Providing Help. Creating Hope. Serving All. |
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"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, You would walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.” "During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." – from Footprints in the Sand
Many of the individuals who come to Catholic Charities have felt like they are walking alone. Know that you, our donors, supporters, and friends, through the Grace of God, have been helping to carry these individuals with your generosity, compassion, and prayers. As St. Teresa of Avila wrote: “Christ has no body now on earth but yours… Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good… Yours are the eyes which he looks compassion on this world.”
As you are aware, the COVID-19 cases are surging again! Sadly, many children and families in our community will continue to struggle. The need is growing exponentially. As of January 23, 2021, Catholic Charities distributed over 2.3 million pounds of food to nearly 200,000 individuals in need.
Please hear God’s call today to open your heart and share hope. We need you to continue to be the eyes, hands and feet of Christ to those in need, until they are able to survive, thrive and walk again on their own. The second round of stimulus checks has been delivered to many individuals in the US. If you can spare part of or your entire stimulus check, please consider donating to Catholic Charities. As you may know, 93 cents of every dollar you donate goes to those in need.
Because of Catholic Charities and your generous support, our neighbors are never, ever alone, especially during these most trying times. Thank you and God Bless you.
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Chandler isn't like most 5-year-olds. According to her mom, Renee, she's a protector and a provider. And without Chandler’s help, many children in Lee County wouldn’t have had a Christmas this year.
In the last two years, Chandler and her family donated toys to Catholic Charities Christmas Wish Lists. But this year, Chandler had bigger plans.
As part of a school reward where she was principal for the day, Chandler began her endeavor by asking her classmates to donate what they could. Her classmates donated over $400 and 30 gifts.
“It was incredible. We didn’t realize what an impact she was going to make. This was all her.” Renee said.
Renee is proud to be Chandler’s mom. She never figured her daughter’s wish to help families in need this Christmas would attract the attention it did.
Once she got started, Chandler didn't stop. She asked family, friends, and neighbors to help her mission. People nationwide sent money to Chandler, so she could buy gifts for other children. Some also sent gifts for Chandler to give.
“It just started to snowball effect, and when I did the final number and realized we were over $4,000, it was magical,” Renee said. “It was how Christmas feels.”
Chandler’s original goal was to buy bicycles for kids who wanted one and thanks to her, every child that asked for a bike received one. More than 400 kids found a gift under the tree because of Chandler's kind heart.
“She was able to help them and give the parents peace of mind this Christmas and to warm their hearts,” Renee said. “That’s just special.”
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Catholic Charities recently received a $30,000 grant from The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation assuring safe housing for migrant families in Hendry and Glades Counties.
Unfortunately, many farmworker families are still living in homes in desperate need of repairs after Hurricane Irma damaged their homes. The Assuring Safe Housing project will provide mobile home repairs for low-income migrant farmworkers in Hendry and Glades counties.
“This timely support from The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation will allow Catholic Charities to make needed repairs to the home,” states CEO Philomena Pereira. “The conditions of these homes in underserved counties are unbelievable. We will restore them so that our farmworker families can live in a safe home, restoring their dignity.”
Hendry and Glades are some of the most distressed counties in the state. Both counties have some of the highest poverty rates in the State of Florida, Hendry County being the highest at 27%. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened the economic challenges for families, forcing many to make increasingly difficult choices between things like food or basic housing needs. Low-income, struggling residents in Hendry and Glades counties depend on organizations such as Catholic Charities to help fill gaps in basic needs, including shelter.
“This generous gift will not only help our clients rehabilitate their homes, but also restore a sense of security and hope in their lives,” stated Paulina Matias, Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery Program Director.
The Assuring Safe Housing project will serve as an expansion of the current CCDOV Disaster Recovery Program, which over the last two years, developed an efficient system to identify families in need, secure needed repairs, and deliver services to people in a way that respects their dignity and their culture.
For more information about Catholic Charities Disaster Recovery Program, Contact Paulina Matias
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Mental Health Program Helps Teenager During the Pandemic |
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James is a 16-year-old honors student who became housebound and had to stop his normal activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, James started to experience anxiety and have panic attacks. Additionally, he felt “out of control” and was having difficulty sleeping. His behavior started to impact his surroundings. He began yelling at people and having conflicts with family and friends.
James started tele-mental health therapy with Catholic Charities to help him during this time. His therapist used techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation and breathing exercises to help James reduce his anxiety levels.
During his video sessions, James was able to demonstrate an increasing ability to manage his anxiety and resume his excellent school performance.
When James graduated from therapy, his anxiety levels were low, and he was able to think more adaptatively. James was also back to normal sleep patterns and had eliminated conflict with his family.
Recently, James took a college entrance exam. While using the tools he learned in therapy, James was able to decrease his anxiety. During the test, he was able to focus, and he tested well. James continues to study and work at a part-time job. He’s saving money to buy a car and wants to apply for college in New York.
For more information about Catholic Charities Mental Health Servies, Contact Geralyn Poletti
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Catholic Charities Ball
Feb 13, 2021
Join us for a 4-Course Wine Dinner and Auction at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in support of the Catholic Charities programs and services in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties.
For More Infomation, please call Hilles Hughes at 941-909-7817 or Click Here
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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, an auction, and more.
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Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice | Website
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