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| Sue Palm |
I have worked for Catholic Charities for 34-plus years. I heard about an opening at Catholic Charities from my neighbor who worked here.
I started out as the night-time receptionist for the Individual and Family Counseling Program.
I had graduated from UW-Madison and was thinking of going back to school to get my master’s degree in social work.
I wanted to see if I liked the counseling field but wanted to first experience what it would be like to work at a clinic. That was back in August 1986.
During my time at Catholic Charities, I have worked in numerous positions.
I started out as the night-time receptionist, then added the job of the financial assistance coordinator, then the office manager, the intake worker for the Individual and Family Counseling Program, and as the coordinator for 11 parish Mobile Food Pantries.
What I loved most about working for Catholic Charites are all the people I have met, from co-workers, interns, students, clients, board members, and donors.
I just love people. You can ask anyone, I love to talk and find out about people.
Every person has a story and people really do like to share their stories.
I have heard some unbelievable stories. Stories that would make me question myself, “Would I be as strong as they are and have the courage, strength, and determination to keep on going?”
It was my reminder to count all my blessings. I have support from family, friends, and co-workers.
So many people in the world have no one. No family or friends to be there for them. I have learned so much about people and their resilience.
Catholic Charities has been such a “good fit” for me. They are flexible, family-focused, and very understanding.
When I was first started out, the associate director of Catholic Charities gave me some great advice.
She said to me, as the night-time receptionist “you are here to make their (the eight therapists) jobs easier.” I have remembered that.
All my years at Catholic Charities, I have tried to make other people’s jobs easier and do whatever I could to make that happen.
I will miss the people contact the most.
My supervisor and my co-workers have been the BEST!
They have always made me feel appreciated and supported and they are so thoughtful.
I love them and will miss them all very much.
BUT, it’s time for me to retire. I am so looking forward to having the summer off.
I wish Catholic Charities and all those that work for the organization all the best and keep up the great work you do to help others.
Sue Palm recently retired after more than 30 years working in various roles with Catholic Charities of Madison.