charities usa fall 2013: reaching out to military families & veterans

8/12/2019 Charities USA Fall 2013: Reaching Out to Military Families & Veterans

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SOCIALVENTURE

BOOTCAMPANNUALGATHERING

HIGHLIGHTS

THE MAGAZINE OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA FALL 2013 VOLUME 40 NUMBER 4

FLOODSIN COLORADO

REACHING OUT TOMILITARYFAMILIES

& VETERANS


2/25

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dress all correspondence to the ManagingEditor. 2013 Catholic Charities USA,

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Managing Editor

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Sheena Lefaye Crews

Contributing Writers

Patricia ColeRuth Liljenquist

Editorial Committee

Jean BeilCandy Hill

Kristan SchlichteJane Stenson

c Charities USA is the national office for oneations largest social service networks. Members and institutions nationwide provide vital so-ices to over 10 million people in need, regard-heir religious, social, or economic backgrounds.

Charities USA supports and enhances theits members by providing networking opportuni-ional advocacy, program development, trainingsulting, and financial benefits.

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44

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ContentsLAST ISSUE: SUMMER 2013

7 Reaching Out to Military Families and Veterans

8 Understanding Service in the Military

Perspectives from Tree Catholic Charities Leaders Who Served

13 Seven Years of Growing Hope for Homeless Veterans

St. Leo Campus, Catholic Charities, Chicago

15 Female Vets Blossom in a New Life

Te Lotus Project for Female Veterans, Catholic Charities, Galveston-Houston

16 Caring for the Heart and Mind

Mental Health Services for Veterans, Catholic Charities, Rockville Centre

17 A Friend for Children in Military Families

Faithful Friends, Catholic Charities of ennessee

18 Ready, Vet, Go!

Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Catholic Charities, Camden

22 Te Archdiocese of the Military Services

A Welcoming Community for Catholic Service Members

26 Building Bridges to Opportunity

Catholic Charities USAs 2013 Annual Gathering

30 Getting Your Social Venture in Shape

CCUSA Launches Social Venture Boot Camp at Notre Dame

Features

5 Presidents Column

34 Disaster Response

36 CCUSA Update

38 NewsNotes

44 Providing Help. Creating Hope.

Departments

On each Memorial Day of my youth, my parents took me and my

siblings to the cemetery near our home to attend a short ceremony in

honor of the people who had served in our military and died defending

our freedom. Tere was a speech, a gun salute, and a bugler who played

aps, but the part of the ceremony that impacted me most was when the

war mothers spoke a few words about the sons they had lost in Koreaand Vietnam. When they were finished, they gently tossed flowers into

the canal that cut through the cemetery. We all stood and watched as the

flowers floated away, a melancholy symbol of the young men whose lives

had slipped away from their loved ones. At that ceremony, I first began

to understand the sacrifices made in war.

I understood more of the sacrifices of war through my uncle. He eagerly

enlisted at age 17 to fight the enemy in World War II, and luckily

survived, but he came home with tuberculosis, a cigarette habit, and a

moral injury that would never let his soul rest. In the melee of his prison

camps liberation, he shot and killed a German guardjust a boy, and it

tormented him ever after. He wore the boys dogtags for years until they

became too worn away to wear.

Life went badly for my uncle after the war. He married and had two

boys, but his marriage failed, and his children became estranged from

him. He turned to alcohol and a lonely, solitary life. If it werent for the

night job he managed to keep at a railyard, he would have been homeless.

He developed emphysema and cirrhosis of the liver and died at age 64.

I wish my uncle had had some supportive services to help him. I wish

someone had helped him overcome the guilt he felt. I wish someone

had helped him turn away from drinking and reconnect with his family.

Te outcome of his life may have been very different, but as it was, he

suffered alone, his life a sacrifice for freedom just as were the lives of the

war mothers sons, just as were the losses suffered by parents, spouses,and children.

Sacrifices will always have to be made to defend freedom, but with

greater support from individuals, families, communities, and our nation

as a whole, the sacrifices of those who serve should not have to be so

many and so great. n

Ruth Liljenquist, Managing Editor

To comment on this issue, please write to Ruth Liljenquist

at [email protected].

Reaching Out to MilitaryFamilies and Veterans


4/25

When I worked at Catholic Charities in St. Paul

and Minneapolis, I often visited our drop-inshelters and resource centers, where many of the

win Cities homeless people would come for shelter, a warm

meal, health care, and other services. During my visits, I had

the opportunity to speak with the people there and learn of

their circumstances.

Many of the homeless were veterans, primarily of the

Vietnam War. Because of injuries both physical and emo-

tional, because of PSD, depression, and substance abuse,

their lives had spiraled down into chronic homelessness.

It was heartbreaking to see. Teir experiences in combat had

so changed their lives that when they returned home from war,

the life they came back to made no sense anymore. Tey felt

disconnected from their families and had lost trust in people

and the government, and the only place they felt safe was actu-

ally on the streets. Over the years, many of them had become

so incapacitated by their war experiences, their mental health

problems, and their substance abuse that they couldnt take ad-

vantage of the programs designed to help them.

Its amazing that a war that ended 40 years ago is still impact-

ing so many lives. One of the reasons is that at the time we

didnt understand or respond very well to the trauma that

many veterans experienced in the war. Since then, as a coun-

try, weve learned a lot about how we care for military fam-

ilies and veterans, especially those who serve on the front-

lines of combat and suffer from the invisible wounds of war.

oday we have a greater awareness of what these brave men

and women need to better ada pt when they return from their

deployments.

Te military and the Department of Veterans Affairs have

made great efforts to serve military families and veterans ap-

propriately and effectively. Not only do they offer numerous

programs and resources, but they also rely on organizations

like Catholic Charities to provide vital community-based

services, to military members and their families who have

suffered the stresses of multiple deployments in our countrys

military engagements in the Middle East.

As a network, we are grateful to be a part of our nations ef-

forts to support military families and veterans. We are grate-

ful that through our housing, employment assistance, emer-

gency support, mental and behavioral health care, and other

services, we can share in the responsibility of our entirenation to support those who have served our country in the

military. n

FALL 2013 | 5

ColumnPresidents

4 | CHARITIES USA

Many of the homeless were veterans, primarily

of the Vietnam War. Because of injuries both

physical and emotional, because of PTSD,

depression, and substance abuse, their lives

had spiraled down into chronic homelessness.


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FALL 2013 | 7

Every Catholic Charities agency reaches out to people in

need in its community. Among them are military families

and veterans. Sometimes they are identified as such, other

times not, but either way, we offer the same services that

sustain and support every person or family in need, such as shelter,

emergency financial assistance, basic needs assistance, benefits

screening, case management, mental health services, and referrals to

employment, housing, or educational programs.

As a network, we also provide services specifically for veterans, mostoften transitional and permanent supportive housing and the services

associated with these programs, such as case management, mental

health care, substance abuse treatment, and employment assistance.

We also have agencies working with military families to ease their

transition to civilian life.

Increasingly, we are reaching out to active duty military families.

Historically, the Department of Defense has been the primary service

provider for service members and their families. However, the high

numbers of active duty military members, the increase in frequency

and duration of deployments, base closures, and overall military

reorganization have had a profound impact on the level and amount of

services needed. Fundamental human services for military families are

being increasingly offered by civilian providers and through contracts

and consultation with the Department of Defense.

Our nations long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a heavy toll

on millions of service members and their families. As our network has

grown more aware of this toll, we are working to strengthen our existing

services to all military families and looking for new opportunities to

support all those who have served, some of whom may have ongoing

needs for years to come.

6 | CHARITIES USA

REACHING OUT TO

MILITARY FAMILIES& VETERANS


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FALL 2013 | 9

Irene enlisted in the Air Force

and served for four years, rising

to the rank of buck sergeant

of communications. In her

last year, she was stationed in

Germany and at one point put

in charge of the communica-

tions center for the base during

a NATO exercise. There, she real-

ized she could be a leader. The

Air Force gave me experience

and training, and said I could

do it, and I did it.

Patrick also served in the Air

Force. During his 22 years, he

observed how the Air Forces

core valuesIntegrity First.

Service before Self. Excellence

in All We Do.fit in with his

values as a Christian and a

Catholic. He cherished the op-

portunity to experience the uni-

versality of the church, attend-

ing Mass around the world.

Joe served for four years in the

Navy and then another 26 years

in the Marine Corps, spending

most of his career in logistics,

but also serving as an instruc-

tor, trainer, and squadron com-

mander. He valued the brother-

hood and belonging he felt and

was inspired by the corps sense

of honor and courage and the

commitment to a cause greater

than yourself.

With over 50 years of collective

experience in the military, these

three leaders explained some

things Catholic Charities agen-

cies should understand about

serving in the military to better

help them serve military fami-

lies and veterans.

There is no one single mili-

tary experience. Not all vet-

erans were warriors, said

Patrick. You have to look at

veterans as individuals who

served in the military and

had distinct experiences.

Ones experience can vary,

depending on his or her ser-

vice, branch, and specializa-

tion, the time period served,

the war(s) served in, and

other factors. Further, the

concept of the military as

a whole is misleading. There

really is no military, said

Patrick. There are five ser-

vicesthe Army, the Navy, the

Air Force, the Marine Corps,and the Coast Guardand

each has a distinct mission

and culture.

Serving in the military often

makes people feel separat-

ed from civilian society and

even from their families.

There is a degree of sepa-

ration for anyone who has

served, which makes reinte-

gration a challenge. The mil-

itary makes you over, gives

you a new identity and ex-

periences that are difficult

to translate to the civilian

world, said Patrick.

In addition, Joe added,

people in the military spend

a lot of time away from home

and because of that there is

a greater potential for prob-

lems in relationships with

spouses, family members, orsignificant others. There is a

lot of separation, even when

the person is not deployed.

Troops are put in situations

that demand a lot emotion-

ally, and that creates dis-

tance and lost connections

with family. The common ex-

perience of the military is

separation.

The Catholic Charities network not only provides services to veterans, but does so with the gifts, skills, and experience of former members

of the military, such as Irene Ward, executive vice president for Catholic Community Services of Western Washington; Patrick Raglow,

executive director of Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City; and Joe Buranosky, executive director of Catholic Charities of Central Florida.

They recently shared with Charities USAtheir perspectives on serving in the military, the needs of veterans, and how our network can

be more responsive to military families and veterans.

Irene Ward Patrick Raglow Joe Buranosky

Irene Ward, Patrick Raglow, and Joe Buranosky had different

experiences in the military, but each of them gained something that

shaped their work as leaders of Catholic Charities agencies.

8 | CHARITIES USA

UNDERSTANDINGSERVICE IN THE

MILITARYPERSPECTIVES FROM THREE CATHOLIC CHARITIES LEADERS WHO SERVED


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FALL 2013 | 1110 | CHARITIES USA

Further, It can be harder to

feel welcome in broader so-

ciety because of the things

youve seen and done, said

Joe. Ive heard stories from

older vets who witnessed a

lot of inhumanity and expe-

rienced the horrendous bru-

tality of war. Their experienc-

es had so changed them

that they felt a sense of

loss and isolation from the

community.

The strong service and read-

iness culture in the military

can make it hard for people

to ask for help when they

need it.Theyve learned to

be self-reliant, to be ready to

help and serve others, so its

hard to ask for help because

they feel they should be the

ones helping, said Irene. In

addition, when it comes to

mental health, they may be

reluctant to ask for mental

health services because of

how it might affect their ca-

reers. Troops are encour-aged to tough it out, added

Joe. Emotional issues or

problems at home are swept

under the rug. The military in

many ways has not always

done well in addressing

mental health issues.

Reintegration challenges

are often the result of inad-

equate translation and life

skills.When veterans return

home and look for work, they

often have a hard time de-

scribing what they did in the

military and articulating how

it is applicable to the job at

hand. Its not just because of

their specialized work in the

military, but also because of

the unique structure of each

service and the specialized

language used. Each of the

services is quite tribal, with

ways of doing things that

are obscure to the casual

observer, said Patrick.

Veterans often need a trans-

lator to make what they did

understandable to the civil-

ian world; when they cant

translate, it compounds their

difficulty in reintegrating.

In addition, very young vet-

erans who went right from

their parents homes into the

military havent had the ex-

perience of taking care of

themselves. If theyve spent

a lot of time in the field,

theyve been taken care of

by the military, said Joe.

When they get home, they

lose structure, lose com-

rades, and some of them

dont really know what to do.

And if theyve had trauma or

seen combat, they may have

mental health issues, which

can lead to chemical depen-

dence and homelessness. It

doesnt help that recent vet-

erans have come home to a

weak economy, where many

of the jobs available do not

pay well and seem trivial

compared to the jobs veter-

ans have been doing in the

military.

That being said, the military

could do a better job in the

discharge process of con-

necting veterans to servic-

es, said Irene. The militarys

focus is on people being

battle ready, not so much on

what happens after people

are discharged, so there is

a big chasm between out-

placement services received

by a person exiting the mil-

itary and what they might

actually need. The military

should give out more infor-

mation about the VAs ser-

vices and other communi-

ty-based services to people

at discharge, rather than just

assume they will be okay.

Military culture change

around mental health is

slow.The military and the

VA have come a long way in

addressing mental health

issues, but there is still

much progress to be made.

Civilians often think that the

military has been good at

taking care of people. I didnt

feel that, said Irene. Back

in the 1970s, we didnt have

good mental health servic-

es. They werent recognized

as important. The results of

that mistaken view are evi-

dent today in the veterans

programs run by Catholic

Community Services of

Western Washington. We are

serving people from wars

along the continuum whose

mental health issues were

left untreated.

Today things are better.

There are more resourc-

es available, an awful lot of

training, and we talk a lot

about suicide prevention and

buddy care, said Patrick.

But cultures take a long

time to change. The leader-

ship of the military is doing a

lot about mental health, and

people feel they can access

mental health services, but

the practical application is

not so good. Its slow to take

hold and has to be rein-

forced continually. n

Learn what they did in the service.What they did really impacts

what they do afterwards, said Joe. Find out what skills they have

and find a way to translate those skills for civilian employers.

Help veterans talk about their experiences.Talking about their ex-

periences can help veterans move past the feeling of isolation or

separation from others, said Patrick.

Be understanding with chronically challenged veterans.I some-

times struggle with veterans and their demands on our systems.

I want to call them back to the success they had in the military,

said Patrick. But I have to remember that not everyone had the

same experience I had in the military. The key is finding a way to

be appropriately responsive while encouraging them to make posi-

tive steps in their lives.

Train direct staff people on military culture and peoples gener-

al experience in the military.The military is a very unique envi-

ronment, and staff members need to be attuned and sensitive to

issues that arise from environment, said Irene. There are training

courses available through the VA, online social work courses, and

books that can educate staff about service in the military.

Take the time to find out what resources in the community are

available to veterans.There are a lot of resources for veterans, a

lot of people who want to help veterans, but they often cant findthem, said Patrick. Catholic Charities agencies can always pro-

vide services, but they may find greater success acting as a con-

duit and linking veterans to the available resources. Doing so will

benefit veterans while preserving agency resources.

Seek partnerships with the VA if offering veteran programs is a

good fit for your agency.There are a lot of collaborative opportu-

nities and funding available, said Irene. For example, a number of

agencies have recently been awarded VA grants to provide servic-

es to veterans through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families

program.n

Reintegration challenges are often the result of inadequate translation and life skills. When veterans return

home and look for work, they often have a hard time describing what they did in the military and articulating

how it is applicable to the job at hand. Its not just because of their specialized work in the military, but also

because of the unique structure of each service and the specialized language used.

Based on their experience in the military and in working with

veterans, Joe, Patrick, and Irene have some good suggestions

to help Catholic Charities agencies better serve veterans:

HOW CATHOLIC CHARITIES AGENCIES

CAN BETTER SERVE VETERANS


8/25

The garden is the best place to see how

much St. Leo Campus for Veterans, op-

erated by Catholic Charities of the

Archdiocese of Chicago, has become part of

the community. Shrubs and trees that were

spindly in 2007 have grown full and tall, and

a statue of Christ hugging a soldier evokes the

spirit of love and welcome Catholic Charities

and its many partners envisioned for the first

project of its type in the nation. It took years

of collaboration, patience, problem-solving,

and fundraising to create something new on

the grounds of the shuttered St. Leo Parish on

Chicagos South Side. Many times it seemed

the dream would remain just an idea instead

of reality.

But today, nearly seven years after welcom-

ing its first formerly homeless veteran, St. Leo

Campus is thriving. It consists of a 141-unit

residence with affordable studio apartments,

a VA clinic, a separate residence for persons

with physical disabilities, and the garden. It

houses veterans from the Cold War to present

day conflicts.

Currently, St. Leo Residence has a 10:1 male/

female ratio; the veterans range in age from

27 to 68; and the primary issues impacting

self-sufficiency are: lack of stable employment,

mental illness, and substance abuse.

Once the veterans begin to participate in

their service plan, it usually takes around six

months for veterans to show positive signs of

self-suffici ency, says Dr. Eddie Taylor, PhD, pro-

gram director. With the help of the VA, we have

been able to connect the veterans with appro-

priate treatment and additional resources.

One major change at St. Leo was redefining

the program from being transitional housing

to permanent supportive housing. In the be-

ginning, the vision was to have veterans stay

up to two years then move out on their own.

Catholic Charities learned that many of the res-

idents have conditions that prevent this.

We have learned from our St. Leo experience

to always be mindful of what the veterans

need today, says Eileen Higgins, vice presi-

dent of housing services. We are committed

to our services making a real difference in the

self-sufficiency of the veterans and that the

services provide a path back to the pride and

dignity they experienced as members of the

military.

Something that hasnt changed is the care

and expertise on-site social service staff use

to help residents. Catholic Charities Veterans

Employment Program began at St. Leo and

has expanded to another location. Like the VA

clinic, the Veterans Employment Program is

available to any veteran on the South Side, not

just St. Leo residents.

Who knows what will develop in the future at

St. Leos, but with its strong commitment to

serve those who have served our nation, it will

continue to be a beacon of hope for veterans

in need of another chance.n

ST. LEO CAMPUS, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, CHICAGO

SEVEN YEARS OF GROWINGHOPE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS

HOW WE SERVE MILITARYFAMILIES & VETERANS


The Catholic Charities network serves military families

and veterans every day in nearly every program and

service it provides, and often through programs designed

specifically for this population.

In the fall of 2013, Catholic Charities USA conducted

an online survey to assess, among other things, the

networks services to military families and veterans. The

responses, received from 43 agencies in 30 states or

territories, indicate the following:

While 67 Catholic Charities agencies reported serv-

ing roughly 60,790 veterans in the 2012 Annual

Survey, this is likely an underestimation, as nearly all

agencies (95 percent) indicated in the recent online

survey that they serve veterans and military families

in their programs, though they may not specifically

track veteran status of clients.

More than a third of all agencies (36 percent) offer

programs that are specifically tailored to the needs

of veterans. The most common programs provide

emergency financial assistance, housing counseling,

permanent housing, and utilities assistance.

More than a third (36 percent) of agencies report

that their staff have specialized training for meeting

the needs of the veteran population, including PTSD

and traumatic brain injury treatment, and VA benefit

screening.

Catholic Charities agencies are actively building

awareness for their veteran services by collaborating

with government and nonprofit partners. Nearly half

collaborate directly with the Department of Veterans

Affairs. Among agencies that have a military base

within their diocese, nearly two-thirds are actively col-

laborating with the base to raise awareness for their

services. n

TemporaryShelter17

Source: Catholic Charities USA 2012 Annual Survey

EmploymentAssistance22

VA-FundedPrograms23

TransitionalHousing28Number of Agencies Providing Veteran-Specific

and/or VA-Funded Programs


9/25

The lotus flower, a bloom that springs from

the mud, is just the right symbol for the

women in The Lotus Project, for Female

Veterans, a program of Catholic Charities of

the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to help

homeless female veterans rebuild their lives.

The Lotus Project was established in late2012, with funding from HUD and adminis-

tered in partnership with the U.S. Department

of Veteran Affairs (VA). Its one of the VAs new

flagship programs to serve chronically home-

less and disabled female veterans, who are

often not well served by general programs for

homeless vets.

Women vets are often turned away from other

programs because they have children. Case

managers dont have places to put them,

said Olivia Bush, director of The Lotus Project.

Further, if women had a bad experience in the

military, specifically with sexual harassment or

assault, they may not be comfortable in pro-

grams with male vets.

The women the program serves are often in

desperate conditions. Dealing with physical

injuries or abuse, post-traumatic stress disor-

der, depression, or substance abuse, they are

crowding in with family or staying in abusive

relationships to keep a roof over their heads.

They are living in their cars, in shelters, and in

any place they can find. One woman and her

three children were hiding in a church office

at night.

The Lotus Project first stabilizes women and

their children by housing them in appropri-

ately-sized apartments in good neighbor-

hoods with good schools, with all housing and

food expenses covered for the first year. Then,

through counseling, life skills education, sup-

port group therapy, and substance abuse treat-

ment, the program helps them get to a point

where they can find and keep employment or

attend school.

Yolanda is one of the women in The Lotus

Project. Her three-year service in the military

left her with emotional scars that still affect

her today. She was a victim of abuse by an of-

ficer, which escalated from verbal to physi-

cal, and finally sexual. When she reported

what had occurred, she was referred to the

Army Psychology Ward and later honorably

discharged.

Though she received benefits from the VA, she

turned to drugs, alcohol, and fraud to bury the

trauma and handle the stresses of caring for

her two sons. After a third time in prison and anewfound relationship with God, Yolanda ded-

icated herself to a new life, but she needed

help to get there. When she learned that The

Lotus Project would help her get an apartment

under her own name, she cried. Since then,

she has moved in and is now focusing on her

education and her family.

The Lotus Project is helping female veterans

like Yolanda spring from the mud of their pasts

and blossom in a new life. The peace of mind

that the program offers allows that to happen.

Having a place they can call their own is a

huge burden off these womens shoulders,

said Sarah Wier, case manager for The Lotus

Project. It allows them to relax a little and

focus on other aspects of their lives. n

THE LOTUS PROJECT FOR FEMALE VETERANS, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, GALVESTON-HOUSTON

FEMALE VETS BLOSSOMIN A NEW LIFE


Legal Services

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis provides legal assistance for

lower income veterans through its Veterans Advocacy Program, part of the agencys

Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry, which offers representation for impoverished

families who do not have the means to afford an attorney.

Emergency Assistance

In early 2012, with a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission, Catholic Charities

in Houston established the Veterans Assistance Program to help veterans in crisis.

The program provides case management, job development, housing search, ed-ucation guidance, food, furniture, and rent, mortgage, utility, and transportation

assistance. In its first year, the program helped 126 veterans and their families

regain stability.

Residential Care for Homeless Mentally Ill Veterans

Catholic Charities in Scranton, PA, offers a 24-hour residential home for home-

less mentally ill veterans. Funded by the VA, veterans stay for 30 to 90 days, where

they regain stability, receive mental health care, and practice personal care and life

skills in preparation for moving on to other housing options, including permanent

supportive housing.

Transitional Housing

St. Patrick Center, an agency of Catholic Charities in St. Louis, offers Project HERO,

which provides housing for up to two years, employment, and recovery oppor-

tunities for veterans. An intensive case management team works with veterans,

linking the veterans to substance abuse and mental health services as well as

job development and life skills education, services that prepare veterans to live

independently.

Impact Assessment

For the last few years, Catholic Social Service in Guam has served on two govern-

ment subcommittees to assess the impact of the U.S. Navys planned expansion

on Guam to accommodate the re-location of several thousand Marines and their

dependents. Each subcommittee was tasked with identifying the potential impacts

of the increased military personnel and their dependents, identify existing resourc-

es, estimate the level of resources needed in the future, and identify how Guam

could address the gaps. Catholic Social Service assisted in conducting a survey

about human services and gathering public input on developing a strategic plan.


10/25

How does a child deal with a parent going off to war? Or coming

back home again and maybe with an injury? Or not coming home

at all? Through its Faithful Friends program, Catholic Charities of

Tennessee meets the unique emotional health needs of children

and youth in military families based at Fort Campbell, a U.S. Army

installation straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border.

Faithful Friends, which is run out of a Catholic school in Clarksville,

TN, was started shortly after 9/11, in response to the high number of

deployments as the United States went to war in the Middle East. The

program helps children manage the emotions, stresses, and family

changes that come with a parents deployment and subsequent

return home. The program also helps children deal with the death

of a parent.

Faithful Friends gives children permission to talk about what is

happening, to normalize what is happening, so they know they are

not alone, said Eileen Beehan, social services department director

for Catholic Charities of Tennessee.

Children experience their families contracting when a parent is

deployed, then expanding again when the parent comes home, what

has been called an accordion family.

We know that family life is being disrupted so we work on building

skills that help them maintain a sense of continuity in their lives,

said Eileen. In addition to learning to care for themselves, thechildren learn how to show support for othersin this way helping

their friends and taking some of the focus off themselves.

Faithful Friends, with its mission to share both the sadness and the

joy of having a parent in the military, also makes children cognizant

of the perks they enjoy as military dependents, which they may take

for granted.

With such a long war and many families experiencing multiple

deployments, Faithful Friends itself has been a faithful friend,

providing a safe place for children as their parents ser ve in the

military.n

A FRIEND FOR CHILDRENIN MILITARY FAMILIESM

oral injury, reintegration anxieties,

post-traumatic stress disorder, sur-

vivors guilt, depressionthese are

some of the mental health issues that many

service members and veterans and their fami-

lies deal with. Unaddressed, they lead to family

and workplace problems, unemployment, sub-

stance abuse, domestic violence, homeless-ness, and suicide.

The prevalence and seriousness of these chal-

lenges prompted Catholic Charities of Rockville

Centre to strengthen its mental health services

for veterans and their families. In conjunction

with its two veteran housing programs, which

opened in 2011, Catholic Charities started two

support groups for veterans, which give vet-

erans the opportunity to come together, talk

about their experiences, and learn from each

other. One support group is geared toward

mental health treatment, and the other toward

building a social support network.

We have found that many veterans have lim-

ited support systems and few social resources.

The support groups provide a place to come

together, where they feel the camaraderie and

connection they experienced in the military,

said Christine Lai, veteran housing program di-

rector for Catholic Charities. They often dont

want to come to professionals for help, but

they will listen to other vets.

In addition to the support groups, the agency

employs a designated counselor for veter-

ans at each of its three out patient mental

health clinics. These counselors, one of whom

is a veteran, have undertaken training provid-

ed by the VA and the New York State Office of

Mental Health in topics such as military cul-

ture, the invisible wounds of war, and reintegra-

tion stresses. They have learned of the different

mental health issues that may affect veterans

and how they might manifest.

The agency has also implemented the U.S.

Armys ACE Suicide Intervention Training

Program which trains veterans, their family

members, and people who work with veterans

to recognize the risk factors and warning signs

for suicide and to intervene appropriately.

We use the ACE program, which stands for

Ask, Care, and Escort. Its based on a buddy

system, so no one is left behind, said Christine.

We use a lot of role-playing to get people com-

fortable with asking if a person is contemplat-

ing suicide, showing care by listening, and then

escorting them to people who can help.

The suicide prevention program is very con-

nected to the local VA office, which employs a

suicide prevention coordinator who can mobi-

lize additional resources for a particular client

when needed. Trainees receive a resource

directory and a wallet card with a phone

number to call in a crisis and instructions for

intervening.

With a strengthened mental health program

for veterans, Catholic Charities in Rockville

Centre is helping veterans and their families

cope with mental health issues and even heal

from them.

Veterans often feel that their sacrifices were

not appreciated, said Christine. We show

our appreciation by caring about their overall

well-being and helping them regain the things

theyve lost.n

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR VETERANS, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, ROCKVILLE CENTRE

CARING FOR THE HEARTAND MIND

16 | CHARITIES USA FALL 2013 | 17

FAITHFUL FRIENDS, CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TENNESSEE


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Ready, Vet, Go! (RVG) is the motivating

moniker of Catholic Charities of Camdens

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

(SSVF) program. In its third year, the pro-

gram is flourishing, having served over 500

veterans and their families in the last two

years and expecting to serve another 265

veteran families in FY 2013.

The goal of the SSVF program is to preventor resolve veteran homelessness by provid-

ing intensive case management and tempo-

rary financial assistance for rent and utility

payments, security deposits, moving expens-

es, transportation, and other costs. This as-

sistance helps rental tenants on the verge

of eviction stay in their homes and secures

housing for veterans who are already home-

less. Making sure the veteran and his or her

family is housed is first priority.

SSVF is a housing first model, said Mark

Taylor, director of veteran services for

Catholic Charities in Camden, NJ, and a 12-

year veteran of the U.S. Army. We house

them first and then work on the issues that

contributed to their homelessness.

With housing secure, case managers and

life skills coordinators work with the veterans

to resolve those issues, which may include

unemployment, substance abuse, mental ill-

ness, and/or disability. They also help the

veterans set goals, take advantage of VA

benefits, get education or job training, find

employment, start financial planning, and

access other services, including the agen-

cys other veteran services. Through dona-tions, Catholic Charities Camden is able to

offer an IDA Matched Savings program for

vets, free counseling, and other assistance.

In its first year, RVG helped veteran Dannie

McLaughlin, who saw combat in Operation

Desert Storm in the early 1990s. He left the

military after five years, beset with psycho-

logical and physical injuries, which made it

difficult to keep long-term work. He fell into

substance abuse, and at one point, lived in

a group home for individuals with substance

abuse issues, but when the program ended,

he was homeless, living in his car. Through

RVG and with the support of his case man-

ager, counselors, and health care provid-

ers, Dannie found a home and began deal-

ing with his mental and physical health

issues as well as his substance abuse. Today,

Dannie is working towards a degree to

become a pastor and is happy how his life

has turned around.

Each organization that gets an SSVF grant

can structure the staffing to best fit their

communitys needs. RVG employs four full-time outreach workers.

Everything revolves around outreach, said

Mark. Our outreach workers market the pro-

gram, find clients, connect with other organi-

zations, and get donations for our other vet-

eran services.

Finding veterans who need help is not always

easy. Some vets dont want help and are not

looking for help, said Mark. Our outreach

workers are the first line in building rapport

with them and helping them understand that

the program is a benefit for them that theyve

earned with their service. This is us giving

back for what theyve done.n

18 | CHARITIES USA

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) launched a nationwide grant program to

prevent or end homelessness for thousands of veterans and their families. Now heading into

its third year, the programSupportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)has awarded

grants totaling nearly $300 million to private non-profit organizations to provide services that

prevent veteran families from becoming homeless or to rapidly rehouse those that have re-

cently become homeless. The SSVF grant program is a m ajor part of VAs goal to end veteran

homelessness by 2015. Seventeen Catholic Charities agencies are among the more than 300

organizations across the nation which are providing SSVF programs to veterans in need.n

Catholic Charities USA recently launched a new opportunity for Catholic Charities staff who serve mil-

itary families and veteransthe Military Families and Veteran Providers Network (MFVP).This network,

CCUSAs newest professional interest section,will increase awareness about a population that can

benefit from the support and expertise of our network.Whether you wo rk to provide services specifi-

cally for military families and veterans or services to the general population that includes this group,

you are encouraged to join our network.

The Military Families and Veteran Providers Network plans to offer training on topics related to mili-

tary service and provide connection to members through a list serve,information exchange, network-

ing,and resource sharing. The network will also work with CCUSAs social policy department on advo-

cacy efforts that will potentially lead to better outcomes for military families and veterans.

The new network will be particularly useful to new Catholic Charities grantees in the VAs Supportive

Services for Veteran Families program.With 17 agencies now participating i n the program,the MFVP

network will provide a forum for grantees to share ideas and best practices. n

For more information and to join the network,please visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org or contact

Fr.Ragan Schriver,CCUSA staff liaison to the new section, at [email protected].

READY, VET, GO!SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES, CATHOLIC CHARITIES, CAMDEN

SUPPORTIVESERVICESFOR VETERANFAMILIES

Join CCUSAS New Military Families & Veteran Providers Network

FALL 2013 | 19


12/25

CHARITIES USA

In the last few years, Catholic Charities USA has made sever-

al efforts to strengthen the networks services for military fam-

ilies and veterans, including outreach to the military and to

organizations working to assist this population. Through this out-

reach, CCUSA has forged a relationship with the Code of Support

Foundation (COSF), providing office space to this relatively young

organization that seeks to bridge the gap between civilian and

military America. The foundation, with three employees, including

U.S. Major General Alan Salisbury, the organizational founder and

chairman, and Kristina Kaufmann, its executive director, has been

housed at CCUSAs offices since 2011.

COSF works to ensure that all Americans understand and appre-

ciate the service and sacrifice of the 1 percent who serve in

uniform and are actively involved in supporting our troops, our

veterans, and military families. In support of its mission, the foun-

dation serves as an advocate for the needs of our troops and

for the community of organizations that address those needs. The

foundation also identifies and remedies critical situations, where

military families and veterans are lacking needed support. Over

the last two years, COSF has become familiar with the work of

Catholic Charities and regularly refers military families and veter-

ans in need to member agencies across the country.

COSF is in the process of developing a tool kit for agencies to use to

engage with veterans in ways that will help them bridge the divide

between military and civilian life. The foundation is also building a

Warrior Family Support Network, a network of organizations, includ-

ing Catholic Charities agencies, which military families and veter-

ans can call on in times of crisis. n

Please visit www.codeofsupport.org for additional information

CCUSA & HE CODE OF SUPPOR FOUNDAION

A Partnershipto Strengthen Services for Military Families

PREPARE YOURSELF

Encourage coordination and partnership buildingamong local

agencies in the service area. Work with related service providers

to develop partnerships that connect programs, utilize information

sharing, and collaborate to meet the emerging needs of military

families.

Develop and utilize training programsthat promote awareness

of military culture and issues to promote culturally competent

services for military members and their families.

Create an information networkthat provides accessible

information on services available to military families. Both web-

based and printed resources can be developed to address the

varying needs of military families and accommodate families to

access resources and referrals with an emphasis on community-

based outreach.

Enable specific program enhancementsthat are unique to

veterans and military families including but not limited to:

childcare and family support services that strengthen family and

community bond; employment training and support programs that

are strengths-based; and mental and behavioral health services

that are consistent with clinical approaches to treating PTSD,

traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, and other co-occurring

disorders.n

RECOMMENDATIONSFOR SERVINGMILITARY FAMILIES

Through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) there are many education and train-

ing opportunities for practitioners serving active-duty service members, veterans and military

families. A five-course online training moduleSocial Work with Service Members, Veterans,

and their Families is now available at www.naswwebed.org. This webinar series is free for NASW

members. The modules cover community resources for military service members and veterans,

evidence-based treatment interventions for service members and veterans, responding to ac-

tive-duty service members and veterans sexual trauma, practice with children of military fami-

lies, and military culture. In addition, NASW has established standards for social work practice

with service members, veterans, and their families. These standards are downloadable from the

NASW webpage. Other educational opportunities (workshops, seminars, webinars) are available

through other professional associations, state mental health agenices, the VA, and schools of

social work. n

Military-Specific Training Available for Social Workers

In 2010, CCUSA administered a survey among its member agencies

to identify the services available to militar y families, emerging and

unmet needs, and service gaps. The next year, in 2011, a focus group

was convened to enhance the information gathered from the network

by having the direct military family perspective. These two efforts gen-

erated the following recommendations for Catholic Charities agencies:

FALL 2013 | 21

While military families experience many of the samechallenges common to civilian families, they also have

unique stressors relating to the requirements of military

service and military life.


13/25

THEARCHDIOCESEOF THE MILITARYSERVICESA WELCOMING COMMUNITY FOR CATHOLIC SERVICE MEMBERS

Charities USA:The Archdiocese of the

Military Services serves active military mem-

bers and their families across the globe. Why

was the archdiocese created and how is it

different than other dioceses?

Archbishop Broglio:Its important to note

that pastoral care for Catholic military mem-

bers began in an organized fashion in 1917

during World War I. A vicariate was formed

to respond to the pastoral needs of soldiers

who were coming from multiple canonical ju-

risdictions. Prior to that, maintaining canon-

ical records was very problematic, as was

meeting the needs of a very transient pop-

ulation undergoing the rigors of battle. Over

time, the vicariate took on more responsibili-

ty, serving Catholics in VA hospitals and then

federal workers and their families overseas.Finally, in 1985, the archdiocese was estab-

lished by Pope John Paul II.

Our archdiocese is different in that we have

no incardinated clergy. All our priests are

on loan from other dioceses or orders. We

have no schools, no collections, no parishes

to speak ofonly Most Holy Trinity Parish at

West Point. Further, the faithful of our arch-

diocese is determined by who the people

arepeople in the military, not where they

live. We also maintain all their sacramental

records at the archdiocese.

Another difference is that our clergy are

given their assignments by the military. They

are officers in whatever branch they entered,

and have undergone military and chaplain-

cy training. That being said, a person cannot

serve as a chaplain without my signa-


For nearly 100 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has provided pastoral care for

Catholic military service members. Archbishop of the Military Services Timothy P. Broglio recently

spoke with Charities USA about the archdiocese and its commitment to Catholics in the military.


14/25

FALL 2013 | 25

ture. The archdiocese certifies that they can

indeed serve and represent the church.

We are, of course, the same as other dioces-

es in that we provide the same ser vices. We

have a chancer y, a tribunal, evangelization,

religious education, and youth outreach.

Charities USA:What are the challenges in

meeting the pastoral needs of Catholics in

the military?

Archbishop Broglio:Our biggest challenge is

that we are ministering to a constantly tran-

sient population. Unlike in traditional par-

ishes, where you have key people you can

rely on for a long time, we have people for at

most two years, so we have to find the lead-

ers as soon as we can. Thankfully, people

who are going to get involved do so pretty

quickly.

Another challenge is coordinating pastoral

services in a war zone. One of our constant

concerns is getting chaplains where they are

needed. For example, a carrier group went

out recently without a Catholic priest. We

made sure one was sent. We monitor whats

going on and serve as advocates to make

sure Catholics in the military have access toCatholic services. Its a lot to keep track of

with easily more than 200 military installa-

tions worldwide.

Charities USA:Many service members suffer

from moral injury, which has been defined

as perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing

witness to, or learning about acts that trans-

gress deeply held moral beliefs and expec-

tations. This kind of injury can impact how

one feels before God and his or her faith

community. What counsel does the church

provide to service members suffering from

moral injury?

Archbishop Broglio:I think our answer is

very similar to what a mental health provid-

er would saythat it is a civil power that de-

cides to fight, not the individual person. That

being said, weve learned the importance of

listening, of allowing people to tell their story,

to get out what is affecting them inside. And

we can help them through the process of

reconciliation with God and forgiveness if

they feel they need it.

Charities USA:What is the message that

Catholics in the military need to hear most

from the church?

Archbishop Broglio:The most important

message is that they are welcome among us.

As a community, it is important for us to wel-

come them when they arrive in a new area

and to nurture them through a ministry of

presence. The Auxiliary Bishops and I make

it a point to visit every military installation

each year, which emphasizes the important

message that we appreciate who they are

and the sacrifices they are making. n

24 | CHARITIES USA

Our biggest challenge is that we are ministering to a constantly transient population. Unlike

in traditional parishes, where you have key people you can rely on for a long time, we have

people for at most two years, so we have to find the leaders as soon as we can.


15/25

26 | CHARITIES USA

BUILDING BRIDGESOF OPPORTUNITY

For three days in mid-September, Catholic Charities professionals from across the country gath-

ered in San Francisco for the Catholic Charities USA 2013 Annual Gathering. This gathering, the

pre-eminent gathering for the Catholic Charities network, provided the opportunity for attendees

to connect with colleagues, learn new ideas, and find inspiration and rejuvenation together. Our

thanks go out to Catholic Charities CYO of the Archdiocese of San Francisco for their hard work

and dedication in hosting this years Annual Gathering.

FALL 2013 | 27

Pre-Conference Institutes & Spiritual Retreat

On Saturday, the day before the Annual Gathering opened, CCUSA held six

day-long institutes on various topicsfood insecurity, development and com-

munications, immigration, public policy, parish social ministry, and financeto

allow in-depth instruction and discussion for participants. Also on Saturday,

CCUSA hosted a spiritual retreat at Mission Dolores, the oldest original intact

mission in California. Dr. Klaus Baumann, a scholar of theology and psychol-

ogy and a key presenter in CCUSAs OGrady Institute in Freiburg, Germany,

spoke on how to maintain a sense of mission in the face of challenges.

Opening Session

In the opening session of the gathering on Sunday morning, Rev. Larry

Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, addressed the gathering, empha-

sizing the need for reform and announcing that five communities would be

selected in the coming months to pilot CCUSAs reform principles. He report-

ed on the Lab for Economic Opportunity (LEO), a partnership between CCUSA

and the University of Notre Dame to identify the most effective poverty reduc-

tion programs through academic research. He also reported on CCUSAs ef-

forts in fostering social enterprise, specifically through a Social Venture Boot

Camp to help agencies develop social enterprises (See page 31). Fr. Snyder

commended attendees for their creativity and courage in finding bridges to

opportunity for people living in poverty.

Keynote Speaker Melissa Paulsen

Melissa Paulsen, assistant director of the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship

in the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame, spoke

about the future of social enterprise and reported on the success of the first

Social Venture Boot Camp held at Notre Dame in August for Catholic Charities

agency staff. She encouraged agencies to develop social enterprise plans

and attend the next boot camp in 2014.

Opening Liturgy

The opening liturgy on Sunday afternoon was held at the Cathedral of St.

Mary of the Assumption, an inspiring place of worship combining ancient

faith with modern architecture.

Photos: Jason Steinberg,Steinberg Imagery


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FALL 2013 | 2928 | CHARITIES USA28 | CHARITIES USA

Workshops:This years workshops covered a host of topics: organizational health,

cross-sector partnerships, adult day health care, programs for veterans, social media,

public policy, fundraising, strategic planning, Catholic identity, parish partnerships,

service delivery, social enterprise, and many more. Catholic Charities of Santa Clara

County also conducted a poverty simulation to help people understand the barriers

that make it difficult for low-income families to make ends meet.

Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award:At the Awards Dinner on Sunday evening,

Kathleen-Dooley-Polcha received the Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Award for her work on

behalf of children throughout her long career at the Catholic Home Bureau, an affiliate

agency of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. For the last 17 years, she

has directed the Maternity Services Department, which supports women with a crisis

pregnancy in parenting their children or p lacing them for adoption. She has also been

actively involved as a leader in CCUSAs Children, Youth, and Family Services section.

Volunteer of the Year Award:Fr. George Kloster, CCUSAs 2013 National Volunteer

of the Year, was honored for his work to support the Office of Economic Opportunity

in Murphy, NC, a poverty reduction program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of

Charlotte. He was instrumental in getting the program started 15 years ago, and has

worked tirelessly since then to advise and support the programs staff, raise money for

the program, and encourage the community to participate in the programs poverty re-

duction efforts.

Vision Award:Catholic Charities USAs 2013 Vision Award was presented to Bishop

Michael Driscoll, Bishop of Boise. For more than a decade, he has served as the

USCCBs Episcopal Liaison to Catholic Charities USA. For far longer, however, he has

been actively involved in the work of Catholic Charities, especially during his ministry in

the Diocese of Orange (California) and more recently in the Diocese of Boise (Idaho),

where he led the effort to establish one of our networks newest agencies, Catholic

Charities of Idaho.

Keynote Speaker Patrick Lencioni:On Monday morning, Patrick Lencioni, a best-

selling author and expert in fostering organizational health, gave a dynamic presenta-

tion on the importance of functional and cohesive leadership teams, which are charac-

terized by trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and a focus on results.

Hot Topics Luncheon:At lunch on Monday, attendees picked up boxed lunches and

headed to various tables to join their colleagues and discuss the tables assigned

topic. The topics varied widely, capturing the important and interesting issues facing the

Catholic Charities network.

Sojourn Theater:Sojourn Theater returned to the Annual Gathering this year, perform-

ing another creative work based on inter views with conference attendees as well as at-

tendees of the preceding Partners in Excellence gatherings. The performance captured

the voices of Catholic Charities employees, portraying the daily challenges and rewards

of their work. Members of the ensemble group also conducted a workshop on the

power of compelling stories in furthering the work of Catholic Charities.

Closing Gala:On Monday evening, Catholic Charities CYO hosted a closing gala at

the California Academy of Sciences, which houses a planetarium, aquarium, rain forest,

and natural history museum. In this wondrous setting, conference attendees enjoyed

the diverse cuisines of San Francisco, the fi ne wines of the regions vineyards, and the

fun of lively music and dancing.

Photos (Sojourn Theater and Closing Gala): Elias Kontogiannis,Catholic Charities USA

2014 Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering

SEE YOU IN CHARLOTTE!

October 4-7, 2014 Charlotte, NC


17/25

Think of the term boot camp and an in-

tense, rigorous, and exhausting exercise regi-

men comes to mind. While its demanding

in so many ways, its also meant to achieve

dramatic results in a short amount of time.

Thats just what representatives of six

Catholic Charities agencies experienced in

August at Catholic Charities USAs Social

Venture Boot Camp, held in partnership

with the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship

of the Mendoza College of Business at the

University of Notre Dame. The agency teams

came with well-developed ideas for social

ventures and worked in high gear for long

hours to get their plans in shape.

It turned out that boot camp was the right

name for the conference, as we worked very

hard for five straight days! said David Siler,

executive director of Catholic Charities of the

Archdiocese of Indianapolis. But the work

paid big dividends for us as we gained a

much better understanding of how we can

approach our financial ser vices venture.

The boot camp came about as a result of

Catholic Charities USAs emphasis on em-

bracing market-based strategies to over-

come poverty. Social enterprise is one such

strategy, which can help agencies fulfill their

mission while achieving sustainability for the

organization.

To provide a well-rounded education on

social enterprise, the boot camp tapped the

entrepreneurial expertise of Notre Dame fac-

ulty and social venture owners, consultants

and investors, who drilled down on topics

such as business plan development, stake-

holder analysis, earned income and revenue

streams, legal issues, competition, custom-er relations, emerging funding models, and

measuring for impact. The camp also fea-

tured business mentorsNotre Dame alumni

and Catholic Charities directors who are run-

ning social ventures similar to those pro-

posed by the agencies at the camp.

Our mentor added invaluable insight to our

evaluation process and challenged us on

many aspects of our proposed program,

said David. Our agency could never have

afforded the consultation that we received

from our mentor during the program.

The boot camp concluded with each agency

making a presentation about their social

venture to a group of community leaders

and Notre Dame faculty, who pressed them

on the particulars of their plan.

Although somewhat intimidating, [it] was

very much like what we can expect in the

real world when we present our project to

potential investors, said David.

Overall, the boot camp gave the agency

teams the opportunity to test and develop

their ideas within a sound business frame-

work, an opportunity David recomme nds. I

wholeheartedly endorse the social enter-

prise boot camp for any Catholic Charities

agency that is seriously considering taking

their agency in this direction.

CCUSA LAUNCHES SOCIAL VENTURE BOOT CAMP AT NOTRE DAME

GETTINGYOUR SOCIALVENTURE IN

SHAPE



18/25

32 | CHARITIES USA

It turned out that boot campwas the right name for the

conference, as we worked veryhard for five straight days! David Siler, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis

We felt we had a profitable and viable plan

going in, but the camp helped us fine-tune it.

Elvira Ramirez , executive director, Catholic Charities,

Diocese of Stockton, CA

We are social workers. Were not trained in

business. We found we had to look at things

with a more income generating perspective.

Lauren Goldberg, program coordinator for the Refugee Agricultural Partnership,

Catholic Charities of Louisville, KY

Better to Know Now

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Louisville came to the

boot camp with a plan to expand their Refugee Agricultural

Partnership program into a social e nterprise. The program

leases urban gardening plots to refugee families so they

can grow food for their family and friends and/or e arn sup-

plemental income by selling the produce. Expanded into a

social enterprise, the venture would offer locally-grown or-

ganic produce to local markets and restaurants.

Lauren Goldberg, program coordinator for the Refugee

Agricultural Partnership, was one of her agencys team

members at the boot camp. From her perspective, the plan

they came with was pretty advanced, but they learned that

they had neglected to think about some things.

We are social workers. Were not trained in business, said

Lauren. We found we had to look at things with a more

income generating perspective.

When they did, they saw pretty quickly that their plan

wouldnt generate enough income. So now the team is

back at square one, and theres been a huge change in

their social enterprise ideas.

For Lauren, thats a good thing. It was better to know now

that our plan wouldnt work than find out down the road

when we were trying to do it. Now we can move on to more

sustainable and viable options. n

Were Better Prepared

Elvira Ramirez and Rosie DArcy, executive director and

development director, respectively, of Catholic Charities,

Diocese of Stockton, CA, came out of the boot camp better

prepared to launch their social enterprise. They plan to open

a thrift store in their community.

We felt we had a profitable and viable plan going in, but

the camp helped us fine-tune it, said Rosie. They helped

us look at all the details and gave us more information to

review and consider.

This deep evaluation of their social venture plan has given

Elvira and Rosie more confidence in presenting their plan

to the bishop and board of directors.

Were better prepared to present our business plan, to show

how it can be profitable, said Elvira. Were better prepared

to answer questions about it.

They are also going to take a little longer than they planned

in getting the thrift store started. We were planning on

opening the store as early as January, but through the

camp, we realized we needed to slow down and get more of

the pieces in place.n

FALL 2013 | 33


19/25

By Cindy Brovsky

34 | CHARITIES USA

BRING DESTRUCTION TO COLORADO

Following the devastating floods in Colorado this past September,

Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of

Denver entered into a powerful collaboration to meet the immediate

needs of disaster survivors and chart a course of recovery for the

long term.

CCUSA was indispensable, said Larry Smith, president and CEO

of Catholic Charities in Denver. They brought a tremendous amount

of experience, yet filled any role we needed with humility. They were

mentors and helped guide us in the right direction.

CCUSA recently granted $1.8 million to Catholic Charities of Denver

for long-term recovery assistance in the wake of the disaster.

Unprecedented flooding began the week of Sept. 8. The relentless

rain dumped 17 inches in some areas, demolishing homes, busi-

nesses and highways across more than a dozen counties. The floods

forced about 12,000 people to evacuate from mountain communi-

ties, cities and farms in northern Colorado, some fleeing with only the

clothes on their backs. Eight people were killed.

At the Catholic Charities USA Annual Gathering in San Francisco,

days after the floods began, Kim Burgo, senior director of disaster

services for CCUSA, suggested to Smith that Catholic Charities of

Denver mobilize to address daily needs of flood survivorssuch as

water, blankets, cleaning, and hygiene supplies, as well as gift cards

to buy food and other necessities.

Burgo and Katie Oldaker, director of disas-

ter services for CCUSA, traveled to Denver

and went with Smith to northern Colorado

to survey the damage. Oldaker was famil-

iar with the area, having assisted in relief ef-

forts after a major forest fire in July 2012.

It was so inspiring to assist an agency that

wanted to learn, Oldaker said.

Catholic Charities was able to step up and

do some amazing things, said Smith. We

had four emergency distribution centers set

up in northern Colorado. We handed out

close to $100,000 in gift cards and more

than $150,000 of in-kind support. We mo-

bilized the northern parishes. We had 40

employees put in 1,800 hours in two weeks,

just on flood relief, while we continued to do

all our other ministries. And we had 100 vol-

unteers put in more than 1,000 hours. So

we got a phenomenal response.

One single mother, flooded out of her home,

said that getting the help from the commu-

nity and the people that are willing to come

in and help us out means more than any-

body will ever know.

The Greeley Tribunesfront-page headline on

Sept. 28 was: Catholic Charities Step in to

Help.

The CCUSA staffs work included teachingColorado staff about incident command sys-

tems and situation reports, Oldaker said.

They also helped at flood relief distribution

centers and visited affected communities.

The sheer magnitude of the disaster area

was difficult to handle, Oldaker recalled. I

think in two days I was in the car for 13

hours. We all had days like that. It was ex-

hausting. It showed our team how much

need was out there, plus how much support

Catholic Charities Denver was going to need

in the months and years ahead.

Staffers from Catholic Charities organiza-

tions in Camden, NJ, and Broome County,

NY, came to Colorado to help. Tonya Brown,

Shelly Kaminsky, and Tammy Hodges came

from New York state. From Camden, Mark

Taylor and Valerie Gonzalez of Veteran

Services and Rose Porcellini of the executive

office came to work at the disaster relief dis-

tribution centers.

After Hurricane Sandy, people all over the

country, including Colorado, sent money, do-

nations, and volunteers, and we thought it

was appropriate to help Colorado in this

time of need, said Kevin Hickey, executive

director of Catholic Charities of Camden.

As with the Hurricane Sandy recovery in

New Jersey, Colorado officials know they will

be working for months and years to get dis-

placed people resettled. Catholic Charities

USA has been with us all of the way and we

know they will be with us in the long-term,

Smith said. n

FALL 2013 | 35

RAGINGWATERSCatholic Charities Denver and Catholic Charities USA Join Forces to Respond

S U P E R S T O R M S A N D Y

DAYS AFTER

Catholic Charities USA has released a report on our net-

works disaster response efforts in the last year to Superstorm

Sandy. The report captures the work of CCUSA and more than

a dozen agencies in responding to the disaster and helping

people rebuild their homes and lives. In the last year, CCUSA

has more than $14 million to assist Catholic Charities agen-

cies responding to Hurricane Sandy.

Visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org to read the report.


20/25

36 | CHARITIES USA

UpdateCCUSA

p David Zubik Appointed as

As New Episcopal Liaison

c Charities is pleased to announce that

ost Reverend David A. Zubik, DD, bishop of

ocese of Pittsburgh, PA, was recently ap-

d by Cardinal Timothy Dolan as Catholic

es USAs new episcopal liaison.

e who has met Bishop Zubik knows him to

man of great faith who will be a significant

utor to our movement, said Rev. Larry

r, CCUSA president. I look forward to his

ce and guidance as we continue to live

r Lords call to service and justice in com-

es across the country.

al Dolan, acting in his role of president

United States Conference of Catholic

s, appointed Bishop Zubik to take the

of the Most Reverend Michael Driscoll,

of the Diocese of Boise, ID, who retired as

As episcopal liaison earlier this year.

New officers of the board were announced as well. The new chair of

the CCUSA Board of Trustees is Sister Linda Yankoski, CEO of Holy

Family Institute in Pittsburgh. Other new officers include Peg Harmon,

CEO of Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona, who will

serve as vice chair, and Chuck Cornelio, of Lincoln F inancial Group,

who was elected to the position of board treasurer. Elida El-Gawly, di-

rector of community grants and investments for Sisters of Charity of

the Incarnate Word in Houston, TX, will serve as the new board secre-

tary. All were currently serving on the CCUSA Board when elected to

their new roles.

Two Washington Agencies Receive Social Innovation Awards

In early November, Catholic Charities USA presented Social

Innovation Awards to two Washington state local member agencies

during its Partners in Excellence Regional Gathering event held in

Coeur dAlene, ID, one of 10 regional gatherings taking place across

the country in 2013 and 2014. The Social Innovation Awards rec-

ognize socially-innovative programs being run by Catholic Charities

agencies and come with a $5,000 grant to be reinvested in the pro-

gram for its continued success.

Catholic Charities Housing Services of the Diocese of Yakima was

recognized for its New Life Homes Project, which was launched in

2004. Targeting families at or below 80% of the median income

for the Yakima area, the program helps first-time homebuyersachieve their dream of owning a home by offering financial assis-

tance in exchange for sweat equity.

Catholic Charities of Spokanes Vinegar Flats Community Farm ini-

tiative provides access to healthy and affordable fresh produce

from local farmers markets for those in need.

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) ispleased to recognize three com-munity leaders for their outstand-ing contributions to the cause of

justice and opportunity for all withthe 2014 Keep the Dream Aliveawards. Marcos Legaspi Herrera,Roger Playwin, and Ron Laurenthave been named recipients of theannual award, which is given to

individuals who have spent theircareers working on behalf of thepoor and marginalized in our so-ciety. The honorees will receivetheir awards at the 2014 Keepthe Dream Alive Mass, which willbe held Saturday, January 11,2014, in Washington, DC, at HolyComforter-St. Cyprian Church.

CCUSA Welcomes Vision and Leadership of Four New Board Members

At the Annual Gathering in September, Catholic Charities USA commissioned four leaders from

the fields of law, academia, and non-profit administration to serve on its board of trustees.

These men and women are bringing their expertise and skills to assist our organization in

living out its mission, said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. But equally

importantly, they bring with them a true sense of service and a passion for improving the lives

of those who come to our agencies. We welcome them and give God thanks for the gifts and

talents they will bring to enrich our work.

The incoming board members are:

Gregory R. Kepferle, San Jose, CA. Kepferle is

the CEO of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara

County, where he has spearheaded bold ap-

proaches to ending poverty, such as Step Up

Silicon Valley and the 1,000 Out of Poverty

campaign.

Dr. Isaiah Ike McKinnon,Detroit, MI.

McKinnon is an associate professor at the

University of Detroit Mercy and is the former

chief of police for the city of Detroit.

Timothy F. Noelker, St. Louis, MO.

Noelker is a partner in Thompson Coburn LLPs

Business Litigation Department and a former

trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Heather Reynolds, Fort Worth, TX. As presi-

dent and CEO of Catholic Charities Fort Worth,

Reynolds has been on the forefront of social-

ly-innovative programs such as WORN Scarves

and TIN. In 2010, she received the papal

Benemerenti Medal.

M,J, , :.St.Aloysius Church, Washington, D.C.ReverendMonsignorJohn Enzler, Presider&Homilist

KEEPTHEDREAMALIVEMass&Awards

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FALL 2013 | 37

CCUSA to Honor Three Leaders at Keep the Dream Alive Mass


21/25


St. Cloud Agency Breaks Ground on Expansion of Childrens Home

NewsNotes

Almost 90 years ago, a dream started

to take formthe dream of a place

of welcome, safety, care, and hope

in Central Minnesota; a place where

the journey of life could begin anew.

In 1924, the St. Cloud Orphanage

opened its d oors. oday, it is Catholic

Charities St. Cloud Childrens Home

and is a residential mental healthtreatment program for youth. Te

home still stands as a sign of that

dream, of that belief that to welcome

children is to do what Jesus asked us

to when he said, Bring the children

to me.

While the building has served many

well, todays children require a very

different space. In August, Catholic

Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud,

MN, broke ground on an Intensive

reatment Cottage. Tis additional

cottage will serve young people with

diagnosed mental illness who need

the closest amount of supervision and

care. Tis new cottage is the result of

several years of planning, study, de-velopment, and hard work. Its a $4.6

million undertaking. A number of

generous individuals have already

pledged gifts to pay for it as part of

Catholic Charities Saving Children,

Saving Families campaign.

Catholic Charities Executive Director

Steve Bresnahan said, Te generosi-

ty and depth of caring that has already

been shown by our community for

children they dont even know touch-

es me.

Te new Intensive reatment Cottage

will continue the tradition of St.

Cloud Childrens Home. It is expect-

ed to open in June of 2014 90 years

after the Catholic Charities St. Cloud

Childrens Home opened its doors for

the first time.

Chicago Agency Hosts Golf Outing toBenefit Children Affected by Suicide

Te 3rd Annual Patrick J. Ryan Golf

Outing, chaired by Former Attorney

General of Illinois, Jim Ryan, his wife,

Marie, and their family, took place on

August 15, 2013 at St. Andrews Golf

& Country Club in West Chicago.

Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland,

president of Catholic Charities of

Chicago, welcomed more than 300

guests to the event which featured

a continental breakfast, 18 holes of

golf, a lunch buffet, dinner, a silentand live auction, and a raffle and fan-

tastic contest holes. Proceeds, which

were more than $100,000 net, ben-

efited Catholic Charities of Chicagos

LOSS (Loving Outreach to Survivors

of Suicide) Program for Children and

Youth, delivering counseling and sup-

port services to young people who

have lost a loved one to suicide. Te

program was started in 2010 as a

result of the tragic loss of the Ryan

familys youngest son, Patrick, to sui-

cide in 2007. Since its inception in

August 2010, the program has pro-

vided 125 children and youth with as-

sistance in coming to terms with their

painful loss through individual, family,

and group counseling.

Catholic Charities Worcester County

Wins Fourth Award for Annual Report

Te International Academy of the

Visual Arts announced that the 2013Communicator Award of Distinction

was presented to Catholic Charities

Worcester County (MA) and its ex-

ecutive director, Catherine Loeffler,

for the agencys 2012 Annual Report,

Imagine.... Te Award of Distinction

is given in an international advertis-

ing competition honoring the creative

excellence of communications pro-

fessionals. Tis is the fourth year that

Catholic Charities Worcester County

has received an award for its annual

report.

Monterey Catholic Charities Expands

Tattoo Removal Program

Catholic Charities Diocese of

Monterey held an open house on Sept.

25 at its new facility in Santa Cruz,

CA, to celebrate the successful col-

laboration with D

charities usa fall 2013: reaching out to military families & veterans

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