Fall News
Providing Help. Creating Hope. Serving All
Covid-19 Impact Report
In these past eight months, Catholic Charities has been striving to keep food on the table, roofs over our neighbors' heads, and help people find hope during crisis. We have adapted to the changing times in all of our 36 programs by leveraging technology to serve our clients safely.

We have distributed well over ONE MILLION pounds of food to 127,571 individuals, helped thousands of people through tele-mental health services and have provided financial assistance to over 800 families. Thank you to our tireless staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners for their support in these efforts!

By embracing this new world, we have creatively utilized technology, while adhering to health and safety protocols, Catholic Charities has been able to provide help, create hope, and serve all despite the barriers caused by the pandemic.

Thank You ALL for your generosity and support now and always!
The UnBall: Stop Human Trafficking
It’s not in the shadows or in faraway nations. It happens in plain sight in OUR COMMUNITY.

Join us virtually for a special event to raise awareness and stop modern day slavery. Our program will feature a survivor-leader sharing her inspirational story and you will learn how you can make an impact.

We have several auction items to bid on including some amazing trips, wine pull and once in a lifetime experiences! Bidding Opens on Thursday, October 29th!

We hope you'll join us on Thursday, November 12th 2020 at 7pm to Stop Human Trafficking!
Rapid Rehousing Grant Awarded in Lee County
Catholic Charities is excited and grateful to have been awarded an $890,000 Rapid Re-housing grant from the Lee County CARES Act. This grant will allow Catholic Charities to support homeless individuals and families, victims of domestic abuse, unaccompanied youth (18-24), and veterans in Lee County.

Housing fulfills a basic human need for shelter and contributes to the well-being of both parents and children. The Rapid Re-housing and Homeless Prevention Program fulfills this basic human need by quickly connecting and empowering persons who are homeless, or about to become homeless, to permanent housing through a tailored system of care including support services, rental assistance, and case management focused on housing stability.

Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention is a new endeavor for Catholic Charities and we look forward to this new chapter and are replicating this effort across all ten of our counties.

To learn more about the Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention program, please contact Kristy Santana
Student Thrives Thanks to St. Martha's Early Learning Center
St. Martha's Early Learning Center recently received an update from a parent of a former student.

As parents, our experience at St. Martha's Early Learning Center was wonderful! I remember our daughter’s first day going to school as a three-year-old. She came home saying she loved school, and she has loved school ever since.

At St. Martha's there is an open-door policy, awesome curriculum, structure, and amazing teachers. This program changed our life tremendously. Our daughter was well prepared for Kindergarten, mentally and physically, and she has above-average test results. Thank you!

We love hearing from parents of graduates of St. Martha's about their child's experience and progress. Our teachers are committed to offering a safe environment where all our children can grow, learn, and play.

For more information about St. Martha's Early Learning Center, please contact Jamie Van Dyke
Catholic Charities USA Marks 110 Years
For more than a century, Catholic Charities USA has dedicated itself to providing important social services and responding to the needs of the poor and vulnerable across the United States.

On September 25, Bishop Frank J. Dewane celebrated Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice for the Catholic Charities USA 110th Anniversary Mass which was streamed live across our country using Facebook and YouTube. Messages of support and gratitude were posted on Facebook from across the country as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont, Texas, and even Puerto Rico.

The celebration began with opening remarks from Sister Donna Markham, President, and CEO of CCUSA, as well as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and President of Caritas Internationalis, a global Catholic charity.

Catholic Charities USA is the national office which, through its advocacy and disaster relief programs, is making tangible progress toward better serving and loving our neighbors across the country.
Disaster Recovery Helps Mom in Need
Catholic Charities recently met Rosemarie, a college student and single mother of a five year old son, who applied to the Disaster Recovery program for assistance with rent. She had applied for help from many other organizations, but because she lives in Hendry County, a rural area, help was hard to find.

Rosemarie had been counting on her student loans to help her cover living expenses, but when her school closed due to COVID-19, she was left without resources. Her father typically sends her money to help her pay rent, but he was laid off due to the virus and couldn't help.

Fortunately, the Disaster Recovery team was able to assist with paying two months' rent. Rosemarie and her son do not have to worry they may become homeless anymore.

We are proud to be able to help people in need. If you need rent or utility assistance, please contact our Financial Assistance Program.
Upcoming Events
Undy Sunday - The Month of October
Catholic Charities will be collecting underwear (sizes 2 to 10, small sizes preferred) and socks for low income children in elementary & charter schools in Collier County though the month of October.

The UnBall: Stop Human Trafficking
Nov 12, 2020, 7pm
Join us virtually on Thursday, November 12, for an hour-long event to raise awareness about human trafficking and stop MODERN DAY SLAVERY.

Nancy Kerrigan Lunch - Sold Out
Nov 18, 2020
Superstar and 2 time Olympic Medalist, Nancy Kerrigan will join us to speak about her life and career. The luncheon is Hosted by Champagne Tennis and will benefit Our Mother’s House.

Catholic Charities Ball
Feb 13, 2021
Join us for a 4-Course Wine Dinner and Auction at Selby Gardens in support of the Catholic Charities programs and services in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto Counties.
For More Infomation, please call 941-909-7817

Our Mother's House Fundraiser
Feb 25, 2021
Our Mother’s House is hosting a Virtual Fundraiser to support the mothers and babies we serve. Join us for a night of interactive fun in support of Our Mother’s House with wine, auction and more. For More Info email Our Mother's House at omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org