FAQs
Q. What percentage of Catholic Charities expenses are directly related to program services?
A. 92% of all expenses are for program services, the remaining 8% is for supporting services
Q. What is Catholic Charities 2009 Campaign Goal?
A. $2.4 million
Q. What is Catholic Charities?
A. -Nationally, Catholic Charities is the largest private provider of social services to children, families, and individuals impacted by poverty. While its mission is based in Catholic Social Teaching, it honors and respects all of the religions and beliefs of the very diverse people it serves.
-Locally, Catholic Charities is a 97 year old organization that has served thousands of people, including orphans, refugees, widows, disaster victims, and impoverished families needing financial assistance, counseling or other help in coping with issues of poverty, loss, or isolation.
-To Serve God, we serve our neighbor and we realize that our neighbor is all humankind. Catholic CHarities service is FAITH IN ACTION. It is rooted in Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching: Respect for Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family and Community, Protection of Human Rights, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Dignity of the Worker, Solidarity with Our Neighbors, and Care for the Environment.
-Catholic Charities helps improve the suffering of the poor and works to eliminate the causes of poverty.
-Catholic Charities helps unite the works of mercy and justice throughout the archdiocese.
-Catholic Charities is a unique organization with staff and volunteers who respect the poor and know that the poor are here to make a difference in all our lives.
Q. How does Catholic Charities serve?
A. -Direct Services: Catholic Charities offers counseling; supportive services to pregnant women and poor families; adoption; immigration legal assistance; resettlement of refugees; and transitional housing for families and unwed mothers.
-Support to Parishes: Every parish is called to reach out to its members and its neighborhood or community to assist others in need. Catholic Charities helps organize and train leaders and volunteers in parishes in this important work. By acting on their faith, members experience spiritual growth in doing Christ's work. The agency nurtures and supports the social ministries in every parish.
-Community Collaboration: Catholic Charities works with other civic and faith-based service providers to address larger community issues, like homelessness, disaster response and domestic violence.
-Social Advocacy: Catholic Charities advocates on legislation and social policy to speak on behalf of the poor and address the causes of social poverty and discrimination.
Q. Why Give to Catholic Charities?
A. -The gap between the wealthy and the poor is steadily increasing. There are many persons in our community who do not have the basic things required for human decency: food, housing, health care, jobs.
-Support of this Annual Appeal goes to people in Oklahoma- our neighbors. This money is used to support more than 50 different programs and services. The work is overseen by a voluntary board of directors that helps ensure that money is directed to the areas of greatest need, and that administrative expenses are minimal.
-Catholic Charities' revenue sources include the Annual Appeal, fees and grants, United Way, special events, and other contributions.
-The 2009 St. Patrick's Grand Marshal Ball, hosted by Catholic Charities, raised more than $117,000 for Catholic Charities' Sanctuary Women's Development Center which opened in April. The Sanctuary helps women and children struggling with homelessness.
2008-2009 Milestones
-In June, Catholic Charities completed all the requirements for the financial closing of Villanova Apartments in Lawton. The process of redeveloping Columbia Square began in 2003 when we realized that these apartments were in extremely poor condition and that its financial obligations could not be met if the required operations were continued. Working with Mercy Housing Services and Gorman Management Company, Catholic Charities assumed sponsorship of 68 affordable housing units serving low-income families. The average annual income of the residents at Villanova is $8,789. The redevelopment of this property, along with our commitment of social services and programs for our residents, has built many bridges for the Church in Lawton. The Oklahoma Housing and Finance Authority recognized Catholic Charities' work in the redevelopment of affordable housing at its July meeting.
-On April 13, Catholic Charities opened the Sanctuary Women's Development Center in Oklahoma City to serve women who are either homeless or at risk of being homeless. Usually about 30 women come daily to the center, located in what was Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission Church in the Stockyards area. Two case workers, a receptionist and several women who volunteer, help clients find a path to housing, employment and self-improvement. Sanctuary is a very special place, because it provides space, time, and an environment that is helpful to women who are stressed, insecure and in turmoil because they lack permanent housing. We have experienced wonderful cooperation from the neighboring emergency shelters in serving those who come. The remarkable thing is that the women support one another and challenge themselves to succeed. We are learning much from our work and hope that we can use this model to assist others who are vulnerable and who live on the streets because there is no suitable place for them to be during the day.
-On August 2, Catholic Charities celebrated the 10th anniversary of the opening of Holy Family Maternity Home in Midwest City. The home is a resource to homeless and pregnant adolescent girls who choose life for their babies. For those girls who are willing to make a plan for parenting and education, it represents our best testimony in respecting the value of every person. Since we opened our home in Midwest City, 149 girls and 92 infants have known Holy Family Home as "home". Many remain in contact over the years for support and encouragement.
More About Catholic Charities
-Most people served are non-Catholic
-Catholic Charities is an outgrowth of the Catholic faith. It provides a channel for all faithful Catholics to serve those in need.
-Catholic Charities does NOT discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or ability to pay.
-Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City has national accreditation through the Council on Accreditation. Catholic Charities has an on-going process to review and evaluate its programs to maintain the highest standard of service and transparency in administration of programs.
-Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City has received its second consecutive 4-Star Award (highest possible rating) from the Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. This outstanding rating reflects the Catholic Charities excels in successfully managing finances most efficiently and effectively. If you would like to know more information about this award, visit; www.CharityNavigator.org.