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New CCDBR CEO Dedicated to Leading Agency in Serving Community with Reliable, Innovative Approaches
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July 22, 2024Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s (CCDBR’s) new executive director Stephanie Sterling is committed to maintaining Catholic Charities’ reputation as a reliable agency and community resource in times of crisis, effectively providing innovative solutions for urgently arising needs of the underserved in the area.Among Sterling’s many areas of expertise is working with families, maternity and adoption services, and mental health and behavioral issues.“I have always been fascinated with how the brain works and how that impacts behavior,” said Sterling. “With a foundation in my Catholic faith, I’ve always wanted to help others, so social work seemed like the best way I could use my skills and help others to become their best selves and improve.”Sterling obtained her master’s degree in social work from Tulane State University in 1996. She and her husband, Scott, whom she met while an undergraduate student at LSU in Baton Rouge, moved to Baton Rouge 28 years ago to raise their family. The Sterlings have two sons and have been active members of St. Jude Church in Baton Rouge for the past 20 years.
Pictured with Stephanie Sterling is Deacon Randall Waguespack, director of the Office of Life, Peace and Justice for the Diocese of Baton Rouge, at the Pro-Life Summit on July 20 at Bethany Church in Baton Rouge. Prior to coming to CCDBR, Sterling worked as a licensed clinic social worker for mental health services providers. At Baton Rouge General Medical Center, where she collaborated with psychologists and social workers to develop and implement a behavior clinic to teach physicians in family medicine residency how to identify, assess, diagnose, and treat ADHD and other childhood disorders. Beginning at CCDBR in 2012 as a pregnancy social worker, Sterling was named director of the department of maternity, adoption, and behavioral services before becoming director of family services in 2020. “I’ve always felt a calling to work with families, especially in adoption because of my respect life values,” said Sterling. “Our first principle of Catholic social teaching is the dignity of the human person. I believe that everything else, all of our Catholic social teaching principles stem from that. If we can respect every human being, not just when it’s convenient or easy but in the hard times too we can ensure that every single person is respected and listened to, is heard and know that they matter.”The new executive director is proud of the 60 years of adoption work CCDBR has done.
“Our Adoption and Pregnancy Services was Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s first program in 1964,” said Sterling. “I am proud of our mission-based work in service to parents regardless of their decision to place their child for adoption or parent their child.“We walk alongside w omen and men making difficult life-affirming decisions. CCDBR is the only Hague Accredited Agency housed in the state of Louisiana. Our accreditation is the gold standard in international adoption and puts protections in place for all parties in adoption.” 
Pictured are Stephanie Sterling, left, and Shannon Hawkins, CCDBR Coordinator of Direct Assistance, at the Louisiana State Capitol for Children’s Day on May 7. Photos provided by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.Helping others improve their lives has brought Sterling satisfaction throughout her career.“St. Mother Teresa said do something beautiful forGod. And I believe we’re called to do something more – to be the hands and feet of Jesus. No one person can do that. We have to do that collaboratively in everything that we do at Catholic Charities, because as a team we are able to accomplish much more. Everyone has their unique gifts that they offer and give to others.” Through her leadership, Sterling said CCDBR will strive to continue to do what is sometimes unpopular.“We’re called by Jesus to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the strangers, and sometimes those things are not popular in mainstream society. But we know that these things are what we are called to do. Jesus did not call us to do the easy. Oftentimes he calls us to do the difficult. We continue to do that and expand those services for the most vulnerable in our community.”Sterling said she is fortunate to be working with a dedicated team of mission-driven individuals. She has been meeting regularly with staff members and focusing on such things as budgeting and grant reporting. One of CCDBR’s goals is to hire a development director to raise funds and ensure CCDBR’s messages about the agencies’ services and accomplishments reach its partners, stakeholders, and the community.“We have excellent leadership and support from our corporate board, the Diocese of Baton Rouge Chancery, and advisory board members,” said Sterling.She also is working to further ex
Image CaptStephanie Sterling and Deacon Billy Francioni show some of the baby items benefitting CCDBR’s Diaper Distribution and Sanctuary for Life clients that were collected by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Regina Coeli #2063 of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge.ionpand the Faith-Full Food pantry, which serves approximately 2,000 people in the Diocese of Baton Rouge annually. Other plans include increasing CCDBR’s advocacy work for the Louisiana Conference of Catholic
Bishops, the work done with adoption and maternity services, and criminal justice system reform.The new executive noted all these services underscore the CCDBR’s mission: “Proclaiming the gospel vision of Jesus Christ as its mission by serving the needs of individuals and families, especially the poorest, and working with church and community for justice, peace, and compassion in society.”“The Bible tells us faith without works is dead. Our faith calls us to do something about those in need,” Sterling said.