Seven Catholic Charities volunteers were honored for their extraordinary commitment and contribution to the work of Catholic Charities at the annual Caritas! reception on April 10, 2025, at the Saint Pope John Paul II National Shrine.
The seven represent the more than 3,300 people who volunteered with the agency last year. Together, they contributed more than 68,000 volunteer hours.
In looking out at the volunteers in the audience, President and CEO Jim Malloy said, “The heart of the organization sits here.” He went on to describe the impact of volunteers on Catholic Charities and its clients in saying, “We don’t exist without the work that you do.”
More than 200 volunteers, family members and Catholic Charities staff attended the reception to celebrate and thank the honorees for supporting Catholic Charities’ mission.
“The volunteers we honor at Caritas! are representative of the thousands each year who give of their heart and time to people who are experiencing the most vulnerable moments of their lives,” said Maggie O’Neill, director of Volunteer Engagement Office. “We are grateful that across our community, people join their talents and time with our mission to offer help that empowers and hope that lasts.”
The honorees were:
Sister Diane Roche, who received the Father John O’Connor Award for Empowerment
Sister Diane Roche is a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who is a passionate advocate for refugees, working relentlessly to ensure they have access to the benefits and services available to them. Her dedication is reflected in the wide array of support she secures for people in the Refugee Social Services program, including: securing funding for rent assistance and purchasing items that are not covered by the program. Her resourcefulness in problem-solving and her willingness to leverage an extensive network of contacts have been essential in securing additional support for those in need. Her efforts have been a cornerstone in fostering a culture of care within her team.
Dr. Melanie Buttross, who received the Msgr. Geno Baroni Award for Advocacy
Dr. Melanie Buttross, an ophthalmologist, joined Catholic Charities Health Care Network in 1991 to provide specialty eye care to low-income families. Growing up in Louisiana where her father offered pro bono health care, Dr. Buttross has created a family tradition by following in his footsteps. Through her expertise in cataract surgery and treatment for various eye diseases, she has restored sight to patients and prevented blindness in others. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Buttross has played an instrumental role in expanding the Catholic Charities Health Care Network by recruiting other physicians and serving as chair of the recruitment committee of its advisory board.
Andy Solberg, who was nominated for the Catholic Charities USA Volunteer of the Year honor
Andy Solberg is a dedicated mentor in the Welcome Home Reentry Program-DC. Solberg walks with a returning citizen as he navigates the post-incarceration journey to independent living. After a successful career in law enforcement, Solberg knows that being successful during the critical initial months and years back in the community makes the difference between independence and recidivism. Paired with a client who spent over 20 years incarcerated, Solberg has provided critical guidance, from filling out applications for housing and jobs to preparing for taxes. The mentee, with Solberg’s support, is persisting in overcoming barriers and is on track to move into his own apartment soon.
Tom Hoopengardner, who was named Housing and Homeless Services Volunteer of the Year
Tom Hoopengardner has proven to be an exceptional mentor to people returning to the community after incarceration. Hoopengardner goes above and beyond. When he learned that his mentee lacked a winter jacket, Hoopengardner took the initiative to secure a donation. After learning that his mentee had gone to work without a coat, Hoopengardner drove to his workplace, so the mentee would have a coat at the end of his shift. Meeting weekly with his mentee, Hoopengardner sets achievable goals and offers the support needed to foster a successful transition. He introduced a chess club to the pre-release center, providing residents with an engaging and constructive activity. He is also deeply involved in the development of the Montgomery County Welcome Home Reentry Program. Since April 2023, he has supported five mentees, all of whom appreciated his presence and the community he helps create.
Monica Meyers, who was named the Newcomer Network Volunteer of the Year
Monica Meyers is a dedicated volunteer attorney whose legal advocacy has had a profound influence on the lives of many. Meyers provides essential legal counsel, guiding clients through their immigration options and helping them make informed decisions. Her expertise extends beyond client support as she actively improves the program by researching best practices, developing new initiatives and providing training for staff. Her prior experience in criminal law as both a prosecutor and defense attorney has improved the program’s practice and strengthened its ability to assist a larger number of clients.
Richard Rousseau, who received Developmental Disabilities Services Volunteer of the Year honors
Richard Rousseau has made a transformative impact at Kennedy School, where he revitalized an underused library into an active educational space. Rousseau’s vision led him to reorganize and catalog the materials, bringing thousands of resources to the forefront. His work has made the library not only more accessible but also a hub for learning and growth. During his weekly visits to Kennedy School, he extends his influence beyond organizing material. He conducts training sessions for the teachers. He actively works with students, reading to them, leading activities and helping them develop valuable skills. Additionally, he mentors high school students who assist in the library project. His presence is deeply valued by both students and staff.
John Salmon, who received Adult & Children Clinical Services Volunteer of the Year honors
John Salmon approaches his role in the Financial Stability Network with a deep commitment to helping clients achieve their full potential. Using the expertise developed over his 30-year career as a staff member to the House Ways and Means Committee, Salmon ensures that low-income individuals gain access to critical tax credits. His expertise in these areas has helped several families obtain a substantial increase in their refunds. Beyond tax preparation, he leads a large team of volunteer tax-preparers (Volunteers in Tax Assistance), ensuring returns are filed efficiently and accurately. He continually works to improve the services provided, researching best practices, creating training resources, and implementing new technologies. His leadership in the VITA program has helped the network e-file over 600 tax returns in the last year, generating vital refunds that enable families to build financial security.
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