Highlights from CCUSA

The Laudato Si' Action Platform

Pope Francis is challenging Catholic communities and organizations across the world – including Catholic Charities agencies - to gradually work toward "total sustainability" in our common call to care for creation. This invitation is centered upon a Laudato Si’ Action Platform through which Catholic organizations publicly commit to a seven-year journey of ecological conversion. The action platform is framed across seven Laudato Si’ goals which reflect Catholic Social Teaching and provide “footsteps” in areas such as education, spirituality, the adoption of sustainable practices, community engagement, and a commitment to address poverty. Registration to commit to this process has now opened and will conclude on October 4, the Feast of Saint Francis. Read more here. You may also reach out to Scott Hurd, Vice President for Leadership Development and Catholic Identity at CCUSA.

Events and Webinars

Fratelli Tutti: Finding sisterhood and brotherhood to overcome what divides us

Catholic Charities USA is pleased to sponsor an upcoming series hosted by the Franciscan Action Network and featuring expert speakers who will unpack Pope Francis’ latest social encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. Dates, topics, featured panelists, and registration links are as follows:

• June 16: Fratelli Tutti on Governance and Politics, with Amy Uelmann & David Cloutier

Each event will begin at 7 PM ET. Discussions will be moderated by Stephen Schneck, executive director of the Franciscan Action Network, and will feature Q&A with the panelists. Please note that there is a separate registration link for each event.

Effects of domestic violence on children

This presentation will highlight research and interventions for working with children who have witnessed domestic violence in their families. Dr. Mindy Thiel, creator of SafeStart, will describe statistics, major studies and resources. She will share effective treatment interventions from the Montgomery County MD Safe Start Counseling Program for children exposed to domestic violence. June 2, 2021, at 3 PM. Register here.

CCUSA webinar: Applying CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation to Catholic Charities programs: Successes, challenges, and lessons learned

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queen’s Evaluation Team will share their experience with applying CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation to programs they’ve worked with. This framework is a practical tool that evaluators can use with program teams to develop and implement an evaluation plan that’s both useful and feasible. The presenters will provide an introductory overview of each stage of the framework: Engage Stakeholders; Describe the Program; Focus Evaluation Design; Gather Credible Evidence; Justify Conclusions; and Ensure Use and Share Lessons; They will also share their experience with applying this framework to programs they’ve worked with, highlighting successes, challenges, and lessons learned. This webinar is appropriate for agencies that are new to evaluation or at an early stage in building their evaluation capacity and exploring different frameworks for planning and implementing a program evaluation. Wednesday, June, 9, 2021, at 3 PM ET. Register here!

How to help survivors assess their risk of death (Lethality Assessment)

Laura Yeomans, program manager of the Archdiocese of Washington’s DV Awareness response program, will share how to recognize high lethality domestic violence risks and support survivors doing their own risk assessment.  Material is based on the key lethality risk factors developed by Dr. Jackie Campbell of the John Hopkins School of Nursing and the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence.  June 16, 2021, at 3 PM. Register here.

Building workforce development collaboration efforts webinar

In 2020, amidst the pandemic, Catholic Charities of Buffalo and C-Tech Associates developed and administered a pilot program to create a comprehensive vocational training program for unemployed, under-employed, and high needs populations. The program provides case management, employment, retention, support services, and industry-recognized credentials for all enrolled students.  East Delavan Academy, the site of the pilot, is a comprehensive workforce development program that includes industry-recognized training, academic tutoring, soft skills training, employment and college placement services, and retention services. During the webinar, you will hear how students participated in an intensive 4-week course, administered by C-Tech Associates, which included both classroom and hands-on training.  Graduates are certified in Network Cabling, Copper and Fiber Optics, 5G Systems, and Grounding and Bonding.This webinar will cover how effective workforce training partnerships will prepare your clients for many of these jobs. When: June 17, 2021, at 3 PM ET. Register in advance for this webinar here. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Register for "Laudato Si and the U.S. Catholic Church: A Conference Series on Our Common Home"

Registration is now open for “Laudato Si’ and the U.S. Catholic Church: A Conference Series on Our Common Home,” to be held virtually from July 13-15, and co-sponsored by the Catholic Climate Covenant and Creighton University. Headline speakers include Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, and Sister Ilia Delos, OSF, PhD, of Villanova University. Click here to register or for more information.

Grant Opportunities and Resources

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 primarily use the FDIC Money Smart curriculum to teach clients how to enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. AmeriCorps members can also provide other asset-development activities, including tax preparation, financial counseling, IDA enrollment, and much more. This program has a goal to help clients improve their financial literacy and navigate financial decisions more efficiently. If your agency is interested in learning more about this federal grant opportunity, please reach out to Abby Qualliotine.

Employment Opportunities

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.