Story - May 13, 2020 - Social distancing may be a good way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it also can wreak havoc on one’s mental health. Other life changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic also can contribute to bouts of stress and anxiety, according to mental health professionals. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s…

Story - February 6, 2020 - Five years have passed since Pope Francis released Laudato Sí (LS), perhaps the most heralded piece of Catholic Social Teaching since Rerum Novarum. What is perhaps most intriguing about LS is that it makes explicit Francis’ perspective on theological method and methodology. Francis’ methodological preference is made clear when he states twice: “Realities are more…

Story - November 1, 2018 - In 2012, in response to the tragedy of five youths dying by suicide, staff at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City (CCAOKC) decided to establish a suicide prevention program for the community using a trauma-informed care approach. Amy Shipman, director of counseling, and Aimee Ryan, director of social work, were part of the…

Story - July 30, 2019 - When Dora and Steve gained temporary custody of their three granddaughters, they were relieved. They hoped to be able to provide a measure of stability for the girls, who had very little stability in their lives because their mother suffered from the disease of addiction and was eventually incarcerated. “Surely,” thought Dora and Steve, “It’s…

News - July 15, 2016 - Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), along with a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the affordable housing realm, urged members of the Senate to pass the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA). The legislation is an important step forward to address a number of significant items that have enjoyed consensus over the years. There is more to…

Story - January 5, 2018 - The Great Recession was beginning to tighten its grip in this chronically struggling region. With fewer immigrants seeking services, the leadership of Catholic Charities San Diego (CCSD) wrestled with how to keep the office open that served them. Today, the El Centro immigration office is the busiest of the four sites that Catholic Charities operates…

News - December 18, 2015 - Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD, President & CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), speaking on behalf of Catholic Charities member agencies and the many people struggling with poverty whom Catholic Charities serve, welcomed the agreement on the tax extenders package and year end omnibus appropriations bills. “The fact that the tax extenders package passed with…

Story - October 29, 2018 - As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) looks back on the many and varied ways the Catholic Charities ministry has served people’s housing needs. Ever since 1910, when the ministry established its network of local agencies and national office – now known as CCUSA – housing…

Story - January 16, 2020 - By Kimbery Nix Lawrence Asking for help is hard. It’s humbling and often humiliating. For those most in need in our society, the traditional model of providing financial assistance or case management is often transactional, cold and ineffective. Rather than motivating people to keep going, the traditional process often makes people feel helpless and hopeless.…

Story - December 1, 2021 - By Ryan Eades Innovative member agency program seeks to break the cycle of poverty  As a cleaning professional for six years, Sylvia Sanchez Enciso had gotten used to working into the evenings, missing her children’s soccer practices and working on weekends. “I would work until 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday,” Sylvia says. “Often, I would work weekends too, at least Saturday.”   Her…

Story - June 1, 2021 - By Kat Kelley, MSW, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Catholic Charities of Oregon The humanitarian crisis on the southern U.S. border has garnered national and international attention over the last few years. Images of unaccompanied minors in massive congregate shelters and young families traumatized and weary after crossing multiple international borders – often on foot – have…

Story - May 6, 2016 - Carol started caring for her mother-in-law, Marie, who was nearly 90 years old and showing signs of dementia. Still, despite her short-term memory loss, Marie remained intelligent and eager for social engagement. “It was hard for me to keep her busy every day,” says Carol. Seeing a flyer for Day Break Cares adult day center,…