Catholic Charities News Archives
Catholic Charities Receives Strategic Impact Grant
Catholic Charities will participate in a community investment program which will work to address complex social issues such as lack of accessible and affordable healthcare, youth development and educational success, and financial support and independence for low-income individuals and families.
Young Parents Succeed Program Looking for Mentors
Would you like to make a lasting impact in the life of a young parent? Get involved with Catholic Charities’ new “Young Parents Succeed” mentoring program that focuses on improving parenting and life skills in young single parents.
FREE Parenting Program available to Single Parents ages 16-25
FREE Services. Catholic Charities now has open enrollment for its newest program, Young Parents Succeed.
Catholic Charities Seeks Nominations for Regional Advisory Council Members
Catholic Charities requests nominations to create two advisory councils to meet the need for expanded program services.
One Advisory Council will support programs serving the Temple and Northern Deaneries and the second Advisory Council will help Catholic Charities plan services for the Brazos Valley Deanery. Catholics from parishes within these Deaneries are encouraged to apply.
Catholic Charities Recognized for Non-profit Organization Leadership
Catholic Charities of Central Texas honored by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service in the community.
2008 Providing HELP Creating HOPE Luncheon a Huge Success
Catholic Charities hosted its 2nd. Annual Providing Help Creating Hope Fundraiser Luncheon on April 29, 2008. The event was attended by more than 800 individuals and sponsors and raised an estimated $70,000 in proceeds.
See event pictures
Make Poverty Awareness Personal this Month
With the average cost of oil and fuel projected to be higher than last year\'s and winter weather necessitating higher energy bills, families across the country must choose between buying food and paying bills or puchasing much needed medicines.
Keynote Speaker Announced for 2008 Providing Help Creating Hope Luncheon
Linda Schaefer will be the Keynote Speaker for the 2008 Providing Help Creating Hope Fundraiser Luncheon.
She is a photojournalist and author of “Come and See”, a pictorial and written account of her time spent with Blessed Mother Teresa in Calcutta, India.
Providing HELP. Creating HOPE Fundraiser Luncheon
April 29, 2008
11am - 1pm
Hilton Downtown Austin
500 East 4th Street
Austin, Texas
Organize a Food Drive to Benefit Needy Families
Please help families in need by organizing a food drive to benefit needy families in your area.
Forecasted Recession Prompts New Workshops Focused on Employment Preparedness
Catholic Charities offers the New Horizons Workshop Series that helps families freshen up their resumes and fine tune their job searching and interviewing skills.
Staggering Number of Uninsured Individuals Poses Consequences for Everyone
47 million Americans are living without health insurance, including more than 9 million children. Texas leads the nation in the number of individuals who do not have health care coverage, with nearly 25% of its total population currently uninsured.
SUCCESS STORY - Ana's Story
The Young Parents Succeed Program of Catholic Charities is happy to share one of its newest success stories.
Ana is a 16 year old mother of two recently completed the Young Parents Succeed Program of Catholic Charities.
Read Ana's Story
Pope Benedict XVI speaks about charity during his address to participants in the Assembly of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue on June 7, 2008.
\"Charity is not a kind of welfare activity which could equally well be left to others, but is a part of her [the Catholic Church\'s] nature, an indispensable expression of her very being\" (Deus Caritas Est, 25).
Catholic Charities Providing Assistance to those affected by Hurricane Gustav and Ike
The Diocese of Austin, working through Catholic Charities of Central Texas, is providing assistance to those affected by Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. A range of services are available to the most vulnerable families such as those without insurance, the elderly and the disabled, along with families who can not access FEMA or other community resources. Read more...
READ: Meeting the Needs of Hurricane Evacuees, Donations Still Needed
READ: Stories and Comments
PHOTOS: Recovery
Want to help?
Need Help?
Hurricane Ike - Stories and Comments
Meeting the Needs of Hurricane Evacuees, Donations Still Needed
Gilbert Tuhabonye: 2009 Annual Spring Luncheon Keynote Speaker
Catholic Charities is honored to have Gilbert Tuhabonye as the Keynote Speaker for the 3rd Annual Spring Luncheon in Austin, Texas. He is a champion track runner, coach, and author of This Voice in My Heart.
This unique story recounts Gilbert\'s journey of FAITH from one of the most horrible massacres in Burundi during the tragic Tutsi – Hutu war to hero in his adopted homeland, Austin.
Please join us at the 2009 Annual Spring Luncheon to hear this inspirational story, full of grace, faith, and dignity.
Jacqueline\'s Story
JR\'s Story
Ernest\'s Story
January is Poverty Awarness Month
Today, 37.3 million Americans—and 1 in 6 children (that’s 18 percent of all American children)-are living below the poverty line. They live in families who are of necessity making hard choices between food, health care, heat and rent. To bring attention to this national crisis, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has designated January as “Poverty in America Awareness Month.”
During this special month of observance, Catholic Charities of Central Texas devotes its efforts to heightening the Central Texas communities’ understanding of the breadth and depth of the problems of poverty.
Did You Know? In Texas….
- The percentage of children who live in low-income working families is 43%, ranking the state 47th in the nation;
- 46% of low-income working families have at least one parent without a high school degree and 64 percent have at least one parent without any post-secondary education;
- 50% of minority working families are low-income; and
- 56% of families have housing costs greater than one-third of income.
Source: Center for Public Policy Priorities. Read: Policy Report, Poverty 101.
Make Poverty Awareness Personal This Month.
- Take the Poverty Tour - Video.
- Take the Food Stamp Challenge.
- Living Wage Calculator.
- Read - Complete enrollment assistance outreach schedule.
- Read - Texas Leads Nation in Uninsured Individuals
- Read - SUCCESS STORY - Access for Central Texans - Karina\'s Story
- Read Americorps members comments.
- Americorps jobs at Catholic Charities.
- Application process and benefits
- Find a location nearest you.
- Request an intake worker at your location.
Click here for more information
Additional Links:
Read about the Catholic Charities Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America.
Statewide Catholic Charities and Justice Advocacy Day @ the Capital
Statewide Catholic Charities and Justice Advocacy Day @ the Capital
February 17, 2009 9am -3pm
Texas State Capital
Help a mother by honoring yours this mother’s day!
Mothers are served daily at Catholic Charities of Central Texas through many of our direct service programs including: Immigration Legal Services; Angel of Hope food pantry; Access to health care such as CHIP and Medicaid; Young Parents Succeed life skills program; and case management services.
Can you help answer a mother\'s prayer and donate in honor or in memory of your own mother?
Volunteers Needed to help with the Catholic Charities Summer Lunch Program
Catholic Charities of Central Texas and Mobile Loaves and Fishes are partnering to deliver one thousand lunches to children in need this summer.
Your help is needed.
Becoming an organ donor
Catholic Charities of Central Texas is working with Donate Life Texas to promote and bring awareness of registering Hispanics and others to become an organ, tissue, and eye donor. Read more on how you can participate.
Reflections on Poverty and Justice: Answering the Voice of the Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, and open our hearts, minds, and souls to your presence. Grace us with the strength to follow the examples of Jesus. Like Jesus, may the Spirit provide us with a voice to cry out for justice for the poor. Remind us that what we do to the least of those among us, we do to you.
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Answering the Voice of the Spirit
Resources:
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing - Eligibility Guidelines
This Christmas, Give Hope
Catholic Charities - Hope for Haiti Fundraiser - A BIG HIT - Jan. 23rd
Many thanks to the bands who donated their time and talent for this wonderful cause. And to our friends and neighbors who stopped by to enjoy the music. Check out the event photos.
Chris Earthman elected President of the Board of Directors; 7 New Board Members Added from Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Waco
Tue Sep 15, 2009 -
Reflections on Hope Project
September 30th Deadline Approaches for the \'Reflections on Hope’ Project
Parishioners Spread the Message of Help and Hope through the Reflections on Hope Project of Catholic Charities.
The Catholic Charities of Central Texas’ \"Reflections on Hope\" project has received an overwhelming response from residents of the Diocese of Austin. Since the project launched on June 1st, people from all over the Diocese of Austin have submitted touching and inspirational narratives that answer the question, “What does hope mean to you?”
SUCCESS STORY - Access for Central Texans - Karina\'s Story
An Access for Central Texans Success Story, a program of Catholic Charities.
Read Karina\'s Story
Sister\'s Christmas Catechism Showing at the Long Center - 12/1 - 12/20
A portion of the proceeds benefiting Catholic Charities when you use the promotional code \"HOPE\" to purchase a ticket to the Sister\'s Christmas Catechism, the newest Christmas comedy which runs from Dec. 1st-20th at the Long Center for the performing arts.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FAMILIES IN HAITI
We extend our prayers and concerns to all those who have been so tragically impacted by this disaster. We are encouraging donations to be made directly to Catholic Relief Service, the international response agency of the Roman Catholic Church, so that they can respond to this terrible disaster.”
Designating Your United Way Donation
Does your company administer an annual United Way Campaign? Your donation can help Catholic Charities grow and expand services in the Diocese of Austin!
Helping Catholic Charities Does not Have to Cost You Time or Money!
Are you on a tight budget but would like to help Catholic Charities of Central Texas provide services such as food pantry services for the needy, Thanks Giving and Christmas giveaway meals for the homeless and hungry, emergency utility and rental assistance for low income families?
The Randall\'s Good Neighbor Program is the program for you. Through this program you can help raise funds and it won\'t cost you a penny! Randall\'s simply matches a percentage of the total price of the groceries you purchase!
Account number - GNP Charity #286
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Catholic Charities encourages everyone to take the time to reflect on the devastating and far-reaching impact that domestic violence has on individuals, families, workplaces and communities.
Season for Caring Charitable Campaign Kicks Off: Features Catholic Charities Family
Catholic Charities of Central Texas is participating in the Austin American-statesman’s ninth annual Season for Caring Charitable Campaign. Families who are featured in the Season for Caring Charitable Campaign have faced extraordinary adversity-medical crises, hunger, abuse, poverty and
homelessness. Look at their faces. Listen to their voices and hear their desire to just make ends meet.
Take a few minutes to get to know our family who is struggling for self-sufficiency.
Outreach Events - State Benefits Enrollment Assistance
On site and one-on-one benefits enrollment assistance is available to anyone needing assistance with their enrollement or renewal applications for
-CHIP
-CHIP Perinatal
-Medicare
-Long-term Case Management
-Food Stamps
Outreach Events - Immigration Legal Services Events
Catholic Charities provides general information about Immigration Law through outreach events, workshops, and general intake sessions. View the complete schedule of events.
Stories from Vulnerable Families in Your Neighborhood
Here are their stories. Poverty never takes a holiday.
Stories:
Online Donation Page Under Construction
The online donation webpage is temporarily under construction. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Print and mail the donation form.
Angels of Hope Brazos Valley Golf Tournament A Great Success
Thank you to the players and sponsors who participated in the inaugural Angels of Hope Brazos Valley Golf Tournament. The event raised more than $20,000.
Congratulations to the winners:
And congratulations to Lilia Lucio, parishioner of Santa Teresa Parish in Bryan, who won a diamond necklace donated by Montelongo’s Jewelry of College Station.
See event pictures
Benefits Enrollment Workshops
Catholic Charities has partnered with the Capital Area Food Bank, and The Basic Needs Coalition to provide workshops to social workers, volunteers, and parish social ministers who would like to learn how to assist their clients in enrolling for CHIP, Medicaid, SNAP food assistance and other programs.
The benefits enrollment workshops continue this month. Click on the heading to view the workshop schedule.
We need you...and once you see what we are doing to help our neighbors in need, I hope you will say you need us, too!
Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Services added in Waco and Central Texas
Nearly $1.6 Million in combined Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Services added; serving 15 counties.
Catholic Charities of Central Texas, collaborated with four central Texas non profit organizations to secure more than $1.6 million in total combined funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding will provide homeless prevention and rapid re-housing services to families in urban and rural counties that have been affected by the recent economy.
Although Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing funds, created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, have been awarded to numerous organizations all over central Texas, only a small fraction have been allocated for populations in rural areas. The strong collaborations between Catholic Charities and local service providers in the Austin and Waco area were integral in securing a hefty portion of the funding for rural families who have been historically under served.
More Information
January is Poverty in America Awareness Month
To bring attention to this national crisis, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has designated January as “Poverty in America Awareness Month.”
During this special month of observance, Catholic Charities of Central Texas devotes its efforts to heightening the Central Texas communities’ understanding of the breadth and depth of the problems of poverty.
Pope Affirms the Church Won\'t Abandon the Poor
From VATICAN CITY, FEB. 14, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI Visited Don Luigi di Liegro shelter run by Caritas in Rome, Recalls Christ\'s Identification With the Impoverished.
Click on the heading to read more.
Catholic Charities Joins Broad National Campaign to Cut Poverty in Half by 2020
OTHER EVENTS AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Featured Event
Faith Runs Deep - 3rd Annual Spring Luncheon
Thanks to the generose contributions of sponsors and event attendees, the Catholic Charities 3rd Annual Spring Luncheon - Faith Runs Deep, was a huge success!
The event raised $100,000 which will benefit families in need.
More than 600 people attended the event.
Now accepting Americorps Applications
Catholic Charities is accepting new applications for the 2009-2010 program year. Duration is June 1, 2009 - May 31, 2010.
Online Tribute Published; Memorializes Construction Workers
Maxum Development and the management team of 21 Rio Apartments in Austin have published an online memorial for the three men who lost their lives on June 10, 2009 in a construction accident while working on the high-rise apartment building.
Donations to the families can be made in care of Catholic Charities at 1817 E. 6th St Austin, TX 78702. Click here to print or download the donation form.
Catholic Charities of Central Texas Statement on HealthCare
Fri Jul 31, 2009 - UPDATE: Catholic Charities Statment on Health Care - PDF Letter
SNAP Food Benefit Amounts to Increase in April
Texans receiving SNAP food benefits, formerly known as food stamps, will see an increase in their monthly allotments beginning in April as a result of the federal stimulus package.
For Families/ Individuals
A friendly Catholic Charities representatives can help you with the entire application process.
For Social Workers/ Service Providers
Catholic Charities representatives are also available to conduct intakes at most service provider locations, depending on the county.