Page 31 - Catholic Extension Magazine Winter 2019

Extension | Winter 2019 31

9,000

Uninsured patients
that are served
by this wholistic
heathcare ministry

annually

Closet of Beatitudes
HFH has a Closet of Beatitudes ABOVE Deacon Don
(Bea’s Closet) that offers free Bouchard regularly
clothing to residents. Bouchard visits migrants in the
recalls a woman named fields of Kalamazoo
to help them stay
Minerva, a mother of seven and connected.
an aunt to countless more, who
often came to Bea’s Closet to LEFT In providing
healthcare,
pick up clothes for the children. Bouchard treats the
One day, Bouchard told physical, mental and
Minerva to take some clothes spiritual needs of low-
for herself. income patients.
The next time he saw her,
he realized something was
different. Minerva stood with
her back straight and her are upholding their human 2019 u 2020 Bouchard is transforming
shoulders back — and she was dignity.” the lives of thousands of
wearing a new blouse from Catholic Extension has poor and marginalized
Bea’s Closet. long-supported migrant people, who are often
“I mean, that’s healthcare,” ministries in Kalamazoo, neglected in today’s com-
Bouchard said. particularly in reaching plex healthcare system.
out to migrants in the Lumen In powerful ways,
fields to offer Mass and Christi Bouchard is addressing the
Last year, 17 children received full faith formation. We have AWARD needs of mind, body and
scholarships to attend Catholic also supported health FINALIST soul and changing the way
schools. ministers in the diocese’s that people view health-
“We are treating each one as a “Trauma Recovery Pro- care.
child of God,” said Bouchard. “We gram” for people who are in crisis.
are accepting and loving them In understanding that healing
and addressing their needs. We means treating the whole person,