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.
