Chronicle WINTER 2017
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From Shelter to Housing to Home A look at homelessness and poverty in the United States
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ccording to the Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) 2015 Annual Survey, 12 million renters and homeowners served through Catholic Charities agencies spent more than 50 percent of their annual income on housing. The survey also states that 564,708 people were homeless in the United States on a single night in 2015 (including 32,240 unaccompanied youth). Every day, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, like our sister organizations around the country, see clients who are living in poverty and struggling to maintain a decent life. CCC is focused on providing hope by meeting clients' problems head-on and finding solutions. Since 2004, CCC has operated intake and assessment services for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
Each year, CCC’s intake workers see more than 4,000 individuals who have exhausted their own personal resources and are desperately seeking a roof over their heads. . “On a typical day, we see approximately 55 households with a variety of needs―both individual adults and families with children,” said Jay Brown, CCC Director for Housing. “Shelter space is extremely limited. On average, one space becomes available for a single man each day and one space becomes available for a single woman each week. Family shelter beds are even more limited, and staff often work with families to plan for safety in the event that they will sleep in a car or in another place not meant for housing.” Continued on page 2
www.cccofva.org • Our mission is to provide quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.
Housing to Home
Commonwealth Catholic Charities goes beyond serving individuals and families. It acts as a “hub” for agencies that provide an array of services designed to return homeless households to housing as quickly as possible.
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Affordable housing is one of seven strategic priorities that Catholic Charities USA has identified in its five-year strategic plan. The topic was explored in Charities USA, CCUSA’s Fall 2016 national publication. An Overview of Richmond’s Housing Program was one of three housing programs from around the country that was featured. Authored by Brown, the article gives a look into the evolving intake and 2
assessment service modifications made over time due to the changing needs of the Richmond region’s homeless population. “Over 12 years, CCC has grown from a shelter referral service to a community hub for providers serving homeless people and a robust coordinated entry point that prevents homelessness whenever possible, provides support to homeless households and works to connect folks to housing as quickly
as possible,” continued Brown. “The system of services will continue to change, and CCC will adapt and ensure that homeless individuals and families receive the interventions they need to end their homelessness as quickly as possible.” For the entire CCUSA article, visit catholiccharitiesusa.org/magazines.
COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
What happens when someone needs homeless services?
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In these very cold days, I think and I invite you to think of the people who live on the streets, struck by the cold and, many times, by indifference. - Pope Francis CHRONICLE • WINTER 2017
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ounselor Reflections Thoughts and quotes from the frontline
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n February 2016, CCC started a Batterer Intervention Program (BIP) in Petersburg, Va. This East End counseling group serves a population where gangs and violence are prevalent. CCC counselors have frequently heard that violence would have been the only way to handle conflict if not for BIP. “Most of the individuals I work with have served prison time for serious charges—even murder. When any of these individuals call to thank me for helping them, it causes me to pause and reflect on what it is that Commonwealth Catholic Charities is doing through the organization’s community outreach. What we are doing is powerful with far reaching positive implications for individuals, families, and especially children.” “I have been told by many group members that they have never had anyone treat them and teach them in the manner that the BIP program has.” “We don’t fix anyone. Change comes from inspiration and motivation to change. Change is safest for someone when there is a support system in place to buffer some of the fear and pain of change. For some, we are the only safe place they have for starting the process of change. I see it in so many tired and sad faces and hear the same story frequently. The men we serve tell me that they feel like they are seen as society’s outcasts and are often shunned. Yes, some have committed serious crimes and have done some unspeakable acts. Yet, each of us in the CCC counseling department tirelessly supports each other as we enter into some of the darkest places of the human mind and spirit—as we attempt to shine some light, with the desire of inspiring hope and faith, and showing these individuals that they are worthy of love, so that they might love others. When a group member shares that he no longer wants to hurt others using guns or violence and wants to learn ways to be a better person, that is our success story and we are living our calling.” 4
COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
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lient Reflections
manda initially came to CCC through participation in one of our newer programs, Shoplifting Prevention. Amanda had been arrested multiple times for shoplifting, and was referred to CCC by her probation officer. Although Amanda wanted to change her behaviors and stop shoplifting, she was skeptical of how much help a group would be. After finishing the day-long program, Amanda talked to the CCC counselor facilitating the group. She shared that the group had given her a positive direction and very helpful ideas about how to help her in making the best choices she could. Amanda expressed a desire to keep working on these issues with a therapist, and was referred to a CCC counselor who provides individual counseling. Amanda began meeting with this counselor on a regular basis, developing new insights into her behaviors, identifying triggers that put her at risk of relapsing into old behaviors, and overcoming intense feelings of guilt and shame about shoplifting. It has now been over four months since Amanda initially reached out to CCC for services. During this time, she has not shoplifted, which she is incredibly proud of, though the accomplishment she is most proud of is her work towards repairing relationships and trust with her spouse and family members.
CCC counseling services assist people at every stage of their lives – from young children and teens to couples, families, and seniors. We help people through difficult issues and guide them toward productive, happy lives. For details, visit cccofva.org/services/counseling-services. CHRONICLE • WINTER 2017
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Meet Our New Board Members Commonwealth Human Services Foundation Board of Directors
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John Dane
John Dane is Vice President and Regional Manager-Correspondent Banking of Community Bankers’ Bank. He holds an MBA from Suffolk University and was appointed by Governor McDonnell to serve as Vice Chair of the Virginia College Building Authority. Dane is a member of Saint Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.
Ellen Gortler
Ellen Gortler is a Senior Managing Editor of Catholic Relief Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Maryland. Gortler lives in Earlysville and is a member of Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and is a member of Dominican Laity, Easter Province.
Scott Horchler
Scott Horchler, a Roanoke resident, is Vice President, Community Development Manager at SunTrust Bank for Western Virginia and West Virginia. Horchler attended Brigham Young University.
Commonwealth Catholic Charities Board of Directors
Damien Cabezas
Damien Cabezas is Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Behavioral Health in Lynchburg. Cabezas holds master’s degrees from New York Medical College and Fordham University and is a member of Saint Thomas More Catholic Church in Lynchburg. 6
Richard D. O’Hallaron
Richard O’Hallaron serves as Affiliate Professor with the Medical College of Virginia and, prior to his retirement, served as Regional Vice President for Virginia Bon Secours Health System, Inc. O’Hallaron is a member of the Knights of Columbus and attends Saint Edward the Confessor Catholic Church.
Susan Schneider
Susan Schneider is a Senior Loan Officer at Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. Schneider earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia. A resident of Henrico, Schneider is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Board Member Spotlight
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n 1977, the movie Star Wars made its debut, the first Apple computer went on sale, and a jubilee celebration was held for Queen Elizabeth. It was also the year that Louise Hartz started serving on the Board of Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) and she has continued her service for 40 years. Through the years, Hartz has served on numerous board committees and served as president of the board from 1988 to 1990. “What I am most proud of is that through the years the agency has continued to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves. CCC has adapted its programs and its priorities as needed,” Hartz said.
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“I have a lot of fond memories of the agency. From leading it, participating with United Way through CCC, and working with other community leaders, the fun activities of fundraising, plus all the wonderful staff who make the work of the agency possible.” When asked why she’s been so involved for 40 years, Hartz replied, “I continue to support CCC for all these years because of their continued commitment to serving the needy and the most vulnerable. The client needs in the different programs are enormous and CCC finds ways to support those who come to us for help.” In January, the board recognized Hartz for her many years of service to the organization.
the Power of
For Valentine’s Day, the youth from the CCC Foster Care program created handmade cards for seniors in our Guardianship program.
CHRONICLE • WINTER 2017
Louise Hartz
CCC is grateful for her commitment and service to the organization. No doubt, the force has been with her to help CCC serve the most vulnerable. She’s the apple of our eye and, yes, the queen of our hearts. Thank you Louise!
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We Salute Catholic School Students!
During National Catholic Schools Week, CCC saluted Catholic schools in the Commonwealth through The Catholic Virginian and CCC social media. We see Catholic school students being nurtured as compassionate and caring children who will be leaders in our communities and will have learned the importance of service to others. We’re so very grateful for the connections we have with them as they serve others through CCC!
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the Power of Hope Every Day
Catholic School Week January 29 - February 4
We salute the many Catholic schools in the Commonwealth that instill a foundation of faith, knowledge, and service to their students every day. These future leaders demonstrate the values and faith they gain through their Catholic education.
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a better world through them. www.cccofva.org
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COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
In December, the students at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School organized a diaper and baby wipe drive for CCC. Together, the students collected an entire van full of supplies that are already helping families in need! The delivery was made by the school’s Development Director, Grace Creasey.
Show your love for
CCC
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with this custom window cling. This window cling is available with a $10 donation. Email paige.peak@cccofva.org to get yours!
the Power of Hope Every Day
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Holiday Festival of Music Anniversary Concert A (jingle bell) Ringing Success
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he silver anniversary concert on November 28, 2016 proved to be a joyous Advent evening of music with a sold-out crowd of approximately 900 people. The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond was filled with the sounds of Christmas Classics & Carols performed by the Richmond Symphony along with the VCU Choral Arts Society and members of the Cathedral choir. Erin Freeman, D.M.A., Director of the Richmond Symphony Chorus and Director of Choral Activities at VCU, led the evening’s festivities with her engaging and energetic musical style. The Cathedral’s Director of Music and Liturgy, Daniel Sañez, played the parish’s 180-pipe organ while leading the audience in the traditional carol sing-a-long. The Knights of Columbus welcomed and ushered guests. In a lighter moment of the evening, the Knights distributed jingle bells to all attendees to accompany the Symphony with seasonal favorites. The concert exceeded its financial goal and all funds raised will help provide essential services to those in need. “We are privileged to witness lives being changed―a child being adopted; a teen welcomed by a loving foster family; temporary shelter for those with no place to call home on a cold night; a permanent home for a homeless veteran; a family brought together through counseling; protection for a vulnerable senior; and, help to a refugee given a new life in America,” said Joanne Nattrass, CCC executive director, as she welcomed concert guests. “All of this is possible because of you and we are especially grateful for your tremendous support.”
Mark your calendar now for this year’s concert on Monday, November 27, 2017!
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COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES
CCC Receives Grant from Diocese of Richmond
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ommonwealth Catholic Charities has received a $25,000 grant from the Diocesan Fuel and Hunger Fund. “Responding directly to the Corporal Works of Mercy to Shelter the Homeless, CCC provided financial assistance to 700 households facing dire financial hardship in 2016,” said Joanne Nattrass, executive director, CCC. “By helping individuals avoid eviction or loss of utilities, we can prevent homelessness and keep families together." The 2017 grant will allow us to continue assisting clients in Richmond, Roanoke, Petersburg, and Norton with securing and maintaining housing.”
Winter Wish List • Canned goods and non-perishable food items • Baby clothes, items, wipes, and diapers • Word search books and games for our Independence for Seniors program • Watches for homeless clients to get to appointments on time • Art supplies, games, and toys for play therapy and family visitation rooms
Contact joshua.bridges@cccofva.org/804.545.6954 to donate items. CHRONICLE • WINTER 2017
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®
www.cccofva.org 1601 Rolling Hills Drive Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 285-5900 541 Luck Avenue SW Suite 118 Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-0411 12284 Warwick Boulevard Suite 1-A Newport News, VA 23606 (757) 247-3600 507 Park Avenue SW Norton, VA 24273 (276) 679-1195
Chronicle NEWSLETTER • WINTER 2017
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Give it up. Pay it forward. Thinking of giving something up this Lent? This year, give it up and pay it forward at the same time! Giving up your morning coffee or breakfast pastry? Donate the money to support our food pantries instead! Visit cccofva.org/donate for a quick and easy way to pay it forward!
CHRONICLE • WINTER 2017
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