As a new year begins, it is good to look back and take stock of the past year. In 2018, the ministries of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan accomplished a great deal. Following are highlights by county in southeast Michigan: Macomb County • In the month of October, our Behavioral Health Counseling office had 300 appointments, the most in more than 3 years. Much of this increase was due to referrals from the Department of Health and Human Services for child and family therapy. Monroe County • In April, our Monroe office was involved in organizing a Sports Impact Luncheon, bringing together 150 members of the local community for a panel discussion on the opioid epidemic with members of the NFL Alumni Association. CCSEM representatives discussed how our services can be part of the solution. • In September, our office organized a Recovery Picnic in conjunction with national Recovery Month. CCSEM hosted a community picnic with 125 attending. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness on substance abuse recovery in the community, including providing training in emergency overdose treatment with Narcan. • In November, CCSEM opened its St. Joseph Center of Hope crisis intervention center for those in active addiction. Since that time, the center has helped get more than 15 persons on the road to recovery. • In December, we expanded our CCSEM Project Hope ministry into our Monroe office. Oakland County • In February, CCSEM hosted a presentation for more than 60 members of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Christian Service Coordinators concerning how to help those suffering from Anxiety and Depression. • Our Project Hope ministry assisted 85 families at our offices in Royal Oak and Clinton Township. • Our Hispanic & Newcomer Outreach (HNO) ministry served over 4,200 clients through the year. • In November, 200 turkeys and boxes of food were distributed to those in need through our HNO Pontiac office. • In December, 44 families received gift bags and food baskets, and 35 children received coats thanks to donations from Occupational Safety employees at General Motors. • Also, thanks to employees at Chrysler, eight families in need received Christmas gifts. • Plans were finalized to open a new Project Hope (Proyecto Esperanza) ministry at the HNO office this month (January 2019). Lapeer County • Our Lapeer Behavioral Health office saw significant growth in Region 10 Substance Abuse referrals, and increased its staff to better serve the local community. • The office initiated a Prevention Services program to help those in the community, especially young people, avoid drug addiction. • Revenues for services doubled since fiscal year last, meaning the office doubled its service to the community. St. Clair County • In the final quarter of 2018, Behavioral Health and Substance abuse client appointments increased 13%, compared to the same period last year. • Thanks to donations from Women of Port Huron Tennis House, CCSEM distributed 100 Christmas Food Baskets for older adults in need. • CCSEM gave out more than 200 bags of Christmas gifts for the local families in need. Wayne County • In October, CCSEM hosted the first annual Sports Impact Luncheon event in Detroit, in partnership with NFL Alumni of Detroit and the Sports Marketing Agency. More than 600 public and parochial high school students attended to hear an open discussion about the opioid crisis. • Our All Saints Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry served more than 15,800 clients. • Project Hope assisted more than 75 families.