This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it. Ps 118:24

Do you know someone who would be interested in receiving the Weekly Digest? Subscribe HERE.

Highlights from CCUSA

REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON: O'Grady Advanced Leadership Institute (2.0)

Registration will close on April 25 for the CCUSA O’Grady Advanced Leadership Institute, to be held from May 16-20, 2022, at the Bethany Center near Tampa. The Institute offers an in-depth consideration of the Catholic teachings that undergird Catholic Charities services, how Catholic moral methodologies can shape strategic planning, and other subjects essential for effective leadership of a Catholic organization operating within an ethnically diverse and religiously pluralistic culture. It is designed for Catholic Charities agency directors, other senior leaders, and those who have completed the foundational (1.0) O’Grady Leadership Institute (either virtually or in-person). Early action is encouraged, as space is limited. Click here to learn more or to register.

Registration is now open for the 2022 Virtual O’Grady Leadership Institute (1.0)

This program is intended exclusively for Catholic Charities professionals and is presented by experts at CCUSA. It offers a unique opportunity to gain a foundational understanding of the knowledge and skills essential for effective Catholic Charities leadership and integrates leadership and management with theology and spirituality. Content will explore Catholic social and moral teaching, ethical decision-making, public policy and the Church, racism and poverty, and how to understand one’s leadership as a person with a role within a system. This year’s program will be held from June 6-10, 2022, from Noon – 3 PM ET each day. Click here to learn more or register.

Series of CCUSA Immigration and Refugee Services CoP monthly meetings

You are invited to the CCUSA Immigration and Refugee Services Community of Practice meeting. During this meeting, we will hear from the field about pressing Immigration and Refugee Services issues and receive a policy update from CCUSA, MRS/USCCB, and CLINIC. Dates & Times: April 20, May 18, June 15, 2022 at 2 PM EST (US and Canada). Register here for the series. 

2021 CCUSA Annual Survey

The 2021 Annual Survey is live! Be sure to review the 2021 Annual Survey Preparation Webinar on the Annual Survey Resources section of the Member’s Portal and complete your agency’s submission before the survey closes on April 18, 2022. Please note that all staff who will contribute to your agency’s submission must have access to a personalized link. If you need to request links for any staff at your agency, contact Ashley Rininger. In addition, please don’t hesitate to contact Ashley via email if you have any questions or need any technical assistance throughout your preparation and submission process.

Events and Webinars 

CCUSA-CFPB Financial Empowerment Capacity Building Series

You are invited to the CCUSA and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Financial Empowerment Capacity Building webinar series. CCUSA and CFPB are coordinating a series of webinars to bring free financial empowerment training and resources to Catholic Charities staff. Participants will receive training and resources to help build their skills and better support financial wellness with the communities they serve. Join us the first Tuesday of each month to focus on the following topics:

May 3           Understanding credit reports and scores
June 7          Dealing with consumer debt, debt collectors
July 5           Choosing financial products and services
August 2      Protecting your money

This webinar series offers 1.0 Continuing Education Credit per session. For those interested in earning a CEC credit, participants will need to participate in each session in its entirety and complete an evaluation/post-test questions. When: May 3, June 7, July 5  and  August 2, 2022 at 3:00 PM EST. Please submit any further questions or comments to Jane Stenson. Register here.

Welcoming Haitians - Immigration Legal Services (webinar)

Comprehensive immigration legal services are an essential component of welcoming newly arriving Haitians. Please join us as we take an in-depth look at the immigration legal realities faced by Haitians and how we can improve our practice to support them in their process. When: May 18, 2022. Time: 3:15 PM EST. Register in advance for this webinar here.

Helping parishes open a food pantry (webinar)

Learn how to help parishes open food pantries from successful operations associated with two Catholic Charities agencies, representing both agency and parish perspectives.Topics will include conducting a community assessment, addressing safety issues, choosing a pantry type, identifying institutional and community partners, and volunteer recruitment. In addition, Jane Stenson, Vice President of Poverty Reduction at CCUSA, will provide information on federal food programs. Presenters will include Elizabeth Acevedo of Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary; Ruth Polito of Saint James Church in Highland, Indiana; and Patti McGuire of St. Elizabeth Church in Las Vegas. Date: April, 25, 2022. Time: 3 PM ET. Register here.

Grant Opportunities and Resources 

Foundation for Financial Planning is accepting grant applications (until April 30, 2022)

Nonprofit organizations whose programs link pro bono financial planners to people in need may apply. Programs should include one-on-one engagements between Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professionals and pro bono clients, and comply with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Grants are generally in the range of $5,000 to $40,000. For more information about eligibility and how to apply, please click here.

Don’t forget to promote the Child Tax Credit

With the April 18 tax filing deadline here, today is the last chance to encourage individuals and families in your community to file their taxes to access the expanded benefits of the Child Tax Credit, earned income tax credit and the child and dependent care credit provided under the American Rescue Plan. The CTC provides critical relief to working families and helps to reduce child poverty in America. Individuals can visit ChildTaxCredit.gov to learn more about their eligibility for these credits and how to access free tax preparation assistance. More information about these expanded benefits are available as follows:

• The Child Tax Credit
• The Earned Income Tax Credit
• The Child and Dependent Care Credit

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 Nick Paige. 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.