Sarah Bidon to receive 2019 CCUSA Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award

Foundational Services

July 26, 2019

Alexandria, Va. (July 26, 2019)–Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is pleased to announce that Sarah Bidon, a licensed professional counselor at Catholic Charities of Central Colorado (CCCC), is the recipient of the 2019 Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award. CCUSA’s Bishop Sullivan award recognizes a person working at a Catholic Charities agency who has distinguished herself/himself in the area of helping children, youth and families. The award will be presented to Bidon at CCUSA’s Annual Gathering, which will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in September.

Sister Donna Markham OP, president and CEO of CCUSA, noted the extraordinary and compassionate care that Bidon provides to clients. “Sarah works diligently with everyone involved in the adoption process, including both birth and adoptive parents, ensuring that the adopted child is at the center of attention. For Sarah, adoption is not a transaction, but a way to help a child move toward a full and happy life.”

Bidon has worked at CCCC since 1996. She has a passion that moves her to help children and families, and she has made a profound difference in the lives of those she has served. With nearly 23 years of adoption experience, she has been the glue holding the program together.

In her award submission, Kathy Thayer, CCCC VP of Family Services, said “Sarah’s gift of grace from the Holy Spirit for the service of others is the Charism of Encouragement. Sarah’s relationship with God – a manifestation of the Spirit – empowers her to be an effective channel of His love, using her gift to bear fruit in the life of others.'”

Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, Inc. is the social service arm of the Diocese of Colorado Springs, serving 10 counties in Central Colorado. Incorporated in 1968, the agency offers over 75 programs and services that help people develop resiliency while moving from crisis to stability. The organization is a lighthouse for those in need in the Colorado Springs community. To learn more, visit www.CCharitiesCC.org.

Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan (deceased) served as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn and was revered nationwide for his concern for the poor and marginalized. In 1961 he was appointed Assistant Director of Catholic Charities’ Childcare Division. Four years later he was named the Director. In 1968 Bishop Sullivan became Executive Director of Catholic Charities and was elected Executive Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of Catholic Charities in 1979. Throughout his ministry he championed the needs of children.