successful".

Cynthia Julian 

DISASTER CASE MANAGER 

After 26 years of working in security as a site manager, Ms. Cynthia decided to pour her heart into helping others through Disaster Case Management here at Catholic Charities SWLA. In her 4 years of service, she has helped many throughout the community to repair and rebuild their residences and obtain furniture and other goods to complete their feeling of "home". Her warm and caring spirit is infectious!

Caroline Matt

ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR

For two years, Ms. Caroline has been the face you first see when you visit and probably the first voice you hear when you call. In all, she has worked for the Diocese for 30 years, with 15 of those years working with Youth Ministry.  There is never a dull moment in the front office and she is compassionate and dedicated to helping others. Her favorite part about working here is "when I KNOW I have helped someone". She makes being busy look easy!

Sister Otilia

CASE MANAGER

Sister Otilia is originally from Guatemala, but has been living in the United States for 6 years now. She is a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word.  In addition to living religious life for the past 29 years, she also obtained a master's degree in psychology/mental health. Being bilingual, Spanish and English, she helps to bridge the language barriers sometimes faced. Her gentleness and calm demeanor are an asset to our work here. She expresses her passion for her job through the words, " I love working with the poor. I love them. I am praying for them every day".  She helps with rent assistance, SNAP benefit assistance, and utilities assistance. 

Carolyn Washington

CASE MANAGEMENT

Mrs. Carolyn has been with Catholic Charities SWLA for 4 years. Her first two years, she held the position of the front desk receptionist. Now she is in case management and handles a multitude of services for several parishes. Prior to CCSWLA, Mrs. Carolyn was a Physical Therapy Tech for 12 years and then worked in mental health for 6 years. She manages a phone line for CCSWLA that is specific to those in Allen and Jefferson Davis parishes. That phone number is (337) 438-6350. She loves the face-to-face interactions with people and being able to help them. She understands their struggles and can relate to their pain which makes her the ideal person for her role. Her dedication to helping those in need is evident in her hard work.

Chris Sarver

WAREHOUSE MANAGER/FOOD BANK COORDINATOR

A Lake Charles native, Chris was a Subway franchise owner for 13 years before deciding to join CCSWLA. Through life and business experience, he is able to run the warehouse/food bank in an efficient and generous manner. His calm and friendly demeanor, enlivened by Christian charity, make our warehouse/food bank a place where a welcomed heart meets a giving hand. 

Alisa Stevens

HOMELESS OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Alisa joined CCSWLA with many years of various types of experience under her belt. With a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology, concentrated in Family and Child Studies from McNeese State University, she has proven herself to be a natural at community education, service learning, and connecting people to resources. The Homeless Outreach Coordinator identifies unsheltered individuals through street outreach and other avenues and builds relationships with the individuals by providing advocacy and connecting them to resources/social services that may lead to permanent housing. She is a wonderful asset to our team and the community and helps to bridge the gap between resources and our homeless population. 

Gayle Smith

CASE MANAGER

As a case manager, Ms. Gayle assists people with rent and utilities for Catholic Charities of SWLA. She started here with us in 2016 and has been faithfully dedicated to her position. Prior to her time here, she and her husband were private business owners who were affected by economic hard times. Ms. Gayle is able to relate to the journeys of many of her clients. She, in some ways, has "been in their shoes". Her helpful heart is seen in her joyous nature. Her favorite part of her day here is the people she helps. 

Greg LeBlanc

WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEER

After working at OilQuip for 44 years in Sales/Service, Greg began volunteering with CCSWLA, after his retirement. He keeps the warehouse organized and running efficiently. He puts his heart into everything he does. He is very generous with his time and effort. His favorite part about being at CCSWLA is "the nice people" and  " it gives me a sense of purpose". 

Carrie Burch

VOLUNTEER/ COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Joining Catholic Charities through the Americorps VISTA program, Carrie thrives on creatively troubleshooting new ways in getting people involved in the many acts of service we do here. Before her time with us, she was a multi-specialized operating room nurse for almost 20 years. God led her to CCSWLA, where her ability to multi- task and function well in a constantly changing environment can be applied. Her hard work ethic and bright nature are a constant force of influence to all of those she serves, along with those she serves with. 

Roxie Boxie

CASE MANAGEMENT

Following 41 years as an accountant for PPG Industries, Ms. Roxie was looking for ways to give back in her community. She began her journey with CCSWLA almost 8 years ago in utilities case management. She is still hard at work and has helped many people. Ms. Roxie says, " We are here to serve". She loves seeing the smile on people's faces when she is able to help them and also hopes she is able to wipe away some of the tears of the  people. She is such a warm-hearted part of CCSWLA.

Ron Bertrand

WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEER

Ron worked for PPG Industries in safety for 38 years. Four years ago, he joined the CCSWLA team. Ron has a calm, pleasant demeanor joined with a proficiency in keeping order and he is very hardworking.  He helps drives our box truck to the distribution sites, loads and unloads the truck, packages items to be distributed, and helps to lead the distributions. " The reason I volunteer my time to Catholic Charities is to help the needy and see their smile after they have received various items that give them hope."

Robert Richard

WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEER   

After his 42 year long career as a pipe fitter for Olin and eventually PPG Industries, Robert retired in 2017. Stemming from a long-time desire to volunteer, he and a few men established a food distribution in Big Lake at St. Mary's Catholic Church. His hardworking, generous, and loyal character make him a great asset to the ministry of service. Now, Robert helps to drive our box truck to our many distribution sites, loads and unloads the truck and helps lead our food distributions. He enjoys "meeting the people" and the friendships and fellowship of the volunteer experience.                              

Jessie P. Arabie

WAREHOUSE VOLUNTEER

Mr. Jessie started volunteering with CCSWLA 17 years ago at one of our older locations. He has seen Catholic Charities SWLA grow and change throughout the years. He remains a faithful part of our volunteer base. Before his retirement, he worked for 36 years as a Senior Dealer Analyst with General Motors. Mr. Jessie believes "paying it forward" is a great philosophy. He says,      " God provides for me and my family, therefore I have the time to give to others". His love for people and enjoyment of hard work and service keep him involved here at CCSWLA. 

Blanche Landry

OFFICE/FOOD DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEER

A faithful volunteer since the fall of 2010, Ms. Blanche serves in many different aspects within CCSWLA. She is often seen as one of the many friendly faces during Lake Charles food distributions or at the front desk but she also does a lot behind the scenes. Everything from event planning to case management, you name it, she can do it. She came to us after working for many years as a Medical Technologist and raising her children. She is a wonderful example of kindness, versatility, and an openness to serve, no matter what the task. Through her volunteering she is "reminded of the need in our community."