This week we are speaking with Fr. Chuck Dahm. Da Fr. Chuck will share his rich history of his work in the movement to end domestic violence by focusing his efforts within the faith community.
Charles W. Dahm, O.P.is a Dominican priest and the Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago Domestic Violence Outreach.
While pastor at St. Pius V parish, a large Hispanic parish in Chicago, for 21 years, Fr. Chuck developed the largest parish-based domestic violence program in the U.S., with seven full-time counselors. After retiring as pastor, he was named Director of Archdiocese of Chicago Domestic Violence Outreach where he has preached about domestic violence at all weekend Masses at 180 parishes and developed approximately 100 parish ministry teams to raise awareness about domestic violence and respond to the needs of victims.
Fr. Chuck holds M.A.s in theology and philosophy from Aquinas Institute and a PhD in political science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He was co-founder of the 8th Day Center for Justice, a Catholic peace and justice center in Chicago, where he served for twelve years. During this period, Fr Chuck helped found and support several organizations, such as Illinois Citizens for Better Care, a nursing home advocacy organization, and the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America, an organization working for an end to war and promote defense of human rights.
While pastor at St. Pius V parish, Fr. Chuck co-founded and is currently Board president of The Resurrection Project, an economic development corporation and community organization, which has created 600 affordable rental units and over $700 million worth of investment in Hispanic neighborhoods. He co-founded and is a board member of The Chicago Workers Collaborative, an advocacy organization for day laborers. He served for 20 years as a board member of San Jose Obrero Mission, a men’s and women's interim shelter. He also helped found and is currently a board member of Parenting for Non-Violence, which helps parents in violence ridden areas parent their children effectively.
He is the author of two books: Power and Authority in the Catholic Church, Cardinal Cody in Chicago, and Parish Ministry in a Hispanic Community.
Website:
https://www.domesticviolenceoutreach.com/
When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women: