Catholic Charities USA supports a number of special initiatives that further the work and mission of the Catholic Charities network.
Justice for Newcomers: A Call for Solidarity and Reform
At this year's Annual Gathering, Catholic Charities USA members will be taking part in a new annual process that will engage them in setting social policy for Catholic Charities USA. In a special session on Saturday, Sept. 17, members will gather to discuss and ratify a policy statement on immigration reform. Newcomers: A Call for Solidarity and Reform challenges all of us to look at our work in new and different ways and to rededicate ourselves to the work of justice on behalf of newcomers to this country.
2007 Family Strengthening Award Program
A partnership of Catholic Charities USA and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the program recognizes Catholic Charities USA member agencies and affiliates for outstanding programs that help give children what they need most -- strong, capable, and economically successful families.
Children Trafficking
The Board of Catholic Charities USA has identified trafficking as one or the organization's top priorities. The victims of this type of trafficking are perhaps the most vulnerable for whom Catholic Charities has a preference. Children from all economic levels, lured, abducted and brutalized, when discovered, require a variety of services, some of which are very specialized because of the trauma of their experiences.
Adoption Awareness Campaign
To help Catholic Charities agencies educate the public, especially young women, about the quality pregnancy, parenting, and adoption services offered by Catholic Charities agencies, Catholic Charities USA has developed a comprehensive campaign, which includes ad materials and brochures. The campaign also emphasizes Catholic Charities' expertise and solid reputation in adoption services.
Children's Health MattersTM
In partnership with six Catholic health care institutions, Catholic Charities USA sponsors an advocacy and enrollment project that helps uninsured children receive the medical care they need. Catholic Charities USA supports local agencies in enrolling eligible children and advocating for simplified enrollment procedures and increased access to the State Children's Health Insurance Programs.
HUD Housing Counseling Program
Catholic Charities USA directs the multi-agency Housing Counseling Program, which is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the program, housing counselors in more than 40 Catholic Charities agencies are trained to provide homebuyer education, mortgage delinquency and reverse mortgage counseling, relocation counseling, and other services.
JustFaith
JustFaith is an extended justice education/formation program that provides an opportunity for parishioners to study and be formed by the justice tradition articulated by the Scriptures, the Church's historical witness, and Catholic social teaching. Catholic Charities USA's Parish Social Ministry Section sponsors introductory workshops and support services to parishes participating in JustFaith.
Medicare Information and Resources
The Medicare program is rolling out expanded coverage with the addition of the prescription drug program for which Medicare beneficiaries will be eligible to apply for beginning November 15, 2005 and that will go into effect January 1, 2006. Special attention is being made to giving low income Medicare and Medicaid recipients’ ample time and resources to consider the extra help that is available to them. Starting in May of this year, the Social Security Administration began sending special letters to low income persons who qualify for up to 100% coverage of the cost of their medicine. Many other low income individuals may also qualify for partial assistance towards the cost of their medications. Catholic Charities agencies can serve as an important resource for individuals who may qualify for partial assistance but will need to formally apply to receive the benefit.
Provided within this link are a series of resources and fact sheets that explain the benefit, timelines as well as a sample of the low income subsidy application. Please make use of the resources to assist low income seniors and disabled receive these needed benefits.
Ministering Together
Minitering Together is an effort to enhance collaboration between Catholic institutions and parishes to better address community concerns. Launched in 1996 under its previous title, New Covenant, Ministering Together encourages these institutions to explore avenues that support a more holistic approach to care.
Multifamily Transitional Housing Loan Guarantee Program - A Partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs
Developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and utilized by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago to develop their new St. Leo’s Campus, this exciting program enables the local Catholic Charities agency experienced in housing development to provide transitional housing to local homeless vets. Click the title above to access the webinar recorded on May 24, 2007.
National Awareness Campaign
Catholic Charities USA oversees a national media campaign to raise awareness of the work and contributions of the Catholic Charities network and to encourage the Catholic public and others to volunteer and donate funds.
Parish Social Ministry
Catholic Charities USA works with its members to support parish social ministry: the empowerment of the parish as the people of God to fulfill the Church's mission of love, justice, freedom, and peace by communally responding in an organized way to societal and individual human needs.
Racial Equality and Diversity
The Office of Racial Equality and Diversity assists local agencies in eliminating institutional racism and building inclusive environments that engage diverse people, organizations, and communities.
Spirituality in the Workplace
Spirituality in the Workplace is a series of reflections/prayers to be used internally in Catholic Charities agencies. Agency staffs meet in small groups for shared prayer, individual reflection, and group discussion. People of all faiths can use this ecumenical program.
