CCLC Chief Bound for Kenya
By Amy Kotlarz, Catholic Courier
February 2, 2010 Link to Story
The executive director of Catholic Charities of Livingston County is stepping down April 30 to help expand an orphanage for boys in Murang'a, Kenya.
Joe DiMino said he plans to spend two to three weeks at St. Michael's Rescue Centre in May, and then will split his time between the United States and Kenya as he helps the facility develop a plan for the future.
"I would say people are surprised (by my leaving), but one of my goals has always been to try and leave a place a little stronger than when I got there," DiMino said. "I feel the time is right. The board of directors, the staff and the financial situation of Catholic Charities of Livingston County are definitely stronger today."
DiMino said the change is a leap of faith for him, and he noted that he has never been to Kenya. He said he learned about St. Michael's Rescue Centre through conversations with Father William Kamau, former pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish in Livingston County and an extern priest from the diocese of Murang'a, Kenya. Father Kamau returned to Kenya in December 2008.
"I’ve been corresponding with him via e-mail, and I asked if he could use my assistance," DiMino said. "He got back to me and said he would view it as a godsend."
The board of directors of Catholic Charities of Livingston County is searching for DiMino’s replacement. For details on the position, visit www.aboutcclc.org or call 585-658-4466.
Joe DiMino Bound for Kenya
By Sally Santora, The Livingston County News
February 11, 2010 Link to Story
As far a stretch as auto mechanics is to directing a multi-service non-profit agency serving the needs of county’s poorest residents, so is the leap of faith that Livingston County Catholic Charities Executive Director Joseph Dimino is taking when he leaves his position to spearhead a mission to help orphans in Kenya.
The orphanage, called St. Michael’s Rescue Centre, is a ministry of that Livonia church. Dimino’s last day with the agency is April 30.
Dimino learned of a ministry in Murang’a, Kenya from a friend, Father William Kamau, who was involved with the start up of the orphanage and boarding school for boys.
Kamau described the challenges and needs of the orphanage to Dimino, who decided that this would become his next mission project.
After all, he’d already experienced how far reaching his ministry hand can extend when a home made video of his 2006 trip to Honduras to visit a child he’d been sponsoring touched many of his friends who jumped at the opportunity to join him in supporting the orphans of Child Fund.
“To hear the challenges in the life of, say a single mom, striving to support her children, with hopes for a better tomorrow, it’s very moving. Then writing the check that pays for the prescription or turns her electricity back on is an example of the fulfillment I look for in my career,” Dimino explains.
This is perhaps the best explanation for why someone would leave their paid position with a successful not-for-profit agency in the beautiful Genesee Valley for an unpaid mission of love serving the poorest orphans of Kenya.
The agency is accepting resumes for the executive director position through Feb. 18. For more information, visit their website at www.aboutcclc.org.
See complete story in our Feb. 11 print edition.