CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Rises To Meet COVID-19 Challenge By Christa Swanson
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hat does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. “That is what love looks like” by St. Augustine of Hippo seems relevant in times where more are struggling and ill than many have seen in their lifetime. We are called when there is need to see it and come together to help each other. To show love in all things. This month has been a trying time for everyone in Louisiana. Many have fallen ill and many lives have been disrupted by the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The closures and illness have greatly affected many families, some forever. 30.3 million Americans have applied for unemployment in the last six weeks due to the restrictions necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Many more are not eligible for those benefits, but find themselves out of work. This leaves families in a precarious position as they try to afford necessities while struggling with financial insecurity. The virus has hit populations that serve on the front lines in service roles harder than most, leaving many with a hard choice between safety and income. Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is committed to serving those in need and assisting with the hardships our communities are facing. We have continued to work over the phone and through email to take requests for assistance and have rearranged the way our offices work so that we may safely see those who need to walk in once the restrictions lift. Our Operations Coordinator, Joe Bulger, is also converting our forms so they be submitted digitally which will increase the speed and ease of the intake process for those that feel uncomfortable, or are unable, to come in. The upcoming Bingo on the Bayou event will still happen, and we will be converting it to an online event so that everyone can still participate in the fun safely. More details will be given as we get closer to the event. We are so grateful to our donors for helping us reach out to 18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
those in need. We received grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Louisiana and Catholic Charities USA to help with the increase of families that need assistance. These grants will help us with tangible assistance for our communities and to manage an increase in our case loads. We offer financial education – weekly financial literacy classes (Money School) - which pinpoints simple changes that make budgeting, saving, and improving credit scores achievable. Case managers provide tools, support, and guidance through individual financial counseling sessions as well. Catholic Charities of North Louisiana also offers emergency assistance – tangible help with basic needs (rent and utilities) - so that families can stay in their homes with their electricity and water in working order. It’s important to note that although there is currently a restriction on evictions and turning off utilities, those will still be due when the restrictions lift. Another service we offer to families in need is through Gabriels’ Closet. Our volunteer run program offers wellbaby care and parenting skills classes, where new, low-income parents earn merits to “purchase” baby items. Our free classes include prenatal and infant care, breast feeding, parenting, school readiness, and more. Gabriels’ Closet has many baby essentials including pack ‘n play cribs, baby beds, high chairs, car seats, strollers, walkers and more, as well as a large selection of gently-used or brand-new clothing. We also offer diapers, ointments, bottles, pacifiers and other needed baby items. CCNLA also offers assistance with completing applications for SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program – formerly the Food Stamp Program) as well as other programs that help families, including, FITAP—Family Independence Temporary Assistance, CCAP-Child Care Assistance Program, and the KCSP-Kinship Care Subsidiary Program. Our focus throughout each of our programs is strengthening the family unit and preserving an individual’s dignity in accordance with Catholic Social Teachings and professional standards. The goal of our programs is to provide assistance, resources, and education for our clients while working to empower them to create long-term changes that will lead to greater stability and independence. We will continue to work with the communities of North Louisiana to help meet the needs of those in crisis. Catholic Charities is a well-respected nonprofit in North Louisiana. Catholic Charities of North Louisiana has been awarded a Gold Seal of Transparency by Guidestar. Our goal is to continue to be of service to families and individuals while teaching and enriching lives. If you would like to find out how to support CCNLA or become a volunteer, please visit www.ccnla.org.
