News
CCHD Grants Given to Nine Organizations
The Diocese of Raleigh presented its 2008 Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) local grants to six community-based organizations at its annual award dinner on October 30th at Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Cary. In addition to the local recipients, three eastern North Carolina organizations received national CCHD grants, for a total of $104,000.
Funding for national and local grants comes from the annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development collection which takes place in parishes across the country in November. Since 1970, CCHD has funded community and economic development programs that build strong communities through participation of low-income leaders and a focus on the roots of poverty. In the last 32 years, parishioners in the Diocese of Raleigh have contributed more than $1.2 million dollars.
This year's Diocesan collection takes place in parishes November 15th-16th.
The dinner was attended by representatives of the organizations and the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of Raleigh. The main speaker for the evening was Mr. Dennis Gaddy (photo at right), Director of Community Success Initiative, one of this year’s National CCHD Grant Recipients.
In his talk to the gathering, Bishop Burbidge remarked that with so many troubling events in the news, “I needed this night to hear about the good things… the many ways God shows His presence in our lives.” He thanked the grant and award recipients for their example and witness, noting the coincidence that this work, which demonstrates such regard for justice and the dignity of the poor and vulnerable in our society, should be recognized during Respect Life Month. “Your work reinforces our Catholic conviction that all life is from God,” the Bishop said, “that all life is sacred, and all persons, without exception, must be treated with dignity and respect.”
In addition to the awarding of the grants, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh presented its annual John J. Carey Award to Charles Giordano and James Scharenbrock of St. Brendan the Navigator Church in Shallotte, NC. Eight years ago, the men started selling plants they had raised from seedlings in their homes to benefit St. Brendan’s Loaves and Fishes program to feed the poor. Their operation has grown to the point where they have a greenhouse and support not only programs through St. Brendan’s but through various faith communities in Brunswick County, as well as Habitat for Humanity. Last year Giordano and Scharenbrock raised more than $20,000 for the poor.
Local recipients announced at the October 30 dinner were:
1. Faith Community Support Circle Program – Wake County - $5,000
The program sprang from efforts by various faith communities in Wake County to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Those efforts were so successful that the county asked participating church agencies to extend the same model to local homeless families. Teams from churches pool their expertise on an ongoing basis to help homeless families transition from shelters to independent living.
2. Voces Latinas Inc. – Wilmington - $5,000
A grassroots non-profit organization which promotes services, advocacy and education to empower the Hispanic/Latino population living in the southeastern region of North Carolina.
3. Our Children’s Place – Statewide - $6000
A residential initiative allowing young children (babies and preschoolers) to live with their mothers while the women serve out their sentences for nonviolent offenses. It is designed to break the intergenerational cycle of crime, poverty, substance abuse, and family violence, and to empower the child with the help of his/her mother to enhance his/her cognitive, social, physical and emotional development
4. Wake Interfaith Hospitality Neighborhood – Wake County - $6000
Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network’s mission is to provide shelter, meals, case management and educational services to homeless families in addition to promoting action and awareness in the community regarding homelessness.
5. St. Ann’s Neighborhood Center – Fayetteville – $5,000
The St. Ann Neighborhood Program was established by the Daughters of Charity thirteen years ago. The mission of the program is to provide boys and girls living in nearby federal housing and other impoverished neighborhoods with academic tutoring and enrichment activities.
6. Catholic Charities Employment Assistance Program – Fayetteville - $2000
The three national recipients were:
Community Success Initiative – Raleigh - $25,000
Founded in 2004 to create communities where people who have been incarcerated discover their potential, set worthy goals for their lives, and take action in a positive way. The organization endeavors to help these individuals of personal growth and "success" principles, inspiring others to reach their potential, and helping to build vibrant and healthy communities.
NC Latino Coalition – Statewide - $30,000
A nonpartisan, multi-issue network of organizations dedicated to building relational power among grassroots Latino leaders. We fulfill our goals by identifying, developing and training grassroots leaders, strengthening institutions throughout the provision of technical assistance, and addressing concerns through collective public action.
Metro Durham Sponsors/ Durham CAN - Durham - $35,000
A grassroots faith based organization working in Durham, which brings together 25 dues paying Congregations from diverse faith traditions to address the issues of economics and social justice.
From left to right: Mr. and Mrs. James Scharenbrock,the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Mrs. And Mr. Charles Giordano, and Fr. Robert F. Ippolito, M.S., Pastor of St. Brendan the Navigator Parish in Shallotte, NC.