Over the past year, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach has been blessed by the dedication and compassion of volunteer Bob McLaughlin, whose quiet but powerful work has brought hope and relief to families recovering from disaster.
Bob began his journey with the Disaster Recovery Program by completing Catholic Charities USA’s Disaster Case Management Training in July 2025 held at the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center. This equipped him with the skills needed to walk alongside individuals and families facing some of their most difficult moments. Soon after, he was assigned to the Ft. Pierce office, where he worked closely with Disaster Case Manager Connie Williams, reporting to the office weekly. Staff looked forward to seeing him arrive in his Nantucket style clothing with embroidered palm trees, flamingos, and lobsters. He has his own unique style!
In the aftermath of the Hurricane Milton tornadoes that impacted Indian River County, Bob took on the critical task of outreach. Connie said, "He was very helpful in directing me to residents that needed direct assistance. It made my job easier because I had qualified leads to follow-up on. He broke the ice for me to reach out to residents in need." With determination and care, he made more than 1,000 phone calls to individuals identified by FEMA as having experienced losses. While many calls went unanswered—a common challenge in disaster recovery work—Bob remained steadfast in his mission.
His perseverance paid off.
Bob successfully connected with 233 households, offering a listening ear, guidance, and a pathway to support. From those conversations, 49 households received meaningful assistance—either through direct financial support from Catholic Charities or through referrals to partner agencies connected to United Way of Indian River County’s ANCHOR program - a long-term recovery coalition funded by the American Red Cross and United Way.
Forty-nine households. Forty-nine stories of hope restored. Forty-nine lives changed for the better.
Bob’s work is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just about rebuilding homes—it is about restoring dignity, stability, and hope. His outreach ensured that those who might otherwise have fallen through the cracks were seen, heard, and supported.
Reflecting the mission of Catholic Charities, Bob’s service embodies Christ’s call to care for our neighbors in their time of need. Through each phone call, each conversation, and each connection made, he became a source of compassion and encouragement for those navigating the long road to recovery.
We are deeply grateful for Bob McLaughlin and the many volunteers like him who step forward in times of crisis. Their commitment continues to plant seeds of hope in the lives of those we serve—one call, one connection, and one family at a time.
