‘We are bonded together by the urgency to serve:’ Volunteers Mary Dunlavey and Bill Gorman Facilitate Generous Donation to Catholic Charities’ Shelters

Longtime Catholic Charities Boston volunteer Mary Dunlavey has had many occupations throughout her life: philosophy professor, headhunter, head of HomeStay for EF working with international students, and most recently, a real estate agent. 

According to Mary, the common thread in all these different roles has always been her desire to help people achieve a sense of security and stability, whether by offering them an education, connections to job opportunities, or helping to find a new, welcoming place to call home.  

“I heard a quote once,” Mary said: “’We can’t help the whole world, but we can help one person at a time to become whole.’” 

Now semi-retired, Mary continues to help those most in need find stability through service. In January, Mary worked with Bill Gorman, of St. Vincent de Paul St. Susanna’s, and other volunteers to facilitate a large donation for Catholic Charities Boston of baby strollers, diapers, and suitcases. The items will be distributed to residents of Catholic Charities Inn, St. Ambrose, and Nazareth family shelters. 

This donation was a team effort by the Dedham Collaborative, an interfaith committee that initially formed to help resettle Catholic Charities Boston’s refugee and immigrant clients. The collaborative, which includes St. Susanna’s, St. Mary’s, St. Paul’s Episcopal, Allin Congregational, First Church of Dedham, and St. Vincent de Paul, continues to work together with others all year long to meet the underserved needs of the Greater Boston community.  

“The collaboration is so enriching,” said Mary. “Working with people of different faiths expands your world and the world at large.” 

Linda Skerry, Assistant Director of Shelter Services at Catholic Charities, said she and other shelter staff members were overjoyed to receive such a generous donation. 

“Our families are struggling, trying to save for their move into permanent housing,” said Linda. “To have something donated that is so necessary for their children is such a blessing.  Not only are they grateful for the help it provides them financially, but they’re grateful that people care enough to want to help.” 

The donation is one of many initiatives that the Dedham Collaborative has partnered on with Catholic Charities Boston. The group is currently working on facilitating a donation of children’s jackets to the agency. And with winter in full swing and the statewide housing crisis continuing to leave families without a home, Mary said there is still far more work to be done.  

“We are always keeping an ear to the ground on how we can help. We are bonded together by the urgency to serve.” 

Eva, an expecting mother living at Nazareth Family Shelter, receives diapers to prepare for baby’s arrival

To learn more about how you can support Catholic Charities Boston’s clients in need, visit our Ways to Give page here.