Posted April 30, 2025
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland works to bring services that promote wellbeing to residents across Northeast Ohio, including in Lorain County where new leadership is taking collaboration and service to new heights.
Services in Lorain County
With two locations that work collaboratively, Catholic Charities of Lorain County welcomes individuals of all backgrounds to participate in programs that encourage development and growth.
The main office, located at 41315 N. Ridge Road, Elyria, offers programming in behavioral health, teen and parent mentoring, youth employment support, and prevention services provided to adults, families and children. Since 2021, the behavioral health services have expanded by 400% and serve over 550 individuals every year.
St. Elizabeth’s Center, Lorain County’s only overnight shelter for men experiencing homelessness and home to the county’s coordinated intake office, is located at 2726 Caroline Avenue in Lorain. Here, community members can receive a multitude of support including hot meals, a choice food pantry, rental and utility assistance, and case management for social services for adult men and women. The overnight shelter welcomes up to 50 men a night and provides meals, shower and laundry facilities, assistance for obtaining identification, and case management to help men enroll in benefits, secure employment, and address medical and mental health concerns.
The case management services at St. Elizabeth’s Center are provided to the shelter by the behavioral health department at the main Catholic Charities of Lorain County office – ensuring individuals can access long-term services by Catholic Charities to support their long-term sustainability as needed. This collaboration also paved the way for Catholic Charities to lead the County in offering case management services that follow individuals who obtain permanent housing after leaving the shelter.
Catholic Charities of Lorain County Leadership
Supporting these collaborative and impactful efforts is a strong and experienced leadership team. Amber Bundy, Director of Catholic Charities, Lorain County since 2021, draws from her diverse behavioral health background and has helped to grow the range of services provided, including assessment, psychiatry, and counseling and case management services for adults, children and families. Behavioral Health services can be provided in the office, the community, and/or within Lorain County schools.
Haven Ohly, Clinical Director for behavioral health services, focuses on ensuring individuals receive the correct services based on their needs. Ohly, a well-trained clinician in trauma-informed care, brings more than 20 years in clinical therapy to the service he provides.
Raven Lugo is the director of the St. Elizabeth's Center. With a strong background in community health, experience in mental health, community outreach, and a focus on empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, Lugo has brought a new voice to the homeless community of Lorain County. A certified community health worker and fluent in Spanish, she can serve individuals regardless of language barriers.
"Everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and we are dedicated to partnering with our neighbors to create a friendly, safe, and supportive environment for all individuals to grow and thrive," said Lugo. "We are confident that St. Elizabeth Center will continue to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in Lorain County."
Lugo reports to Eric Milkie, director of emergency assistance services for Catholic Charities. Milkie brings over 10 years of dedicated experience in emergency services to his position after serving individuals in both Ohio and Maryland. His position brings together the St. Augustine Hunger Center, Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center, and St. Elizabeth Center as a vital first line of support for people and families who need immediate help, including food assistance, shelter, and financial aid. In 2024, emergency assistance services served over 130 individuals, with utility and rental assistance from Lorain County in efforts to retain housing and continue utility services within homes.
"We believe in empowering individuals to overcome their challenges and achieve stability. By collaborating with local leaders and community partners, we are committed to creating a network of support that ensures everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive," said Milkie. "Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community."
As senior grants specialist on Catholic Charities advancement team, Angela D'Orazio serves all aspects of programs in Lorain County. She plays a critical role in identifying areas of greatest need and securing additional funding. In 2024, she secured over $100,000 in grants to continue growing services at both the main office and St. Elizabeth’s Center.
The advancement team, specifically Angela D’Orazio, and the Lorain County leadership team work together to identify areas of need and secure funding from various grant writing organizations. With D’Orazio’s involvement in Lorain County, the leadership team can continue serving individuals and working to end homelessness.
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland serves 8 counties across the region. When reaching out for emergency assistance services, individuals might feel as if they are just another face with no name. But in Lorain County, Raven Lugo and Eric Milkie work together to ensure everyone needing assistance receives what is possible. Lugo and Milkie work to ensure the food pantry is fully stocked, hot meals are consistently provided, and the community has a place to go during the winter.
“Collaboration in a county as large as Lorain is key,” says Heather Stoll, Senior Director of Regional Services at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. “We serve so many individuals, and every individual has a story. The collaboration among Catholic Charities of Lorain County leaders showcases the care each has for ensuring everyone, regardless of their history or existing barriers, is served with a lens to ensure long-term quality of life and self-sufficiency.”
To learn more about Lorain County, click the button below.
Part of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
