New Volunteer Director Has Turned Pain into Purpose

Catherine “Katie” Baugher had a brilliant mind. While working on her Ph.D. in computer science at Ohio University, she was also doing an internship related to cancer research through the National Institutes of Health. She loved animals and was proud of having her work published in Nature magazine. Though she might not have realized it, she had a true Franciscan spirit.

Katie was the daughter of St. Francis Seraph Ministries’ new volunteer director, Susan Walsh. In July 2023, Katie passed away at age 27 from an accidental fentanyl overdose. In the wake of the tragedy, Susan found herself at a personal and professional crossroads.

“It made me evaluate what I’m going to do for the rest of my career,” says Susan, a Navy veteran who built a successful civilian career in corporate staffing and recruiting. “I wanted to put some of the good back into the world that was lost with the loss of my daughter. She’s one of the best people I know — so kind and loving. I was not satisfied with my role in corporate America at that point. I wanted to do more good.”

Today, Susan is turning Katie’s life into a legacy of love and service. The role of volunteer director gives Susan the opportunity to do good for the community while leveraging her decades of experience leading groups and developing and training teams.

As soon as she visited SFSM, she was deeply impressed by the staff’s commitment to the mission and to the guests we serve.

“This is my first professional experience with a nonprofit, and coming from corporate America, it’s different,” Susan says. “There’s a common goal, a common good.”

Since starting at SFSM in May, Susan has been connecting with our volunteers, both regulars and newcomers alike. She’s been pleased to welcome students and other groups this summer, as well, and she encourages them to return as often as they can.

Among her top priorities is getting the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room fully staffed for every breakfast and dinner service, which has been a challenge since the beginning of the pandemic. It’s a challenge Susan is eager to take on, driven by honoring Katie’s memory.

“To be able to come to work every day and know we’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of others,” Susan says, “I have such gratitude that I get to do this.”