SOAR! honors leaders for lifelong service to aging religious

At its annual awards dinner, SOAR! (Support Our Aging Religious) celebrated individuals who have dedicated their lives to community service, faith-driven work, and the care of aging Catholic religious members.

This year’s honorees were recognized for their exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to SOAR!’s mission of supporting elderly religious individuals who often face difficulties accessing resources. Through these honors, SOAR! aims to highlight the lasting impact of dedicated leaders and inspire others to engage in meaningful acts of service.

Bishop’s commitment to community care

One of the evening’s honorees, Bishop, expressed gratitude and humility as he accepted his award, reflecting on the values that have guided his work. For nearly 40 years, Bishop has led the Catholic Charities Legal Network, providing essential legal assistance to low-income individuals who lack access to legal resources.

In his acceptance speech, Bishop spoke of his Catholic faith as a foundational influence, sharing how the parable of the Good Samaritan inspires him to act with compassion and empathy.

Bishop paid tribute to the late Father Bob Brown, a respected SOAR! board member and advocate who devoted his life to helping underprivileged youth in Philadelphia. Known for his support of troubled teens, Father Brown left an enduring mark on the community.

Bishop praised Father Brown’s dedication and described him as a true example of faith in action, noting how his legacy of service continues to inspire others within SOAR! and beyond.

Bishop’s work with the Catholic Charities Legal Network demonstrates the value of community support and collaboration. By building connections among diocesan charities dedicated to legal aid, he has shown how community-driven initiatives can create lasting benefits for underserved populations.

His efforts within SOAR! illustrate the influence of faith-based service in helping vulnerable individuals, and his example serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that compassionate service can have.

Robinson on faith-based initiatives

Honoree Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, shared her appreciation for being recognized alongside fellow leaders dedicated to improving lives. Robinson emphasized the role of faith-based organizations like SOAR! in addressing social issues such as poverty and inequality, both of which affect many aging religious members within Catholic congregations.

Through her work, Robinson has advanced the reach of faith-based initiatives, focusing on the importance of providing both material and emotional support for those who face hardship. She stressed that tackling inequality requires more than financial resources; it involves creating supportive communities that uplift individuals and give them a sense of belonging.

Robinson’s insights highlight the role of faith-centered organizations in promoting social unity. Through combined efforts and shared values, SOAR! and similar initiatives play a significant part in building a more compassionate society.

SOAR!’s support for elderly religious members aligns with these principles, focusing on honoring those who have spent their lives in service. Robinson’s work illustrates how community efforts rooted in empathy can make a lasting difference and encourage others to join in serving others.

Honoring McCloskey and Leibold’s lifelong dedication

SOAR! also honored McCloskey and Leibold for their steadfast commitment to charitable work. Both credited their family values and personal faith as central to their dedication, recounting the importance of role models in shaping their paths of service.

McCloskey shared how a determined religious woman and a Jesuit uncle inspired her early on, instilling a lifelong sense of empathy and responsibility toward others.

Leibold expressed his admiration for his wife’s dedication to service and shared how his mother, Nora Leibold, motivated him to care for those in need. He spoke about the influence of his mother’s compassion, which encouraged him to reach out and support his community in ways that have now become part of his legacy.

Through their charitable activities, McCloskey and Leibold have served as a source of support for those in need, helping to foster strong communities through acts of kindness. Their recognition at the awards dinner reflects the lasting impact that individuals, guided by personal faith and values, can have on building inclusive, caring communities.

SOAR! celebrates their contributions as examples of how family values can inspire a lifetime of service, showing how deeply personal connections to faith and compassion can resonate within communities.

Ongoing support for aging religious members

SOAR! was founded in 1986 to address the increasing need for assistance among aging and disabled Catholic religious individuals. Many of those in need have dedicated their lives to serving others, often working as teachers, healthcare providers, and community leaders. Over the years, SOAR! has grown to support congregations across the country, delivering assistance to those who need it most.

In 2024, SOAR! awarded over $3 million in grants to 97 recipients, providing funds that support essential improvements, such as wheelchair ramps, transportation for disabled individuals, and building modifications to create accessible spaces.

Each grant, averaging $31,677, is targeted to make a practical impact on the quality of life for aging religious members.

The SOAR! network, which includes 168 diocesan Catholic Charities agencies, underscores the importance of community solidarity. This approach provides congregations with the resources they need to care for elderly members while continuing to support those they serve.

Through its commitment, SOAR! demonstrates that honoring the lives of religious individuals is not just about providing physical assistance but about ensuring a legacy of care and respect.

As SOAR! looks ahead, the organization remains dedicated to expanding its support for aging religious members and advocating for their well-being. By recognizing individuals like Bishop, Robinson, McCloskey, and Leibold, SOAR! not only celebrates acts of service but reinforces the values of empathy, resilience, and care for others.

This annual awards dinner serves as a reminder that compassionate service and community involvement are essential for building a society that values all members, especially those who have given their lives to serving others.

Inspiring the future of a better community

SOAR!’s annual awards dinner brings together leaders, supporters, and advocates in a shared mission of care and recognition. The evening serves as a call for continued action to support aging religious members, whose service has enriched countless lives. Honoring their commitment encourages future generations to carry forward the values of compassion and responsibility that shape healthy communities.

SOAR!’s work reveals how deeply individuals can contribute to positive social outcomes when united by a common cause. By honoring the leaders, SOAR! shows that the efforts of dedicated individuals have the potential to shape society and create lasting change. Each story told during the awards dinner reinforces the transformative impact of faith, community, and service, urging others to join in efforts that uplift and empower.

Looking forward, SOAR! seeks to deepen its impact through partnerships and increased community engagement. The organization’s commitment to supporting aging religious individuals highlights the ongoing need to address the unique challenges they face.

SOAR!’s role in assisting those who have helped others in need is vital in promoting a compassionate society that values inclusion and dignity for all.

Through its work, SOAR! reflects the commitment of communities to support one another. The organization’s focus on aging religious individuals highlights the importance of collective care and shared responsibility in addressing social needs. As SOAR! continues its mission, it serves as a beacon for compassionate action, reminding society of the lasting value of community involvement and the transformative impact of kindness.

By lifting up those who dedicate their lives to others, SOAR! reaffirms the belief that service is a cornerstone of a thriving, humane society.