Highlights from CCUSA

“HOPE IS BOLD!”—Registration is now open for the 2021 Annual Gathering!

Join us in San Diego September 21-23 for Catholic Charities USA’s 2021 Annual Gathering. This is your opportunity to gather in-person to celebrate our shared ministry. Take advantage of “Early Bird” member pricing and register today. To learn more about the Annual Gathering, view the schedule, or register, go to 2021 Annual Gathering.

Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award

Through the Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award, Catholic Charities USA thanks a person in the Catholic Charities network that has distinguished him/herself for dedicated service and/or leadership in the field of children, youth, and families. In our goal to reduce poverty in America, Catholic Charities is able to serve more of our brothers and sisters due to the dedication and commitment of staff and volunteers. The winner of the 2021 Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award will be highlighted in a future issue of CCUSA's magazine, Charities USA. To submit your nominations, please access Bishop Sullivan Award Application or email Marlesia Neloms with any questions that you may have. The deadline is COB, Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Share you story with the Catholic Charities network

CCUSA’s Storybank, a tool that allows staff of Catholic Charities member agencies – and anyone touched by the Catholic Charities ministry – to share insights and memories of people realizing their inherent dignity: stories that relate everything from overcoming an addiction to finding sustainable employment and affordable housing. One of the best ways to make an impact on the important issues that the Catholic Charities ministry addresses is to show how people are actually helped: what was the specific issue?; how was it resolved?; what did Catholic Charities do?; was there a government program that was essential to the process? The stories collected through this tool will be used to raise national awareness of the work of the Catholic Charities network including, but not limited to, posting to CCUSA’s website and online platforms, sharing with national media outlets and policymakers, and featuring in future issues of Charities USA. Please note: All submissions will clearly credit the respective member agency. SUBMIT YOUR STORY HERE.

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. Details of final session and registration link 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.

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.