The Final Word | Laura Jordan Roesch

From his humble birth to his public ministry, Jesus exemplified the image of the servant leader. His example urges us to put our own ambitions aside as we follow His path. To truly lead, we must walk not at the head of the pack but in the shoes of those who follow.

At Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV), that is our mission: to serve as Jesus did, without regard for self, status, or prestige. Our mission is rooted in Catholic social teaching, a framework of ideas designed to guide individuals and institutions in creating a just society where human dignity is respected. We stand in solidarity with all people, but especially the poor and the vulnerable.

Since 1921, our agency has focused on the needs of those who lack food, shelter, comfort, and guidance, and we have walked not in front but alongside people in need on their journey. Over those 100 years, there were many changes. Programming shifted with the community’s needs to address: a growing population of older adults, mental health, tornado recovery, family violence, infant mortality, food scarcity, lack of affordable housing, and refugee resettlement. How we work has evolved, but the mission itself is timeless.

In college, I found my vocation through volunteering as the experiences led me to Catholic Social Services (CSS), 37 years ago, and it became my career and my passion. As my time here concludes, I will continue to be strengthened by the many lessons learned, the stories of the people served,  the commitment and excellence of the staff, and the generosity of supporters.

I learned that CSS volunteers are a special group, full of  kindness, empathy, and commitment. To give of oneself in this way provides riches that cannot be measured. Truly, volunteerism is the ultimate fulfillment of the “Love in Action” Pillar of Beacons of Light.

As I discovered early in my journey, volunteering can shape both career and faith. It offers practical experience that can lead to fulfilling work, while providing encounters that deepen our relationship with God.

At CSS, staff and volunteers walk the path of kindness and regard for all people, no matter their trials and brokenness. They provide a lifeline of support, knowing that sometimes the smallest touch makes the biggest difference. Following this path is a way of living out the Gospel in the world, embodying Christ’s love for all people. As we give of ourselves, we receive the grace to grow in compassion and purpose—becoming, in the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “the hands and feet of Christ” in our time.

As the leader of this visible and viable Catholic social service agency, with all the responsibility that entails, I strove to embrace servant leadership as the foundation of my path. Dedication to this task deepened my faith and broadened my worldview. Serving in this way with a sense of hopefulness has been both a privilege and a joy. In my heart, I am an optimist. I believe that lives can change, dreams can be achieved, and God is with us always, showing us the path.

Laura J. Roesch has been the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley for the last 16 years. She began her social work career at CSSMV 37 years ago and was appointed CEO in 2009. Her last day at CSSMV is Feb. 27, 2026, and beginning March 1, she is the new Executive Director of The Glen at St. Joseph, a non-profit in Dayton.

This article appeared in the March 2026 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.