Washington, U.S.A. — The Catholic HIV/AIDS Network (CHAN), Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Medical Mission Board, and the Office of African American Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), will convene a Catholic Pre-Conference on HIV and AIDS at the Catholic University of America on July 21st and 22nd.

This event immediately precedes the International AIDS Conference, July 22nd – 27th, in Washington, DC. People engaged in Catholic Church-related programs responding to HIV in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin and North America are expected to attend.

Participants will discuss findings of a recent survey conducted by CHAN, which assessed the engagement of Catholic organizations in The Global Plan towards Elimination of New HIV Infections in Children by 2015 and Keeping their Mothers Alive. The survey findings will be released at the conference, demonstrating the high level of involvement of Catholic organizations in AIDS reduction and prevention programs and the desire among such organizations to increase contributions to The Global Plan going forward.

“This study demonstrates the strong commitment of Catholic Church-related organizations to defend and protect human life, especially among the most poor and vulnerable, including women and children living with or affected by HIV, ” said Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, Special Advisor on HIV/AIDS for Caritas Internationalis.

“The Global Plan seeks involvement from religious organizations to encourage early testing and treatment for pregnant women living with HIV and their children. The study findings also indicate challenges that must be confronted by governments and churches alike in efforts to reach the goal of zero new infections among children by 2015 and of keeping HIV+ mothers alive and healthy.”

In June 2011, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) launched The Global Plan in response to a global increase in cases of perinatal (mother-to-child) transmissions of HIV. Focusing on 22 priority countries, the plan includes a detailed timetable for action at the community, national, regional and global levels.

In addition to discussing new ways of engaging with The Global Plan, Pre-Conference participants will attend a series of interactive workshops and plenary sessions on topics such as: Faith, Spirituality and Pastoral Care in the midst of HIV, Person-Center Responses to the HIV Pandemic, and Different Strategies for Different Cultures.

Image Courtesy of  Catholic Charities USA

The article Catholic Charities Work Toward Eliminating HIV appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Alexandria, U.S.A. – Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) and its agencies are preparing for Tropical Storm Debby, which has impacted much of Florida, and could move in two directions—along the southern coast of the US or northward across Georgia. Catholic Charities USA is ready to help respond to flash floods and spinoff tornadoes in these areas and is currently in coordination with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida.

Additionally, Catholic Charities USA is providing timely assistance to several regions that are currently suffering from flooding and wildfires. Severe thunderstorms hit areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin on June 18th, causing extreme flooding. Catholic Charities USA’s disaster response team is coordinating with the Catholic Office of Concern for the Diocese of Duluth, MN and Catholic Charities Bureau of Superior, Wisconsin to reduce the damage. Catholic Charities USA is also active in Colorado, where intense wildfires have been growing since June 10th.

“Our Catholic Charities agencies have been active in assisting disaster situations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado, and we are monitoring and preparing to respond to any damage Tropical Storm Debby may cause. As always, the need for funding support is imminent,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA.  “With the summer hurricane season beginning, we are hopeful that our cities, coasts and residents are unaffected, but we stand ready to provide immediate and long-term help if needed.”

To help support disaster victims, individuals can visit the Catholic Charities USA disaster donation webpage. Individuals can also contribute from a mobile device by visiting the mobile website and clicking on the homepage banner to access the donation app.

Catholic Charities USA’s members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrated its centennial anniversary.

Image Courtesy of  Daniel Cima/American Red Cross

The article Catholic Charities USA Helps Disaster Victims appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) responds to the President’s State of the Union: ”Catholic Charities USA was heartened by the initiatives outlined by President Obama in [his] State of the Union speech that have the potential to improve the lives of many.

We were very encouraged by the President’s discussion on immigration and the recognition of the need for increased access to quality education and job training as important pathways to opportunity.  However, we feel an urgency to also place a priority on addressing more effective methods for delivering vital services to those most vulnerable among us.

“While there is a very robust discussion occurring in Washington about how much money should be spent on various federal programs that serve the poor, few are engaged in conversation about how better to administer those services, how to maximize efficiency in delivery and how to identify new solutions to prevent and alleviate poverty at large.

We are hopeful that moving forward the President will lead a national conversation about identifying new methods and strategies for lifting more Americans onto a path of opportunity and self-sufficiency in a way that is economically sustainable for the nation, ensuring not just an ‘America Built to Last’, but an ‘America Built to Last – For All.’

“While the President discussed a deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Street, CCUSA remains focused on addressing the needs of those on Back Street.  At the moment, our nation’s safety net system is focused on helping these people get by, when we should be making sure they thrive.

We need comprehensive reform of the nation’s service delivery system that is market driven, results oriented and locally controlled, enabling the country to permanently make a difference in the lives of those living in poverty, and establishing accountability for the investment of taxpayer dollars.

“We recognize that the challenge at hand is great, but with great challenge comes great opportunity. Catholic Charities USA embraces this challenge and looks forward to working with the President to ensure we fulfill the moral responsibility of creating opportunity for everyone, ensuring an America built to last for all.”

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/catholiccharitiesusa

The article Catholic Charities USA’s Response to State of the Union appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.

On Martin Luther King Day, Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington honored Martin Luther King, Jr. by presenting awards to contemporary heroes working to keep his dream alive.  This award recognizes them for their commitment to reducing poverty. Hundreds of people attended the third annual “Keep the Dream Alive” Mass & Awards ceremony, which took place at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.

Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA, said, “I can think of no better way to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy than by honoring individuals who keep his dream alive through their advocacy and service to the poor.”

CCUSA presented “Keep the Dream Alive” awards to USDA Under Secretary, Kevin Concannon, Former D.C. Mayor, Anthony Williams, and former CCUSA Board Member, Janet Pape, for their advocacy and poverty reduction work. The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington’s “Faith Does Justice” Award was presented to local television anchor Andrea Roane.

“While Dr. King’s inspiring life, built on the strength of his convictions and his sense of justice, made a tremendous difference to our nation, we know there is still much work to do,” said Msgr. John Enzler, President and CEO of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. “However, as we remember Dr. King, there’s no better moment to look around and celebrate those among us who are carrying on his work in so many different ways today.”

Following the event, more than 50 individuals volunteered with women who reside at the Harriet Tubman Women’s Emergency Shelter in southeast D.C.  Volunteers worked one-on-one with women on an art project designed to allow clients to express their dreams and what Dr. King means to them.

For additional information about today’s event, including pictures and information on the awardees, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

The article Catholic Charities Commemorate Martin Luther King Day with Ceremony appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.