Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have the light of life, says the Lord. Jn 8:12

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Highlights from CCUSA

Check out CCUSA's new podcast “Charities at Work”

CCUSA has a new podcast: “Charities at Work." It can be accessed on the CCUSA website as well as the following podcast platforms: Google Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify. “Charities at Work” will focus on the work and mission of the Catholic Charities ministry in the United States, both the national office (CCUSA) and local agencies. Topics regarding the Catholic faith in general will also be featured. The first seven episodes of “Charities at Work” will explore the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching as outlined by the USCCB: 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person; 2. Solidarity; 3. Care for Creation; 4. Call to Family, Community, and Participation; 5. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; 6. Rights and Responsibilities; and 7. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers. See the CCUSA website for more information on each episode and the guest speakers.

Important news about Catholic Charities USA's 2020 Annual Gathering

Out of concern for everyone’s safety and health, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) has decided to CANCEL the 2020 Annual Gathering in Cleveland scheduled to take place October 27-30. This was a very difficult but necessary decision we had to make. While the in-person event is cancelled, CCUSA is working on a virtual, online professional development experience that will be rolled out over the next several months. This includes information regarding CCUSA's Social Innovation Award! In addition, we hope you will SAVE THE DATE as we are planning a virtual celebration on Friday, September 25, 2020, commemorating the 110th anniversary of CCUSA's founding. Please stay tuned for email updates as details are confirmed. You can also reach out to us at [email protected] with any event-related questions.

Video pitches from nine finalists in CCUSA Innovation Challenge 

We are excited to share the 90-second “Big Idea” video pitches from our nine finalists in the CCUSA Innovation Challenge that highlight fresh solutions toward alleviating, reducing or eliminating poverty. Each of the proposals addresses a specific area of poverty and was evaluated based on its innovation along with overall achievability, measurability, replicability and scalability. Check them out here.

CCUSA COVID-19 Response Center

Check out the CCUSA COVID-19 Response Center on the CCUSA website. The resource provides the latest news, advocacy efforts and stories from the Catholic Charities ministry in the United States. Also included is general guidance from the federal government.

Events and Webinars

Intersection of Housing & Parish Social Ministry - Lessons in Parish Partnerships Part 2 Webinar

Date: Aug 12, 2020 at 2:00 PM EDT. The CCUSA Affordable Housing Community of Practice and Parish Social Ministry Section invite you to see how unused parish properties can be converted into affordable housing, creating powerful and long-lasting impact. Join us to learn how the housing operations at various sized Catholic Charities agencies attained parish and local support to build beautiful residences for low income households that added value to parish communities. It’s the ultimate ‘Win-Win-Win’ for agency, parish, and community stakeholders. This is part 2 of a two-part webinar series on development partnerships between parishes and Catholic Charities agencies. Register here.

CCUSA Webinar - Communicate Smarter, Not Harder-Using Your Own Data for Success

Date: Aug 13, 2020 at 2:00 PM EDT. Join us for this webinar to explore how to mine your patron data for predispositions and propensities in order to target your potential buyers with communications target and relevant to each individual recipient. You will learn how to segment your digital and traditional communications (yes, including direct mail!) to strategically attract and retain audiences. Register here.

Lessons Learned in Responding to a Humanitarian Crisis Webinar

Date: Aug 18, 2020 at 2:00 PM EDT. Would your agency be prepared to respond rapidly to serve migrants in the event of an immigrant emergency? 2019 saw a number of immigration challenges across the country. Catholic Charities of San Antonio, Jackson and New York were all called upon to protect and serve their migrant communities. Throughout this webinar, representatives from each agency will deep dive into the successes and lessons learned in handling each immigration crisis. Come and hear from fellow Catholic Charities agencies representatives on best practices in creating a rapid response plan in the event of an ICE raid a sudden increases of asylum seekers in your area and assisting clients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Register here.

Turn Your Website into a Fundraising Machine webinar

Date: Aug 20, 2020 at 2:00 PM EDT. Join our experts for this webinar to equip you with strategies and methodology on how you can make small changes to your website that deliver big results. You'll learn how to achieve the highest return on your efforts and how to track the results. We'll take a look at these practices in action on the Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland website. Register here.

Track Your Website Performance with Google Analytics (GA) webinar

Date: Aug 25, 2020 at 2:00 PM EDT. Google Analytics is a powerful tool to track your website's performance and the efficacy of your fundraising campaign. In this webinar for beginners, we'll cover all of the GA information you need to know using real-time data from the Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland website. Register here.

Workforce Development and Food Systems - Solutions for Multiple Vulnerable Populations Webinar

Date: Aug 27, 2020 at 3:00 PM EDT. Join us for a webinar where Catholic Charities Louisville and Catalyst Kitchens will present on how social enterprise, food, workforce development and mission can align to change lives. The presentation will cover how foodservice and agriculture can open pathways for refugees, immigrants and other populations dealing with poverty and barriers to employment. The discussion will identify and apply top-level best practices in workforce development and social enterprise. Participants will be able to evaluate their own resources to better determine if they can build sustainable pathways to uplift their clients through workforce development. Attendees will understand the story of how Catholic Charities Louisville came to work with Catalyst Kitchens through CCUSA and how to access similar supports for their programs. Register here.

Pursuing a 2Gen Approach in the Time of COVID-19

Date: September 02, 2020, at 2:00 PM EDT. Join CCUSA on this national webinar to hear ideas about how to continue to pursue a 2Gen approach and help families move forward in the time of COVID-19. Since the COVID-19 pandemic burst forth in March, Catholic Charities agencies have been responding in creative ways to deliver emergency services while also continuing programming that families, children, and parents need to achieve long-term health and well-being. During this time leaders at agencies pursuing a two-generation approach (serving parents and children together at the same time) are faced with challenges helping families maintain hard won financial stability gains, and continuing quality learning for infants and children. Leaders also face difficult budget decisions, customer accessibility challenges, and staff safety concerns as they strive to advance a two-generation approach. Register here.

Building Bridges through Dialogue and Open Communication

Date: Sep 08, 2020 at 3:00 PM EDT. How can we assist our communities to talk together about difficult topics, honor difference, recognize common ground and be able to embody the Gospel? This workshop will use tools of non-violent communication and restorative practice to engage participants in three strategic initiatives – affordable housing, immigration and healthcare, that are being widely discussed in our time. How do we engage communities in the work of Catholic Charities, especially when there is resistance/hostility to this work? Building bridges is especially critical in view of the imminent election, political climate, and the needs of our sisters and brothers. Empowering people in this common ground to move from direct service to justice (advocacy) and thus help to shape the public discourse in our country. Register here.

Supporting Nonprofit Sustainability During a Crisis, A Free UST Webinar for Nonprofit EDs/CEOs, CFOs, and HR Staff

This short 30-minute webinar features tools and resources that can help nonprofit employers streamline HR processes and stay compliant with state and federal regulations in these trying times. During this interactive session, UST will be answering your questions about the CARES Act and FFCRA as well as sharing examples of problems our nonprofit members have faced and overcome.

Nonprofit executives, finance directors, and HR staff should register to learn about:

• Efficiently managing unemployment claims, protests, and hearings
• Updating policies and handbooks to comply with new legislation
• Enhancing goodwill by utilizing outplacement services

Whether your primary focus is to ensure compliance, better manage unemployment claims, or to simply stay afloat and keep your employees engaged, this webinar will provide expert insight and invaluable resources for addressing your current needs.

Grant Opportunities and Resources

Sterling Volunteers offering FREE basic background checks to Catholic Charities agencies

Sterling Volunteers, a valued Catholic Charities USA partner, is extending a helping hand to our network to help safely mobilize trusted volunteers around essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sterling Volunteers is offering FREE Basic Background Checks, along with reduced pricing for MVR’s and other screening packages (click here for full details). This COVID-19 special offering has been extended through August 31, 2020. If interested, CLICK HERE to connect with Sterling on this offering and any other specific needs. Please note, the special pricing is not retroactive nor automatic for existing customers; please contact SV if you are interested in utilizing the discounts.

Catalyst Kitchens' Train the Trainer program is going virtual

Train the Trainer: Virtual Edition. Adapt your culinary program for virtual and hybrid learning for COVID-19: August 13th, 14th, 20th, & 21st in a virtual format. The current “new normal” during COVID-19 demands some flexibility, creativity, and finding new ways to connect. We are offering a new online workshop focused on virtual culinary training and how to become a great teacher, whether in an in-person capacity or virtually. This workshop will cover remote teaching, adapting your program to virtual learning, student evaluation and assessment, and honing your coaching techniques based on different learning styles. Find out more here or reach out to Steve Bogus.

Grant Opportunity – CCUSA Nutrition Education AmeriCorps Program

CCUSA is currently looking for additional grantees for the Nutrition Education AmeriCorps program. This direct service program is a collaboration between The American Heart Association (AHA) and Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) to help Americans learn to lead healthier lives by eating healthier foods. The AmeriCorps members will provide food education (learning experiences, recipe demos, grocery store tours etc.) to food insecure clients to increase knowledge about the about the relationship between food and health. If your agency is interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member to serve in your community, please reach out to Teiara Turner at [email protected].

Grant Opportunity – CCUSA Financial Education AmeriCorps Program

CCUSA is currently looking for additional grantees for the Financial Education AmeriCorps program. The AmeriCorps members in this program will use the FDIC Money Smart curriculum to educate clients of all ages on how to enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. This program will help clients improve financial literacy and navigate financial decisions more efficiently.  If your agency is interested in hosting an AmeriCorps member to serve in your community, please reach out to Teiara Turner at [email protected].

Veterans services professional interest LISTSERV signup

CCUSA is currently looking expand information and opportunities in the Veterans Services program area. If you’re interested in joining this revamped professional interest section, be sure to sign up for the Veterans Services Listserv to stay up to date on upcoming trainings, webinars, funding opportunities and more! Sign up for the Listserv here.

Federal Grant Opportunity: Migrant and Seasonal Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants

In 1969, the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) program was established to provide services to the children of migrant farmworkers. The program provides funds to grantees that offer Head Start services to low-income, farm-worker families that migrate during the harvest season to engage in agricultural labor. In 1998, language was added to the Head Start Act that allowed migrant programs to serve the children of low-income, seasonal farmworkers. Learn more here. Application due 9/21/20.

Federal Grant Opportunity: Early Head Start Expansion and Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership Grants

New or existing Head Start, EHS, and EHS-CC Partnership grantees can apply to use funding to partner with local child care, including family child care providers to provide comprehensive, high-quality services to eligible infants and toddlers through EHS-CC Partnerships. These EHSCC Partnerships will enhance and support early learning settings to provide full-day, full-year, comprehensive services that meet the needs of low-income working families; enhance access to high-quality, full-time child care; support the development of infants and toddlers through strong relationship-based experiences; and prepare them for the transition into preschool. EHSCC Partnerships play an important role in the child care system by both expanding high-quality early learning services to infants and toddlers and applying resources and lessons learned from EHS to build the system's capacity. Learn more here. Application due 9/21/20.

Federal Grant Opportunity: Community-based Approaches to Strengthening Economic Supports for Working Families

This notice solicits applications for projects under the Community-based Approaches to Strengthening Economic Supports for Working Families Initiative to serve low-income working families disproportionately at risk for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including racial and ethnic minority families. This initiative seeks to determine if implementation of earned income tax credit (EITC) outreach and education activities in communities at higher risk for ACEs can result in (1) increased EITC receipt and (2) changes in risk and/or protective factors for ACEs. OMH expects projects funded under this initiative to: (1) establish multi-sectorial partnerships to support EITC outreach and education activities in communities at higher risk for ACEs; (2) plan and implement EITC outreach and education activities in communities at higher risk for ACEs; (3) develop and implement a process and outcome evaluation plan; (4) communicate and disseminate findings, successes and lessons learned; and (5) plan for sustainability of successful interventions. Learn more here. Deadline: 8/17/2020.

Employment Opportunities

Catholic Charities job opportunities now listed on CCUSA website 

Anyone can view the job opportunities by clicking on the "Careers" tag on the footer of the CCUSA webpage. To post a job opportunity, one must be a member and have access to the members' portal in order to fill out the submission form (click on "Careers" tag on members only portal homepage). If you have any questions about the new job opportunities submission form, please contact David Werning. Please click here to access job opportunities.

CCUSA Photo Gallery

Did you know that one of the benefits CCUSA provides to member agencies is access to a professional photo gallery? Visit our Flickr photo pages to explore our albums and photos. If you would like a high-resolution version for your agency's use, please email CCUSA with photo number.