Madison (WKOW)-- Donations have steadily been coming in allowing the Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison to reopen.
Msgr. Ken Fiedler, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace, which has been in the lead of the effort to keep the Center open, says a grassroots effort to raise funds to re-open the most critical service of the Center has gone very well.
"We've received significant support from a number of people and organizations," Michelle Horton said. "The Madison diocese has offered support, and donations received from concerned people in Dane county, and from across the Midwest, makes it possible for us to make this announcement."
CMC officials wouldn't release the donation totals yet, but said they're on their way to a $175,000 goal. An anonymous donor has pledged to match that. The diocese is giving $150,000.
"It's been amazing," said Andy Russell, former director. "People have been coming out from all over the place, willing to help, volunteer time, give resources, and this has been amazing to be able to get it back up and open within two months of the day of closing."
With the funds collected so far, the Center will be able to re-open their doors on Monday, August 3rd, beginning with the meal program and food pantry.
St. Mary's Hospital in Madison has agreed to continue the Parish Nurse program formerly offered at the Catholic Multicultural Center, Horton said. Russell, the former director of the Center, will return as the director along with three other former employees. In addition, Catholic Charities will provide a part time bilingual counselor.
"It is a great start but not enough to sustain the important work of the Center. We are right now crafting a two-year budget which will allow us time to work on a more permanent solution on how to better utilize the facility and funding sources," Horton said.
An open house at the Catholic Multicultural Center has been schedule for July 12 from 2-5PM.
