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SUMMER 2012
VOLUME 39
NUMBER 2
Changing Lives
The Catholic Charities Network
CCUSA
William R. Fry
HONORS
NEW
CCUSAs 2012
of the Year Dedicated
National Office
VOLUNTEER
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Feature articles on the work of Catholic Charities Poverty reduction success stories Updates on CCUSAs legislative and policy work News from CCUSA and member agencies And so much more!
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Changing Lives
Catholic Charities contributes to the welfare of our nation in numerous ways, and we are exploring these ways through this years issues of Charities USA. In our first issue of the year, we drew on data from our 2010 Annual Survey to give readers a good overview of who we are and what we do generally, which is provide vital health and human services to millions of Americans each year. Our aim was to show the depth and breadth of our network and the services we provide. This largely statistical information is instructive in helping people understand the value that we as a network provide on a nationwide scale. However, behind every statistic we provided, especially that 10,270,292 people served number, there are real people, each with their own story. In this issue of Charities USA, we aim to show how Catholic Charities serves on an individual scalehow we change liveswith stories of a few people who are among the millions of people we serve each year. Their stories will grab you. Each is unique, but together they give you a sense of the many difficult and varied struggles people face, as well as the numerous Catholic Charities services that assist them. Youll empathize with their challenges, feel their hope for something better, see their courage, and celebrate their success. These changing lives stories are followed by an article that explores the Christian understanding of the human person, one of the foundations of the work of Catholic Charities. This understanding makes a big difference because peoples progress or success doesnt just derive from the many effective and innovative services we provide, but also from how we provide them. Understanding that each person has dignity and inherent worth is the foundation for the quality relationships between Catholic Charities consumers, staff, and volunteers that ultimately help people overcome their challenges and achieve a better life. Walking with people on this journey is not always easy. In fact, it is usually hard, but it is also a privilege, as people allow us into their lives, put their trust in us, teach us valuable lessons, and reward us with their success and gratitude. n
Charities USA (ISSN 0364-0760) is published by Catholic Charities USA. Address all correspondence to the Managing Editor. 2012 Catholic Charities USA, Alexandria, Virginia. Editorial and Business Office 2050 Ballenger Ave, Suite 400 Alexandria, VA 22314 tel: 703-549-1390 fax: 703-549-1656 www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org info@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org Publisher Rev. Larry Snyder Executive Editor Roger Conner Managing Editor Ruth Liljenquist Creative Director Sheena Lefaye Crews Contributing Writers Roger Conner Ruth Liljenquist Patricia Pincus Cole Editorial Committee Jean Beil Kim Burgo Kathleen King Kristan Schlichte Rachel Lustig Candy Hill Jane Stenson Catholic Charities USA is the National Office for one of the nations largest social service networks. Member agencies and institutions nationwide provide vital social services to over 10 million people in need, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds. Catholic Charities USA supports and enhances the work of its members by providing networking opportunities, national advocacy, program development, training and consulting, and financial benefits. Donate Now: 1-800-919-9338
Contents
Features
7 18 22 Changing Lives The Work of Catholic Charities The Christian Understanding of the Human Person William R. Fry A Humanitarian Investing in the Value of Self-Sufficiency A New National Office for the Catholic Charities Network The William R. Fry Center Catholic Charities USAs 2012 Volunteer of the Year Finalists Ellen Buelow Catholic Charities USAs 2012 Volunteer of the Year On the Healing Side of Trauma Catholic Charities of Jacksons TRY Program Addresses Child Traumatic Stress Gateway to Justice and Opportunity The 2012 Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering 24 26 28 30 32
10
22
Departments
5 34 36 38 Presidents Column Disaster Response CCUSA Update NewsNotes
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| CHARITIES USA
Column
Presidents
ransformation. Of all the words that describe change, this one best characterizes the kind of change we as Catholic Charities work to bring about. When I think of the word transformation, it draws to mind a positive, exciting, and even a wondrous change, or in an active sense, the process of change from one thing into something better. Theologians have characterized the mission that Jesus gave to us as one to transform the world by Gospel values. That makes transformation a sacred work as well. As a Catholic Charities network, we are engaged in the process of transformation in so many ways. At the most fundamental level, we are in the process of helping people transform their lives, supporting them in overcoming challenges and gaining resources to live more productive, healthy, and prosperous lives. This issue of Charities USA poignantly portrays the power of this work, with multiple stories of people whose lives have been changedtransformedbecause we were there. We also are engaged in a transformation of our networks programs and services, especially in developing the most efficient, effective, and innovative poverty reduction strategies. We are making great strides in this area, on an agency and national level. Agencies are evaluating their programs in new ways, making improvements, and developing whole new strategies, while at the national level, we are facilitating the sharing of best practices and
working to apply academic and statistical rigor in identifying the best solutions to poverty. Our Catholic Charities agencies across the country also are engaged in a process of transformation, as we embrace new business models and market-driven approaches. We are excited to see how agencies across the nation are experimenting with social enterprise, not only as a means of helping our consumers achieve their goals, but also as a means of sustaining our agencies so that they can continue to provide vital services. And, of course, with the National Opportunity and Community Renewal Act, we as a network are advocating for the transformation of our nations poverty services delivery system into one that is holistic, flexible, and individualized and that can help people on their journey out of poverty. I could name many other ways that we are engaged in transformative change, but truly all our efforts at transformation begin and end in helping people transform their lives. Thats really what it comes down to for us, and this work is driven not only by our belief in the human dignity of each person but in the deep faith and hope that we can ultimately bring about a transformed world. n
SUMMER 2012 | 5
Changing Lives
The Work of
Catholic Charities
the welfare of millions of people across this country every year. Each person comes to us with a need, and we respondproviding help, creating hope, and in the process changing their lives for the better. On the following pages, you will read the stories of several people whose lives have been changed because of Catholic Charities.
SUMMER 2012 | 7
new place
n March 2006, Abel, an adult with a developmental disability, left his family and friends to move into a group home operated by the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD), a Catholic Charities agency in the Diocese of Paterson, NJ. It was difficult at first.
When I moved in, everything was different for me. People didnt always speak my language, the food didnt taste like my moms, there were new housemates to get to know, not to mention a barrage of staff coming and going at all hours of the day and night, wrote Abel. I had a strange new room, a new bed, and new responsibilities that I wasnt used to. I was taken in a strange vehicle to a new job everyday that I wasnt used to. I felt as though my world was turned upside down. Now, six years later, things couldnt be more different. Strangers have become friends, the house has become Abels home, and the staff have become like family. I have found my place at the DPD, wrote Abel. I love my job. I love my room and my large window that overlooks the park. I like to keep an eye on my favorite vehiclea red van that is parked in the driveway. I love to dress up in a suit and tie and go out on the town. If the red van is going out, I want to be on it. Although Abel cannot speak, his eyes express his gratitude. My eyes say thank you to the staff who walked with me through those difficult days at the start and who believed in me and supported me. I have learned to trust others, to live in community, to be a friend, and to enjoy my life. I have learned
that it is possible to start over in a new place, and make it my homea place where I am safe, happy, understood, and loved. Abels home, the Murray House, is the longest running group home for adults with developmental disabilities in the state of New Jersey. Though Abel has only been a part of the Murray House and DPD family for a few years, he has grown and flourished! Catholic Charities has truly made a difference in Abels life. n Learn more about the Department for Persons with Disabilities at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.dpd.org.
| CHARITIES USA
Now
I know I can do it
C
ornell, 49, is celebrating 21 months of sobriety and the start of new career. For more than 20 years, he battled addiction and struggled to hold down a job, and in the last year and half only worked for a few weeks through a temporary labor agency. Then Cornell was referred by friends to Community Staffing Services (CSS), an alternative staffing organization run by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO), LA, to help people like Cornell find jobs. CSS gave Cornell a chance and found him temporary employment at a New Orleans dry cleaning business. Cornell was enthusiastic about an opportunity for temporary work, and with the support of CSS, worked hard to win a permanent direct hire job with the company. CSS provided support to Cornell when he started his job. We made sure that he had transportation and lunch until he got his first paycheck, said Amanda Tonkovich, CSS Employment Coordinator. And later, we followed up with Cornell and the company to make sure that the job was a good fit. Cornell has been on the job for six weeks and is now a fulltime employee. He currently rents a one-room apartment and shares kitchen and bath facilities, but soon hell move into his own apartment with his wife and child. For Cornell this is not simply a job, but a pathway to the dignity and stability that he envisions for his future. The program did something for me that I didnt think I could do for myself. Now I know I can do it. He looks forward to a long career.
CSS is an alternative staffing organization (ASO)a worker-centered, social-purpose business created by community-based and nonprofit organizations. These fee-for-service organizations use the model of temporary staffing services to help job seekers with barriers to employment gain work experience and access employment opportunities. The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, which supported CCANO in getting their ASO off the ground, has promoted the value of ASOs not only because they help people find work, but because they can be self-sustaining programs for nonprofits. CSS connects workers to jobs, then transitions those workers to direct hire while providing the wrap around services offered through CCANO programs, said Greg Favret, program director of CSS. Its a great program, one that could be easily duplicated throughout the Catholic Charities network. n Learn more about Community Staffing Services at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.ccano.org/programs/employment.
SUMMER 2012 | 9
worthwhile
racy became homeless off and on beginning in 2003, the same year her seven children were taken from her. That was her lowest point, and, beset by mental illness, she used street drugs to escape her problems. But after hospitalization for a mental breakdown, she realized she wanted to get back on medication and start coping with life differently.
Tracy went to Rachels Womens Center and Night Shelter, operated by Catholic Charities in San Diego, CA, for help. There she learned about The Tomorrow Project, a work readiness program also operated by Catholic Charities in San Diego. Tired, as she put it, of doing nothing with my life, she signed on at the Project to gain job-related skills while earning a small stipend. The Project was a different world, one where she was accountable as a trainee to a supervisor and where she was expected to learn teamwork and customer service. Program manager Elizabeth Quiones recalled, Tracy was challenging and had to learn to trust me. However, she enjoyed making gift baskets and working sales events, and I gradually gave her more responsibilities. At the Project, my biggest challenge was keeping my mouth shut and listening to others, stated Tracy. I like working, though, and I learned the difference between personal and professional relationships. I also learned that people want to help and they arent going to hurt me or exploit me. I feel worthwhile and optimistic now.
Tracys work at The Tomorrow Project prepared her for employment. She was noticed by the delivery staff of Caf Moto, a local roaster for fair-trade coffee, when they dropped off packages at the Project. When an opening arose for a warehouse assembly person, they hired Tracy in January 2011 to work in their coffee warehouse. Tracy now takes the bus to her job where she grinds coffee, mixes syrups, and fills orders. Tracy is grateful to her coworkers who, when they discovered she got an apartment, gave her furniture and dishes to set up her new place. Working, first at The Tomorrow Project and now at Caf Moto, has meant much more than a paycheckit has brought purpose, independence, and relationships with colleagues. As Tracy describes it, I know a lot more about myself, and Ive got balance in my life now. n Learn more about The Tomorrow Project at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.tomorrowproject.org.
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| CHARITIES USA
I am so
grateful
Deanna also is saving a lot of money each month by having an energy-efficient home. Her monthly electricity bill is usually only $15 and has not been over $50 since the repairs were completed. Now I can save for groceries for my new fridge! she joked. Repairing and improving homes means preserving and promoting dignity. So far this fiscal year, FSLs home improvements program has helped more than 1,300 people like Deanna remain independent and in their own homes by increasing the safety, functional convenience, and efficiency of the home. Deanna wrote to FSL expressing her gratitude for all that was given to me to improve the house in which I live.I am so grateful. As one of the largest not-for-profit organizations in the state of Arizona, Foundation for Senior Living relies on many funding sources to provide more than 15 much needed programs and services. Some of these programs include: adult day health services, assisted group living for adults with behavioral health diagnoses, home health and home care, social services, caregiver training courses, affordable housing options, and home improvements. n Learn more about FSLs home improvement services at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.fsl.org.
eanna lived on a fixed income with her granddaughter in a 42-year-old, 1,250 square foot home in Tempe, AZ. Despite her homes modest size, she was paying on average $299 a month for electricity, an amount that was putting a huge strain on her budget.
Deanna met the states income guidelines for its weatherization assistance program and was referred to the Foundation for Senior Livings home improvements program for weatherization services. For more than 35 years, Foundation for Senior Living (FSL), a proud member of Catholic Charities USA, has helped Arizonans facing issues of hunger, disabilities, aging, illness, loneliness, and substandard housing. FSL conducted an energy efficiency audit of Deannas home, and many items were found to be working inefficiently. FSL coordinated more than ten projects in Deannas home, including installing sunscreens on the sun struck windows, upgrading the insulation, replacing the 16-year old air conditioning roof unit, sealing the ductwork, replacing broken windows, replacing a broken bathroom ceiling fan, and providing a low-energy refrigerator. The home improvements have had a tremendous impact on Deannas life. I can now breathe better from my asthma, she explained. I thank [FSL] for the instructions on how and when to change air filters, how to keep the temperature right indoors and when Im not in the house.
SUMMER 2012 | 11
Good things
are falling into place
ennifer came to Rochester, NY, in late 2010 with her two little girls, escaping an abusive husband. She got a job and an apartment for her family.
This was the first time Id been on my own with the kids, balancing work, school schedules, daycare, bus schedules, and it was so hard, said Jennifer. For a time things went well, but then Jennifer suffered a number of medical issues that caused a downward spiral into depression. She could no longer work, lost her job, and ultimately was evicted from her apartment. With nowhere to go and no family support, she was referred to Sanctuary House, an emergency shelter for homeless women and children run by Catholic Family Center (CFC) in Rochester. It was really bad to look into my kids faces and know they couldnt understand, she said. That first day when the counselor looked at me and said, Its going to be all right, I felt such hope. Shelter staff soon recognized that Jennifer and her children were dealing with complex problems that required a comprehensive approach to service delivery, one that CFC has developed through its Family Investment Initiative, a new way of doing business that weaves services together to create a comprehensive, integrated, and family-centered system of care. Jennifer was referred to Samantha Colson, a counselor in CFCs emergency services program. After meeting with Jennifer to address her ongoing depression, Samantha also determined that she needed additional parenting support and connected her with CFCs Incredible Years parenting program. She was also connected to mental health services in the community to treat her depression. And ultimately, with the aid of her
counselor, Jennifer was placed in CFCs Lafayette II supportive housing program. When my girls saw the apartment, they were so excited, says Jennifer. My oldest said Mommy, I feel like Im a millionaire. Today, Jennifer and her children are in stable, safe housing with CFCs continued supportive services. Jennifer has been able to purchase a car and is actively job searching, while the children are in daycare and school. When asked about her goals for the future, Jennifer quickly pointed out her love of cooking and feeding people, so shes focused on studying culinary arts. She also acknowledged her fears of success and being alone. This is my year of overcoming fears. With all of the support and connections through Catholic Family Center, good things are falling into place. I am so very thankful. n Learn more about the Family Investment Initiative at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.cfcrochester.org.
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| CHARITIES USA
succeed
employment. Once they are in case management, the primary emphasis of the program includes enhancing employment skills, educational opportunities, and meeting one-on-one with case managers and a mentor to set goals and move toward stability. What did TurnAround do for Andre? Right from the beginning, I was accepted without judgment, he explains. The staff cared about me as a person. They wanted to see me succeed. Three years after his release, Andre has an apartment, a car, a job as a supervisor for his employer, and is responsible for the cash flow every shift. I have a huge measure of love and respect for Catholic Charities. I owe it to them to reach back and help others, says Andre. Whatever they need from me, they got it. n Learn more about TurnAround at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.catholiccharities-kcsj.org.
ndre is a soft-spoken man. It is difficult to believe that he spent approximately half of his 45 years behind bars. He admits that he has no one to blame but himself for his 22 years of incarceration. He was the youngest of a large, loving two-parent family, but when he hit his teens, he chose to run with a rough crowd. After several incidents on the wrong side of the law, Andre found himself on trial for assault, quickly convicted, and sentenced to life plus twentya pretty tough sentence for a young man barely 20 years old.
Andre realized that the only way out was to buckle down and work towards parole. He enrolled in the prison education system, finished his education, and became a model prisoner. He tutored other prisoners and assisted 153 men in getting their GEDs. After a number of other jobs within the prison, each with increasing responsibility, Andre was eligible for parole. His biggest fear when he was released? Being judged for the man he used to be, instead of who he had become. Andre knew from other inmates who had returned to prison that he needed assistance if he was going to make it on the outside. Soon after he was settled at his sisters house, Andre sought out the TurnAround program of Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph in Missouri. Many ex-offenders come to TurnAround seeking basic necessities; clothes, food, identification, and bus passes to find
SUMMER 2012 | 13
I learned so much
izeth, a 25-year-old mother of four children aged 7 and younger, didnt like walking before she began attending a Summer Food Program with her children at a community center on Chicagos North Side last summer.
The Summer Food Program (SFP), run by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, IL, provides free, nutritious meals to children 18 and younger in low-income areas when they are out of school. But meals are just one aspect of the program. SFP includes fun activities for the children, who receive the meals, as well as nutrition education for their families. These components are provided by the agencys own nutrition education program, the ABCs of Fitness and Nutrition, along with resources from several partner agencies. Parents accompanying their children to the sites can make new acquaintances and learn about new resources. I started going every day, said Lizeth. I used to take the car, and then I began walking. My kids didnt like walking; now they do, too. Her children particularly liked the activities that accompanied their summer meals at the center. Jumping jacks were a favorite. Thats when the kids really started to like going to get breakfast and lunch, Lizeth says. Cooking classes were another activity at the center that Lizeth participated in last summer. She has learned to cook with less oil, mastered a recipe for oatmeal pancakes that her children like better than regular pancakes, and eats less take out. She also learned how to read labels on food packaging and food sanitation tips, like not to wash meat, because it can spread germs in the sink.
It can be hard to fight temptation for fast food and fatty, salty snacks. On her walk to pick up her children from school, Lizeth passes several food vendors setting up nearby with bags of fried chips, cotton candy, and other treats, just in time for school dismissal. There are times when my kids will cry all the way home because they want snacks, she said. But once home, she serves them something healthy, like a sandwich or fruit. And to drink just water, which her kids like. Lizeth recommends the SFP program. I learned so much, and my kids really enjoy healthy meals. Its a nice program. n Learn more about the Summer Food Program at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.catholiccharities.net/summerfood.
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| CHARITIES USA
influences
I learned that there was more to parenting than what I had seen in my home, said LaTanya. I learned that I could be a better parent than I was raised to be. With the help of Casas staff, LaTanya also learned valuable life skillsmoney management, healthy eating, and homemaking. When it came time for LaTanya to leave Casa San Jose, the staff helped her set up her new apartment. Life hasnt necessarily been easy for LaTanya since she left Casa San Jose, but she learned a valuable lesson there that has shaped her life since, I learned that whatever happened in my life would be because I made it happen. LaTanya looks back on her time at Casa San Jose with much gratitude. It was one of the best and most positive influences in my life. n Learn more about Casa San Jose at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.cnetco.com/~cathcharities/Grants.htm.
ixteen-year-old LaTanya had a choice to makego to jail or go to Casa San Jose, a home for pregnant and parenting teens run by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gallup, NM. LaTanya had grown up in and out of foster care. At 15, she begged a judge to let her return to her mothers home, but once she got there, the family life she hoped for didnt happen.
She wasnt the mom I needed her to be, said LaTanya. She turned to drugs and drinking, a life of escape and vulnerability that led to an unexpected pregnancy. Her life further spiraled out of control until finally a judge laid it on the line. LaTanya chose Casa San Jose. At Case San Jose, LaTanya found something she couldnt remember havinga stable, positive, and supportive home environment. She also found caring staff members, directed by Sr. Francine Schuster, who were determined to help her become a good parent and an independent adult. Education was a priority. Sr. Francine made sure I went to school. She knew I was capable of more and she pushed and pushed me, said LaTanya. I needed that. LaTanya finished the school year just weeks before her daughter was born, and during the next year, she completed her GED and graduated from a CNA training program. Parenting was another priority. LaTanya learned about caring for her childs emotional, physical, and developmental needs and about being an active parent in her childs life, a model of parenting shed never known.
SUMMER 2012 | 15
ast autumn, Frank and Susan Wojtal were homeless and struggling to provide for their five children. A woman from their church recommended that they attend Lasting Change, a financial literacy program sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington (CCDL), KY. Lasting Change is offered once a week for six weeks at various community centers throughout the Diocese. The program is specifically geared towards low-income families who are unbanked and who rely upon organizations like CCDL for financial assistance. Rather than simply teaching basic financial skills, Lasting Change addresses underlying attitudes and beliefs by offering peer mentoring, discussion-based workshops, and banking incentives. Initially, Frank was concerned that no one would appreciate his situation. I thought that people wouldnt understand what Ive been through; but after attending the first session, I realized how many of my classmates were in the same or a worse situation.
Susan also relates that their new spending habits have opened up opportunities for their children. We went from never being able to give the kids anything for school to having a special account set aside. In a couple of weeks, two of our kids are going on a $30 field trip and two more are participating in a book fair. After graduating from the program, the Wojtals wanted to give back. Frank now serves as a mentor for Lasting Change, and Susan facilitates a Lasting Change program that she developed for children. I wanted kids, including my own, to learn the skills that I wasnt really taught, said Susan. And theyre having fun in the process! As a mentor, Frank is thankful to be able to share his own financial struggles and triumphs: Im learning just as much as a mentor as I did as a participant. You just cant do it on your own. We all need help and support. n Learn more about Lasting Change at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.catholiccharitieslexington.org/lastingchange.html.
After graduating from the program, the Wojtals began to make some serious life changes. They started saving and eventually moved into a home they could afford. I used to say we never made enough money to save, said Susan. But anyone can say that. The more you make, the more youre going to want; the more youre going to spend. Lasting Change taught us how to live within our means.
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| CHARITIES USA
I Have Dreams
for the future
rently in an apprenticeship at an auto body shop. Anny, the middle child, also earned her high school diploma and recently moved to Indiana to live with a cousin. She has been working full time in clothing retail. Duh, the youngest, will graduate from high school in the spring of 2012. While in high school he achieved excellent grades, earned his drivers license, purchased a car, and worked two jobs during his senior year. Duh looks forward to college and a career in engineering. Being in the Refugee Foster Care program has meant that I am able to get an education and succeed in America, said Duh. My foster care family feels like my own family now. Because of them, I have a home, Ive been to school, and I have dreams for the future. Neither Cung, Anny, nor Duh spoke any English before arriving in the United States, but all are thriving, will be self-sufficient American adults, and have foster parents they can call family. n Learn more about the Refugee Foster Care program at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/changinglives or www.ccsutah.org.
ung, Anny, and Duhthree siblings from Myanmar in Southeast Asiabecame orphans as young children after their parents died in a tragic car accident. Their grandmother became their guardian, and to make a living, the family worked together to grow produce on the grandmothers small plot of land.
Then members of the Myanmar military demanded that the familys farmland be used to grow crops for government use. If they did not grow the specified crops and deliver results in one year, they would be persecuted. The grandmother was sick and fragile by this time, and the children struggled to comply. Eventually, arrest warrants were issued for the two oldest children. The three siblings opted to flee the country. Too old to travel and not much use to the militia, the grandmother stayed behind and sent her grandchildren to find refuge and safety. The three siblings, now teenagers, fled to Malaysia, where UNHCR case managers found the siblings and registered them for resettlement. In 2008, Cung, Anny, and Duh arrived in Salt Lake City, UT, sponsored by Catholic Community Services of Utahs Refugee Foster Care program. A generous foster family welcomed all three siblings into their home and helped them adjust to a new and safe life in America. These teens have thrived since coming to the United States. The oldest, Cung, earned his high school diploma and is cur-
Anny
SPRING 2012 | 17
Christian Understanding
The
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| CHARITIES USA
he way in which individuals perceive their global responsibility for the world and society always reveals a certain understanding about the nature of the human being, his or her position and importance between heaven and earth, and the options, limits, values, and principles based upon that position. This understanding forms the real basis of ones own acting and consequently ones aim in order to fulfill the tasks in the world and in society. Despite growing individualism and pluralism and differing life concepts or philosophies in the modern world, it must be acknowledged, for at least historical reasons, that Christianity has been a power in forming Western society, and consequently, we see that the Christian view of the human person is indispensably linked to Western concepts of social justice. In this brief article we will take a look at the Christian view of the human person, in a sense, a Christian anthropology, and its contributions to society.
A discussion of the Christian idea of humankind is only possible when understood in the context of the history of God with people in the Old and New Testaments. This history is the basis of Christian faith and enables the identity of the human being, who understands himself in relation to God, and through this understanding, faces the question of the Christian response in society.
By reason, the human being realizes that she exists in a context, and while acting, recognizes that she does not have to accept the normative rules or the factual or oppressive necessities of life, but instead is challenged to take advantage of her given scope of freedom, always with responsibility, to achieve a larger scope. In our pluralistic society, this understanding of the larger scope of life, of what it means to be human, can be defined by such transcendent ideas as progress, community, solidarity with the weak, social justice, peace, tolerance, protection of life, hope, and a sense of life. We can find in the human beings use of freedom the starting point from which human beingseven if only in later reflectionexperience this crossing to an ever larger horizon as moments of pure freedom, pure love, and full life. Through such
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moments, Christians experience their God, who from the beginning of humanity accompanied human beings in their history and who said: I am the one who will always be there for you (Ex 3:14). Thus what is revealed is that the Christian understanding of a human being can be of great importance. The individual finds security in a strictly established community, and his or her conscience, having to cope with the freedom, finds help for responsible decision-making, not only in the private, inner field, but also in public and society. The Godlikeness of the Human Being The biblical doctrine of the human being as a theological anthropology takes its starting point in the words of Genesis 1:26: Now God said: Let us make man according to our image and similar to us. And God created man according to his own image, according to the image of God he created him, as man and woman he created them. The incomprehensible God, therefore, created a counterpart. God wanted to picture himself in one of his creatures and chose the human being out of all creatures to be pictured in. Every individual human being is described as the image of God. Every person is Gods representative. This godlikeness gives the human being an infinite, indivisible dignity. The godlikeness of the human being, according to the testimony of the Bible, is basically expressed in 1) God preparing a living space the world, and 2) God passing on to human beings the responsibility for that world. The universe and earth are made free of gods and humanity is given responsibility to be fertile and grow, to satisfy the earth and keep dominion over all its creatures. The second creation account in Genesis 2:15 states: Yahweh God took the human being and put him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and guard it. The right of humanity to have dominion over all the earth is derived from man and woman in their godlikeness and is expressed as a blessing (and God blessed them). Blessings are
conveyed in order to bring goodness, not destruction, to creation. Humanity would indeed lose this royal status by exploiting the earth and all its creation. This dominion and cultural mission God gave to humankind has one essential consequence for the present: Faith is not only important for the personal private sphere of inwardness, but deeply involves the commitment to let faith become effective in the public sector, such as in society, economy, and politics. The principles of personality, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the common welfare play a central role in this respect. This Christian social ethics is to be seen as an indispensable contribution toward a human and social coexistence with the purpose to care for creation, protect human dignity, and instill social justice. God has appointed every single human person to be a partner. This is the root of the human beings responsibility for acting. Everything that he or she does will not be without significance and consequences for his or her surroundings and for the coming generations and for all of creation. Therefore, the human being, as image of God, uses the power given by God for a human future to measure up to Gods message of the infinite dignity of every human being. God-Given Dignity and Human Rights Dignity is theologically founded in the understanding of the individual person as an image and creature of God. This dignity finds its immediate expression in the inherent and inalienable human rights given to each individual human being. They do not only apply for Christians and are not tied to faith. In fact, the Christian view of the human being makes a decisive contribution to the fact that human rights apply without any condition, are not bound to color of skin, gender, race, belief, language, national or social origin, or achievement because all human beings are equal and equally worthy before God. It is also important to note that these human rights are not granted by the state. They were predetermined before the
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state came into being, and thus have to be recognized and protected. Consequently, the Christian view of humankind provides a fundamental contribution to life in an intercultural world: it protects each individual against governmental arbitrariness. A further contribution of the Christian view of the human person to the success of social life is criticism of authority and ideology. If man and woman are the image of God and, as shown above, their own authority is to be seen as relatively autonomous, then any deification of a ruler or leader or the glorification of a race, nation, or political party is contrary to the fundamental understanding of the human person. The Sinful Human Being The Christian view of the human must not be limited to its theological reflection of being created by God. Rather, it is important to include all dimensions of human existence which are reminiscent in the history of God with people. This also includes the limitations and the fallibility of human beingstheologically speaking, sin. To recognize ones being a creation, being bounded, being finite, and to become aware of ones own possible failure can lead to a qualification of what one expects from oneself and from others. The person who is honestly aware of their own sinfulness realizes that he has to protect himself against himself. This is done by creating a corresponding legal order, which has to be seen anthropologically as a protection of the better ego against the worse ego. In biblical history, strict laws are necessary to protect and to preserve the life of the people. A political culture institutionally lays down a distinct standard of humanity that is impossible to fall below without losing human substance. Solidarity and Humanity God absolutely reveals to us in Jesus what and who the human being in his dignity looks like. The Gospel does not preach to us a theoretical view of humankind, but instead
Jesus shows us the final dimension of the human. Even the most desolate human is a human beingredeemed by the crucified God and given back his or her true dignity. A persons dignity needs the infinite love of God, and human beings cannot bring it from out of themselves. In this spirit of God, acting humanely for the other without any reservation and testifying ones humanity in the tradition of God constitutes a fundamental dimension of the Christian view of humankind. This in turn has public and social consequences. Christian social ethics speaks of the option for the poor and disadvantaged. This is the specifically Christian view towards the poorest of society, towards those pushed to the edge, and who especially need solidarity. Christian social ethics considers this to be a main task for Christians in society, to form a lobby for those whose voice no one else is listening to, special attendance for those members of society who because of their own particular weaknesses will be forgotten easily and whose interests will be neglected. Understanding the human person in the context of our biblical and theological tradition is the foundation for understanding the responsibility for acting. By recognizing the personal dignity of all people, we deepen our appreciation for all of creation. And with this offer of solidarity with those at the edge of our society, Christianson the basis of their understanding of the human beingmake an indispensable contribution to the common welfare and to the coherence of a society. n Ursula Nothelle-Wildfeurer is a professor of theology at the University of Freiburg in Germany and a professor for CCUSAs OGrady Institute, Freiburg/Rome Campus. This article is based on her seminar on Christian Ethics. Kathy Brown is senior director of mission and Catholic identity for Catholic Charities USA.
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WILLIAM R. FRY
A h U M A N i tA R i A N i N v E S t i N g i N t h E vA LU E oF SELF-SUFFiCiENCy
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ts an understatement to say that William R. Fry had a knack for business. He was a financial genius, having an extraordinary aptitude for finance and investments, but he also greatly enjoyed the challenge of business and had an unrelenting drive to succeed. Over his lifetime, he built up substantial wealth, and this, near the end of his life, put before him a weighty considerationwhat to do with it?
that could faithfully and responsibly fulfill his giving prioritieshelping people, especially the poor, recover from disaster or crisis, giving disadvantaged people opportunities to advance, and teaching the skills and values necessary for people to become self-sufficient. My dad thought it was important to help the poorest of the poor with what they needed, but in a way that wouldnt enable dependency, said Susan. He wanted people to learn to work and to value work. If you teach a person to take pride in work, it affects the whole family. After doing some research, Susan recommended that her father look at Catholic Charities USA. He read about the Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America and its emphasis on helping people overcome poverty and move toward selfsufficiency with the assistance of innovative and effective programs. The campaign was right in line with Frys personal and business values. He liked what CCUSA was doing, and felt that the money he donated to them would be used well, that it would go far, said Susan. In 2009, Fry passed away, leaving a multi-million dollar gift to Catholic Charities USA. In honor of this gift, CCUSA established the William R. Fry Fund, an endowment that will support effective poverty reduction programs throughout the Catholic Charities network. Frys gift also made possible a new national office and center for CCUSA and the Catholic Charities network. Named after Fry, the center provides much-needed conference space, a chapel, and other resources that will further CCUSAs poverty reduction, social innovation, and advocacy efforts (see next page). The center will also generate contributions to the William R. Fry Fund through its rental revenue. Susan, who has worked with CCUSA in carrying out her fathers wishes, is pleased to be better acquainted with the work of Catholic Charities USA and the entire Catholic Charities network. Its very exciting to see whats being done. My father would be very glad to see it all. n
We always knew that he was going to give a lot to charity, said Frys oldest daughter Susan Sandlin. He wanted to do something good with his money, but he also thought it was very important not to overindulge his kids. He wanted his kids to make their own path in life and not feel entitled. Fry exemplified the values of thrift and self-sufficiency and wanted his children to gain the valuable life lessons he had learned through struggle, hard work, and sacrifice. Susan admits that as a kid she didnt always understand why he did what he did as a parent, but much of it makes sense now that she is a parent herself. Its not good for you to get everything you want, said Susan. We are not just here for ourselves. We are here to make a difference for others. Fry came from a small Indiana town and a humble home. If he had any advantage, it was having a financially savvy mother, who taught him to be frugal, to manage money, and to spot a good investment when he saw it. He took those skills with him on a lifetimes journey from running a painting company as a teenager, to studying at Indiana University, serving in the military, working as a banker and stockbroker, opening his own investment firm, and managing hedge funds. His investing acumen and management abilities were particularly evident with his late-career venture into acquiring and managing several radio stations in the South. He later sold his stations to Clear Channel Communications, Inc. in 1999. Given his penchant for good investments, its no surprise that Fry wanted to make a good investment with his philanthropic giving. He relied on Susan to help him find organizations
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T H E W I L L I A M R. F RY C E N T E R
Through the generous lead gift of William R. Fry, Catholic Charities USA recently opened and dedicated the William R. Fry Center in Alexandria, VA. The building will serve as CCUSAs offices and the national center for the Catholic Charities network. A dedication and blessing ceremony was held on May 31, with many friends of CCUSA as well as members of the Fry family in attendance. The new center is not only an important step in strengthening CCUSAs future financial stability, but in strengthening CCUSAs poverty reduction, social innovation, and advocacy efforts. A state-of-the-art conference facility in the new center will be used to convene Catholic Charities leaders, national partners, and others to explore innovation in social services, share solutions, train in best practices, and develop social policy recommendations and strategies. Catholic Charities USA also hopes the new center will inspire visitors with a powerful sense of the faith, purpose, and compassion that drive Catholic Charities. The center features a chapel for prayer and contemplation. It will be a gathering place and will be a symbol as well as a source of Catholic Charities commitment to poor and vulnerable people, families, and communities. Catholic Charities USA expresses deep gratitude to the William R. Fry family for his generous lead gift and to other donors whose gifts will help CCUSA build the centers resources in order to fully serve the Catholic Charities network.
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The dedication and blessing ceremony brought together many friends of Catholic Charities: back row, left to right, Jordan Sandlin, son-in-law of William R. Fry; CCUSA President Rev. Larry Snyder; CCUSA Board Chair John Young; middle row, Susan Sandlin, daughter of William R. Fry; Cardinal Theodore McCarrick; Bishop Michael Driscoll; and front row, Peyton and Logan Sandlin, grandsons of William R. Fry.
Photos: Shannon Finney
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe graciously honored CCUSA with this handcrafted statue of St. Francis of Assisi, carved by New Mexican folk artist Hector Rascon from wood grown in the forests of the archdiocese. Given as a gift of solidarity with CCUSA, this statue of St. Francis, the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, calls to mind his acts of kindness and charity in following a Christian life. The statue is displayed at the entrance to the chapel in CCUSAs new national office.
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Volunteer
Catholic Charities USAs 2012
OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
John Kennerdell, MD
Congratulations from Catholic Charities USA to our 2012 Volunteer of the Year Finalists! Volunteers nationwide make an invaluable contribution to the Catholic Charities movement. Collectively, local Catholic Charities agencies rely on more than 300,000 volunteers each year to serve more than 10 million people of all faiths and diverse needs. Volunteering at their local Catholic Charities agencies, these dedicated individuals have empowered vulnerable populations to achieve employment, provided medical care to those without health insurance, helped seniors remain healthy and independent, and eased the challenges of veterans, special needs children, and the disabled. Their tireless energy and efforts to assist the least among us represents the very best of the human spirit.
Catholic Charities, Pittsburgh, PA John Kennerdell, a retired neuro-ophthalmologist, helped establish the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center in Pittsburgh in 2007. The center provides free medical and dental care to the regions uninsured and also contains a state-of-the-art eye clinic. Dr. Kennerdell volunteers his time at the clinic, providing patients with thorough eye exams, screening patients for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and thyroid eye disease. Because of Dr. Kennerdells efforts, patients who need glasses or surgery can be referred and treated at other medical centers at no additional cost. Dr. Kennerdell also opened an ophthalmology exam room for uninsured patients in Bunnell, FL, where he volunteers during the winter months.
Sister Rose Therese Wich Catholic Charities, Santa Fe, NM Sister Rose Therese Wich retired in 2005 from Annunciation Catholic School at the age of 80, after working for 59 years as an educator and 15 years as school principal. Since then, she has continued her service as the senior transportation coordinator at the Center for Community Involvement in Santa Fe. There, she coordinates rides for seniors who are homebound, increasing the quality and ease of life for seniors in her community. Sr. Rose is known and loved at the center not just for the important service that she provides, but, more significantly, for the loving manner in which she treats those around her. She is the consummate professional, responding to the seniors requests with patience and respect and always ending each phone conversation with a blessing. She enhances and enriches the lives of the seniors in her community on a daily basis.
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Patricia Cassidy Catholic Family Canter, Rochester, NY Patricia Cassidy has used her human resources background to help hundreds of refugees make the cultural transition into American work environments. As a founder and leader of E-PREP a workforce develop, ment program for non-English speaking refugees, Cassidy creates and leads workshops that prepare participants for the American workplace culture and etiquette, as well as for the job interview process. E-PREP has been such a success that Cassidy was asked to create a similar program for CFCs Healthy Sisters Soup and Bean Works, where she now assists women in recovery with rsum and cover letter writing, job interviews, applications, and online job searches.
Donald and Jan Chamberlain Catholic Charities Bureau, Inc., Superior, WI Donald and Jan Chamberlain selflessly serve their community in a variety of ways. Both work daily at the Tomahawk Senior Center, preparing meals, assisting disabled residents, and escorting seniors and veterans to medical appointments. Both serve on the board of the Open Your Heart to Haiti program, providing uniforms and shoes to children in need. Both also serve on the Pastoral Council and Sacristan of St. Marys ChurchMr. Chamberlain being a Eucharistic minister and Mrs. Chamberlain being a prayer partner for children. Mrs. Chamberlain assists special needs children at St. Marys school each day; Mr. Chamberlain, upon suffering leg injuries in 2010, learned to knit and spent over 900 hours of his rehabilitation making baby caps, afghans, lap robes, and cancer hats for distribution to local hospitals, nursing homes, and shelters.
Volunteer
OF THE YEAR
Lumen Christi Social Justice Team Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis Pat Begeleus Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens Ed and Colleen Mikesell Catholic Charities Inc., Wichita, KS Russell Kocemba Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis Ryan McCauley Catholic Charities, Galveston-Houston Visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org/volunteerfinalists to read about our honorable mention volunteers!
HONORABLE MENTION
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Volunteer
Catholic Charities USAs 2012
OF THE YEAR
Ellen Buelow
ince retiring from a 30-year teaching career in 2007, Ellen Buelow has dedicated her time as a volunteer for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, NM. She began her services as an ESL tutor for Mexican immigrants, but eventually transferred to the agencys Refugee Resettlement and Support program. There, she helped found the Conversation Partners program, which provides an additional, informal learning environment for refugees enrolled in ESL classes to practice conversational English.
In 2011, Ellen co-founded the Newcomers/School Readiness Program in Albuquerque, which fills a vital need for newly-arrived refugee youths, who have only a month between arrival and enrollment in school. As lead volunteer of the program, she works daily to meet newly-arrived children, provide them with backpacks, review vocabulary and important English phrases, and get them excited about starting school.
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For Ellen, this kind of volunteer work comes naturally. Teaching is my strength. Its what Ive been doing all my life. Its my passion. Ellen and her colleague Adria Scharmen started the Newcomers project because they saw how unprepared many refugee children are for school. Some children are preliterate. Theyve had no schooling at all, said Ellen. And thats a big problem when children are placed in school at the grade level they are supposed to be at, instead of the level they actually are at. But an equally challenging problem is the childrens unfamiliarity with how a school works. The Newcomers program has a curriculum to remedy that, said Ellen. We help the kids learn the words and the environment of schoolwhats a backpack, a ruler, a compass? What does Line up, Quiet down, or Put your pencils down, mean? Whats a nurse, the gym, the cafeteria? Where can they find their class? Ellen works with a number of children, some of them with many challenges to succeeding in school, not least of which is a lack of motivation to go to school. Some just dont see the point, especially if their parents never went to school or
if in their original cultures they would be working to help support the family at their age. But with others, she is able to help them grasp the vision of education. While Ellens efforts have resulted in higher levels of achievement among her students, she is quick to point out that the program is really about relationships and building self-esteem. Relationships are so important. I want them to have at least one positive relationship with someone in this country. Ellen genuinely enjoys her volunteer work with refugee children, gaining strength and rejuvenation from their fresh faces, courage, and resilience. I get to fulfill my passion making a difference for these kids, said Ellen. How lucky is that! Ellen is an outstanding volunteer and a fine example of the difference that people can make in the lives of their neighbors, said Jim Gannon, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. Without volunteers like Ellen, we could not meet the needs of the thousands who call on us. Ellen will be honored at the CCUSA Annual Gathering in St. Louis, MO, September 30-October 2. n
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Side
By Ben Garrott
Abuse in the home. A major car accident. Witnessing a shooting in the neighborhood. Experiencing Hurricane Katrina. More than one in four youth in Mississippi experience a traumatic event by the age of 16 and are at subsequent risk of developing child traumatic stress. Traumatic stress can interfere with childrens ability to concentrate and learn and can seriously delay development of their brains and bodies. It can lead to depression, substance abuse, other mental health problems, educational impairment, acting out, and future employment problems. It can change how children view the world and their own futures, and it can change their behavior, interests, and relationships with family and friends. It can take a toll on a family. In 2001, The Donald J. Cohen National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative was established to improve access to care, treatment, and services for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events and to encourage and promote collaboration between service providers in the field. More than $30 million in grants was awarded by the Center for Mental Health Services, the Substance Abuse Mental Health
Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Catholic Charities, Inc. of Jackson, MS, established the Trauma Recovery for Youth Project (TRY) as a member site of the NCTSN in 2003, one of two Catholic Charities organizations to do so. A leader in addressing child traumatic stress in Mississippi, TRY has worked to institute a trauma-informed system of carefocusing on providers serving youth and families who are underserved or are least likely to have access to quality, trauma-informed care. In addition to raising awareness and making presentations on the effects of trauma, TRY is providing training and implementation coaching in TraumaFocused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT); and a group model, Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress. Spanning the entire state, TRY has trained over 200 therapists in these evidence-based, trauma-specific treatments. Therapists trained by TRY predominantly serve the public through Mississippis Community Mental Health Centers.
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Saturday, September 29
The day before the gathering gets underway, the Council of Diocesan Directors and the Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team will hold meetings, while the Dev/Com Section will host an all-day training, where attendees can network, share ideas and best practices, and hear from local and national experts on timely topics. If youre not attending any of these meetings, check in early anyway to watch the 2011 World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals, take on the Washington Nationals on Saturday evening! Your $30 ticket includes a prime seat with your Catholic Charities colleagues and a Catholic Charities baseball cap. Get there early to see CCUSA President Rev. Larry Snyder throw out the first pitch.
Monday, October 1
Hear from Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, as he brings greetings from the Vatican and speaks about the work of caritas (charity) worldwide. Over 40 workshops on Monday and Tuesday will focus on broad topics such as new funding opportunities, social enterprise, Catholic identity, leadership and volunteer management, as well as critical issue areas such as seniors, housing, and immigration. Workshops will present best practices, share replicable programs, and discuss the unique needs of Catholic Charities agencies. For lunch, attendees will meet in small groups to delve deeper into specific topics and interest areas. After the workshops and site tours, each professional interest section will host a reception, giving members the opportunity to make connections. After the reception, you will have the night on your own to dine and explore St. Louis. After dinner, unwind with friends for a late night entertainment of live music and light refreshments in the ballroom.
Sunday, September 30
The Annual Gathering will begin at 11 am on Sunday with an opening session designed to inspire our continued active participation in the national movement to reduce poverty in America. Fr. Snyder will present his annual address to the membership. Engage with Sojourn Theatre, an award-winning and nationally acclaimed ensemble of artists who focus original performances on civic engagement. They will be artists-in-residence, adding a layer of creativity to our gathering. Performers will be interviewing attendees and developing a performance about our work, challenges, and successes.
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Tuesday, October 2
Celebrate our network with the annual Awards Breakfast! Catholic Charities USA will honor the National Volunteer of the Year and present the Bishop Sullivan Award and Centennial Medals. Enjoy an interactive keynote with Major Garrett, a highly sought-after and respected Congressional correspondent who has been at the forefront of our nations most important issues of the last decade. Make sure your travel plans keep you at the conference until 2 pm. Sojourn Theatre will present their closing performance on Tuesday at 1pmthe culmination of their interviews and engagement with each attendee throughout the conference. Watch your experiences and ideas come to life in a new and creative way! Throughout the conference, Catholic Charities USA has set aside time for you to: Network with colleagues from across the country During several planned breaks, you can meet and interact with new colleagues, grab a snack, visit with friends, shop at the CCUSA Store, or meet some new vendors and sponsors in our exhibit area. Reflect on your spirituality Each morning of the conference will begin with a daily liturgy at the Old Cathedral of St. Louis, across the street from the conference hotel, with different celebrants from across our network. n
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Response
Catholic Charities of Houma-Thibodaux Works to Mitigate the Impact of Future Disasters
By Katie Oldaker We often focus on response, recovery, and preparedness efforts for disasters, but that often leads us to overlook another vital part of disaster workmitigation. Mitigation projects are aimed at reducing the impact of disasters. In areas at high risk for natural disastersthe Midwest for floods, the Gulf Coast for hurricanes, the West Coast for earthquakesmitigation efforts make a lot of sense for families, for disaster responders, and for funders, which includes taxpayers. Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Catholic Charities of Houma-Thibodaux (CCHT) incorporated mitigation efforts into their recovery operations. We believe in helping people become better prepared for the next hurricane or other disaster, because we know its coming, said Rob Gorman, CCHTs executive director.
Disaster
The agency asked the questions: How likely is it that disaster will impact our area again? Will families receiving public and private dollars to recover from one disaster face another disaster and need additional funds? What mitigation efforts can we put in place to reduce the impact of natural disaster in our area? Flooding is the main problem in Louisianas lowlands, so the need for a sustainable housing solution was clear. Catholic Charities found one. Why not elevate the homes? As a part of our mitigation efforts, we are not assisting residents in just buying a house down here anymore. You have to elevate to avoid future flooding, said Gorman. The agency has helped 42 families elevate their homes and has sponsored five LA LIFT homes, which demonstrate
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the best way to build an elevated, storm resistant house. CCHT has also spent over $600,000 helping 142 families install electric lifts to get them up to their elevated homes when they cannot climb the stairs. Catholic Charities of Houma-Thibodeaux used a Long Term Disaster Recovery grant from Catholic Charities USA to financially assist in the elevation of homes, to add exterior elevators to lifted houses for the elderly and disabled, and to assist with the purchase of flood insurance for those in high risk areas. The agency also joined with Terrebonne Readiness and Assistance Coalition (TRAC), LA LIFT, FEMA, and other relief groups to elevate homes in south Terrebonne, LA. Mitigation is a vital component of disaster response efforts, and CCUSA is proud to support the work in HoumaThibodaux and projects like it.
been designed for agency directors, diocesan staff, disaster response agency staff, and those staff designated as staff leads. AIDE offers three learning tracks: Disaster 101: Foundations in disaster preparedness and response; appropriate for staff with limited formal training in disaster strategies. Disaster 201: Builds on the CCUSA semi-annual Disaster Preparedness and Response Training; appropriate for staff who have been formally trained by CCUSA in disaster strategies. Diocesan: Equips diocesan or parish ministry-based staff for disaster preparedness and response strategies. Register online at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org. Enrollees are invited to select one of the learning tracks. If you already have attended a CCUSA Disaster Training in the past, the Disaster 201 and Diocesan tracks will provide you the opportunity to take your initial training to the next level of understanding and implementation. The registration fee for AIDE is $450. If you register by July 30, 2012, the fee will be discounted to $399. All lodging, food, and training content and materials are covered by the fee. n For more information or to register, please contact Fani Cruz at fcruz@catholiccharitiesusa.org or at (703) 236-6225. Also visit CCUSAs website at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.
Participants of the 2011 Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence. SUMMER 2012 | 35
Update
Catholic Charities Visits Congress on Annual Hill Day Event
n March 21, leaders from more than 60 Catholic Charities agencies representing 40 states descended on Washington, DC, for this years Hill Day and participated in a total of 138 meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. Hill Day is an annual event aimed at engaging our nations policymakers in a vital discussion about the need to place a national priority on addressing the growing crisis of poverty in America. In meeting with members of Congress and Congressional staff, Catholic Charities leaders sought a bipartisan commitment from them to not only prioritize the discovery and development of innovative solutions to poverty, but also to visit local Catholic Charities agencies at home to see innovative poverty relief in action and to witness the impact it has on their constituents. Carolyn Tisdale and Fr. Ragan Schriver of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and East Tennessee, respectively, enjoyed a special treat from Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, who invited them to join him on the floor of the U.S. Senate for his scheduled vote.
CCUSA
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The gathering also featured social entrepreneur and former CEO of Twin Cities RISE! Steve Rothschild, who made a presentation on seven principles that build non-profit success. The presentation drew from his recently published book, The Non Non-Profit. Steves presentation demonstrated how successful business principles practiced by many of the worlds most successful companies can be applied to the work done by non-profits.
Rev. Larry Snyder of CCUSA and Sister Norma Pimentel of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, TX, represented the Catholic Charities network at the 150th anniversary celebration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sister Norma participated in the celebration ceremony, giving a prayer of gratitude for the earth and its abundance and for those who work to extend this abundance to all. The USDA was established in 1862 under the authorization of President Abraham Lincoln, who understood the importance of agriculture and its related interests of food production, land use, and rural development to Americas success. Today, the USDA oversees several programs that assist lowincome Americans, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Diocesan Directors Spring Gathering Features Mark Schriver and Steve Rothschild
This years Hill Day coincided with CCUSAs Diocesan Directors Spring Gathering, and those directors in attendance were able to hear from two remarkable speakers. Mark Shriver talked to them about his new book, A Good Man. The book is a touching tribute to his father, Sargent Shriver, who led the 1960s War on Poverty during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration and who passed away from Alzheimers Disease in 2011. Mark Shriver is the senior vice president of US Programs at Save the Children, a key partner for CCUSA.
Joe Krygiel, CEO of Catholic Charities Atlanta (right), welcomed Representative Tom Price of Georgias 6th District (center), to the agencys offices to learn about a few of its poverty reduction programs.
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NewsNotes
Catholic Social Services of Charlotte Diocese Holds Appalachia Conference
Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Charlotte, NC sponsored its fifth Bishop Begley Conference on Appalachia (BBCA) on March 23 in Cherokee, NC. An ecumenical audience participated in workshops and sessions that focused on promoting sustainable agriculture and rural economic development in the area. The conference is held biennially by Catholic Social Services Offices of Justice and Peace and Economic Opportunity (OEO). Past conferences have addressed building financial literacy, strengthening ecumenical partnerships, and working for environmental justice in western North Carolina. Keynote presenter Jim Ennis, executive director of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, spoke on the connection of faith to sustainable agricultural practices and the role of the church in supporting rural livelihoods. Food served at the event came from local western North Carolina producers. Event participants engaged in an interactive panel discussion on western North Carolina sustainable farming and rural development projects and took part in a hands-on raised-bed garden demonstration project. The OEO also awarded five $3,000 Growing Opportunities Grants for sustainable agricultural projects in the four counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Swain and the Quallah Boundary (Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian).
highlighting the numerous programs and populations served by Cleveland Catholic Charities since 1912. In total, 100 stories will be told over 100 days through the website: http://clecatholicchar100.wordpress.com
Corporate philanthropy could learn much from the mutual benefits of the relationship Whirlpool has established with Samaritan Place, said Fr. Ragan Schriver, CCETN executive director. I am always gratified and often amazed at the dramatic changes one can see in both the giver and receiver when help is freely and joyfully offered.
As senior proms go, this one was a little different than most, but no group of teens could have enjoyed themselves more than the 55-plus crowd of Samaritan Place, a shelter and housing program for homeless seniors operated by Catholic Charities of East Tennessee (CCETN). Whirlpool Corporations Knoxville, TN, call center hosted the prom, dubbed Spring Fling, complete with a live DJ, hors doeuvres, prom pictures, and even a prom king and queen. Prior to the event, the group set up a formal wear shop, having gathered appropriate dresses, suits, and accessories for months; Samaritan Place residents were able to choose their prom outfits and other useful clothing items. Since last spring, the Whirlpool group has provided volunteer hours for building maintenance and improvement, hosted other parties and cookouts, and ensured that every resident had gifts for Christmas and Easter.
Most Reverend Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles, gave the keynote address at the recent Elizabeth Ann Seton Residence (EASR) grand opening, dedication, and blessing of two new buildings that will accommodate more families with children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the disabled who are homeless. The emergency shelter in Long Beach increases capacity from 40 persons to 56 persons. The state of California, the county of Los Angeles, the Weingart, Ahmanson, and Dan Murphy Foundations, and Century Housing all came together in this project so that even more people who are homeless can be assisted as they achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
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Charities of Maine volunteer Laurier Larry Lachance as Philanthropist of the Year for Central Maine. Lachances commitment to service has been a lifelong passion. He has been an active volunteer for 34 years and as a volunteer for Catholic Charities Maines SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) program, he has devoted countless hours to elderly clients with disabilities. Larry exemplifies the true spirit of Catholic Charities, he gives of himself with all his heart and soul and wants to see the elders in his community thrive, said Stephen P. Letourneau, CEO of Catholic Charities Maine. We are proud to count him among our ranks and thrilled to have him receive this honor.
Inc. site. With the help of the community Advisory Committee and Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program, two more community vegetable gardens have been planted and harvested: the Garden of Faith, organized and sustained by members of the parish of St. Annes Catholic Church, and the Garden of Hope, a community project of Good Samaritan Hospital. On April 21, the community gathered for the annual blessing of the soil at the Garden of Love and to celebrate Catholic Community Services successful efforts to raise community awareness of hunger and the need for an integrated, sustainable, and cost-effective response.
Rockland Agency and Partners Feed the Hungry through Community Gardens
Feeding the growing ranks of hungry people in Rockland County, NY, is a goal of Catholic Community Services of Rockland Inc., its executive director, Martha Robles, and a local community advisory committee that includes administrators, church pastors, educators, a nutritionist, master gardeners, and health care workers. The advisory committees plan is to develop and sustain community vegetable gardens in Rockland County and to bring the Rockland communities together to help their struggling neighbors. In 2008, the Haverstraw community began Rocklands first community vegetable garden, now called the Garden of Love, at the Catholic Community Services of Rockland,
The Tennessee Titans named Sue Hillman of Murfreesboro, TN, as the 2011 Titans Community Quarterback Award Winner. Hillman (above center) received the annual volunteer award during a special recognition luncheon on February 20, hosted by the Titans at LP Field West Club. In winning the award, Hillman also earned a $10,000 grant from Titans owner K.S. Bud Adams, Jr. and the Tennessee Titans Foundation for the non-profit organization she volunteers
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for, Catholic Charities of Tennessee and its Caring Choices Adoption and Pregnancy Counseling program. Hillman was specifically honored for the time and love she has provided to more than 100 babies from two days old to 12 months old for whom she has provided temporary foster care since 1990.
We are blessed to have this home in our diocese and blessed to be continuing this wonderful ministry.
come alone. It came with the resources, support, and manpower of the national Catholic Charities network. Catholic Charities USA mobilized immediately, sending emergency grant funds and volunteer visibility kits and, most importantly, national staff members who specialize in disaster response. CCUSA contacted other Catholic Charities agencies throughout the nation, who sent their disaster case managers and counselors to join us. Likewise, in a remarkable spirit of solidarity, the executive directors and staff from Catholic Charities of St. Louis and Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph rushed to the site and began working side by side with us. In addition, these Missouri agencies provided significant monetary support to aid us in responding to the immediate basic needs of those affected by the tornado. Other Catholic Charities agencies, Catholic dioceses, and parishes soon joined in. In short, the Catholic Charities network empowered CCSoMo to respond to overwhelming community needs in an efficient and effective manner. CCSoMo became the largest provider of case management services in the area, touching the lives of over 18,000 individuals in need. CCSoMo now employs a staff of 31, continues to provide long-term recovery services, and is also heavily involved in the repair and rebuilding of homes in the area damaged by tornados and floods. Further, the agency has opened three additional offices and is focusing on building family strengthening programs to reach the chronically poor.
CSS of Wayne County Receives Grant from Arab American Philanthropy Initiative
Catholic Social Services of Wayne County (CSSWC), based in Detroit, MI, received a grant from the Center for Arab American Philanthropys Teen Grantmaking Initiative to support its Teen Empowerment Program. This grant will provide support for CSSWCs annual teen career workshops and fair scheduled for April 3 and 4, 2013.
To say that Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri (CCSoMo) had an eventful year is an understatement. One year ago, CCSoMo was a new Catholic Charities agency, just starting out with a total of two employees. Then, on May 22, 2011, everything changed. A massive EF-5 tornado (the scales most intense) struck Joplin, MO, taking 161 lives and destroying over 8,000 homes and businesses. The Catholic community, parishes, pastors, and volunteers sprang into action, and the small CCSoMo staff hurried to join them. But CCSoMo did not
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sion of our agency and of Catholic Charities Bureau than those of us who are hired to teach them employment and life skills, observed Thornton. The people we serve have taken what theyve learned here and have gone out in the community, and through their work, their social contacts, their modeling of basic human goodness, have taught so many non-disabled people the value of tolerance, good humor, and positive thinking.
Catholic Charities of West Tennessee (CCWTN) hosted its second annual ROSS distribution for refugee families on Holy Thursday morning, April 5. Bags of Rice, Oil, Salt, and Sugarall food staples of the refugee communitywere donated, assembled, and distributed by students of local Catholic schools along with staff from CCWTN and the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. Over 100 refugee families gathered at a local apartment complex where many were first settled upon their arrival in Memphis. They received the gift bags of food, a Happy Easter greeting, and an umbrella escort as the rains began to fall. Since 1975, CCWTN has resettled over 7,000 refugees in the West Tennessee area.
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experts, and business, faith, and community leaders. She secured $300,000 for the campaign over two years. Following SUSV, she served as division director of Community Development and Advocacy, supervising CalFresh Outreach Public Policy, a 1000-member volunteer program and disaster preparedness programs for the region.
es addressing the counseling, health care needs, employment skills, education, and supportive services required to maximize the likelihood of each homeless veteran successfully transitioning back to family and the community. St. Michaelss will be built on a 22-acre site near the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Kansas City and will include 180 single occupancy permanent and transitional housing units, comprehensive supportive and employment services, and an Armed Forces Garden of Honor. Catholic Charities will provide services in collaboration with community partners.
Catholic Charities Jackson was the beneficiary of $90,000 raised through the 14th Annual USTA $25,000 Womens Challenger tournament hosted by River Hills Tennis Club in Jackson, MS, April 1-8. Major sponsors of the event were C Spire Foundation, NS2NeuroSpine, TelPak, and St. Dominics Health Services, a faith-based nonprofit health system started by the Dominican sisters in 1946. The weeklong event hosted pros from all over the world. This years winner was Heidi El Tabakh from Canada. The event also featured a three-day Pro-Am tournament, with players being mostly physicans from St. Dominics. Over 950 people attended the event.
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Calendar
2012 Trainings & Events Date
June 24-30 July 21-22 September 30 - October 2 October 12-13 October 21-24 October 22-26 November 2-3
Meeting
Leadership Institute International Catholic AIDS Pre-Conference Annual Gathering Parish Social Ministry Regional Training From Mission to ServicePart II Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence Parish Social Ministry Regional Training
Location
Adrian, MI Washington, DC St. Louis, MO St. Cloud, MN South Bend, IN Citrus Heights, CA Milwaukee, WI
Contact
Troy Zeigler (703) 236-6239 Jane Stenson (703) 236-6237 Amy Stinger (703) 236-6227 Tina Baldera (703) 236-6233 Troy Zeigler (703) 236-6239 Fani Cruz (703) 236-6225 Tina Baldera (703) 236-6233
Designed in-house by CCUSAs Creative Services Team? Printed on an economical paper stock? Sized and organized to get maximum use of the press sheet paper we purchase? Printed by a press that is wind powered, uses recycled paper, and soy based inks?
Dont be fooled by the quality look of Charities USA. We are committed to using our funds in the most cost-efficient way possible so that we can forward our work to reduce poverty in America.
Discover the warmth and hospitality from the National Office staff, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis staff and volunteers, and the community of St. Louis, MO.