News

Local priest is finalist for Catholic Charities USA volunteer award

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Nobertine Fr. William Ribbens of De Pere, who volunteers for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay, has been named a finalist for Catholic Charities USA's 2008 National Volunteer of the Year Award.

Catholic Charities USA's National Volunteer of the Year Award annually recognizes the invaluable contributions volunteers make to the Catholic Charities network.

A full-time volunteer with Catholic Charities' Hispanic Outreach and Family Strengthening Program for more than eight years, Fr. Ribbens has helped individuals and families move to self sufficiency by assisting them to find safe housing, gain employment, participate in literacy, vocational, and job training programs, become citizens, and more.

Self taught in Spanish, the priest has also become conversant in the Hispanic culture. "His passion for our Hispanic brothers and sisters is unparalleled in our agency," said Karen Johnston, director of Catholic Charities of Green Bay. "Many in the Hispanic community speak of how Padre Ribbens has saved their lives."

Fr. Ribbens, 74, has intervened on behalf of many in the criminal justice system and reached out to those who faced eviction or simply needed help enrolling their children in school.

In addition to direct service, he is involved in advocacy efforts with the area's Congressional delegation and state legislators on behalf of the Hispanic community. His commitment to community services is seen in his leadership and participation in Hispanic interagency meetings and community forums.

"He truly knows that charity and justice walk hand in hand in order to effect social change," said Johnston. "There is perhaps no better role model for those served through our programs than Fr. Bill."

Fr. Ribbens was chosen from dozens of nominations submitted by local Catholic Charities agencies.

"Without the dedication and commitment of volunteers like Fr. Bill who donate so much of their valuable time and energy, Catholic Charities agencies across the United States would never be able to provide services for millions of people a year," said Fr. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA.

The 2008 award recipient will be announced during National Volunteer Week, April 27-May 3, and will be honored at Catholic Charities USA's Annual Gathering on Sept. 27 in New Orleans. To learn about the other finalists, visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.