“But I say to you, love your enemies
and pray for those who persecute you,
that you may be children of your heavenly Father.” Mt 5:44-45

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Highlights from CCUSA

Celebrating Black History Month: Making Forward Progress, One Family at a Time

Pathways to Progress, a service of Catholic Charities of St. Louis, pairs participants with advisors to learn the necessary skills to make lasting change in their lives. “You’re trying to show them the way to do things, the way to get things done,” says Sandy Watson, a member advisor in the program.

Learn more about the program that is putting families on the road to success through supportive, wraparound services in the second installment of our Black History Month series.

Visionary at the Helm: Envisioning Monsignor O'Grady's Bold Leadership

Visionary at the Helm is a compelling one-actor play about Monisgnor John O'Grady, the founder of what we know today as Catholic Charities USA. The play was commissioned by CCUSA and first performed at the 2015 Annual Gathering in Omaha. Since then it has been featured at other Catholic Charities events, inspiring audiences with Msgr. O'Grady's vision, compassion and bold leadership that is still bearing fruit today.

The play is ideal for a variety of occasions, including fundraisers, retreats, parish gatherings and staff and volunteer formation events. Performances may be booked through the Still Point Theater Collective. Please refer to the flyer for additional details. 

For those interested in a preview, a recording of the play's initial performance is available on the CCUSA YouTube channel.

Daily Lent Reflections from CCUSA

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 22. Once again, CCUSA will offer daily reflections throughout Lent, authored by Catholic Charities leaders and other social concerns ministers, and focused on each day’s Mass readings. The reflections arrive by email first thing each morning. To receive them, please sign up.

CCUSA Launches Nomination Process for 2023 National Volunteer of the Year Award

In recognition of the efforts made by volunteers at Catholic Charities agencies, CCUSA is honored to open the nomination process for the 2023 National Volunteer of the Year Award. The National Volunteer of the Year Award is given to an individual who embodies the mission of CCUSA, provides critical services to those in need, advocates for justice in social structures and calls the entire Church and other people of good will to do the same. Catholic Charities agencies may submit up to three separate nominations. All nominators are required to obtain a high-resolution headshot of the nominee. The deadline for all nominations is Friday, February 24. For more information on the process and to submit a nomination, follow this link: 2023 Volunteer of the Year Nomination form.

Now Accepting Workshop Proposals for the 2023 Annual Gathering! 

The 2023 Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering will be held in-person October 3 – 5 in Cleveland, OH. Our schedule will include workshops and we ask you, the experts, to consider submitting a proposal for consideration. To submit a proposal through the Abstract Management form on the website and review the guidelines, visit the 2023 Annual Gathering Call for Proposals. Your proposal must be submitted by the deadline of Monday, March 13, 2023.

Events and Webinars

SNAP E&T Overview. February 22, 2023, 3:00 PM ET

Join us for an overview of USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), the agency's current priorities related to SNAP E&T and the latest developments in the program. Our presenters will explore how these programs also help to reduce barriers to work by providing support services as participants prepare for and obtain employment. In addition, we will look into the potential for Catholic Charities' affiliate sites that offer employment and training services to become SNAP E&T Third Partners with State SNAP Agencies. Register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Parole Program for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans. March 9, 2023, 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET

The Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, has announced new parole programs for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who are seeking safe haven within the United States due to the conditions in their country. This process is being implemented in conjunction with a new border enforcement policy. In this free webinar, CLINIC staff will provide an overview of the programs and how the process works; review sponsor/beneficiary eligibility requirements; and provide tips on completing the I-134A, traveling to the U.S. and benefits after parole. CLINIC staff will also address frequently asked questions about these programs. 

CLINIC presenters include:

• Ilissa Mira, Senior Attorney, Training and Technical Assistance
• Elizabeth Carlson, Senior Attorney, Training and Technical Assistance
• Charles Wheeler, Senior Attorney, Training and Technical Assistance

Registration will close at 12:00 p.m. ET on March 9, 2023, or when course capacity is reached. Learn more and register.

Outsmarting Poverty. April 13 and 14, 2023, in South Bend, IN

CCUSA is committed to building evidence about what works to reduce poverty in America. The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame, a domestic poverty lab that helps social service providers apply scientific evaluation methods to better understand and share effective poverty interventions is hosting a 2-day event this spring to convene poverty-fighters from across the country for a time of learning and connection. Learn more and register.

Foundation for Financial Planning Grants Available for Nonprofit Organizations

The Foundation for Financial Planning is accepting grant applications until April 30, 2023, from nonprofit organizations whose programs link pro bono financial planners to people in need. Programs should include one-on-one engagements between Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) professionals and pro bono clients. Grants are generally in the range of $5,000 to $40,000. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Nonprofits seeking to connect with CFP professionals who want to provide free, no-strings-attached financial planning and advice to underserved populations can register on FFP’s Pro Bono Planner Match website. On Pro Bono Planner Match, nonprofits can post volunteer opportunities that engage financial planners in one-on-one or interactive, small group (virtual or in-person) sessions with people in need. For more information, please contact Rachel Roth at [email protected].

O'Grady Advanced Leadership Institute (2.0): Discounted Registration Open

Register now to attend the Catholic Charities USA O’Grady Advanced Leadership Institute, to be held from May 22 – 26, 2023, at CCUSA’s O’Grady Conference Center in Alexandria, VA. The Institute offers an in-depth consideration of 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. Thanks to generous donors, registration is offered at the discounted rate of $1,100, which includes hotel and meals. Learn more and register.