Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is a prominent network of charitable organizations in the United States, dedicated to providing social services and advocating for social justice. It is one of the largest charitable networks in the country, with a mission rooted in the Catholic Church's teachings on charity and social justice.

History

Catholic Charities USA was founded in 1910 as the National Conference of Catholic Charities (NCCC). The organization was established to bring together various Catholic charitable activities under a unified national body. The founding of NCCC was inspired by the Catholic social teaching principles of solidarity and the preferential option for the poor.

In 1986, the organization changed its name to Catholic Charities USA to better reflect its mission and identity. Over the years, CCUSA has grown to include over 160 member agencies across the United States, each providing a wide range of services to those in need.

Mission and Values

The mission of Catholic Charities USA is to provide service to people in need, advocate for justice in social structures, and call the entire church and other people of goodwill to do the same. The organization is guided by the core values of respect, compassion, competence, and stewardship.

Services Provided

Catholic Charities USA offers a diverse array of services, including:

• Emergency Assistance: Providing food, clothing, and shelter to individuals and families in crisis.
• Health Services: Offering medical, dental, and mental health services to underserved populations.
• Housing Services: Developing affordable housing and providing support for the homeless.
• Immigration and Refugee Services: Assisting immigrants and refugees with legal services, resettlement, and integration.
• Disaster Relief: Responding to natural and man-made disasters with immediate and long-term assistance.
• Family and Community Services: Supporting families through counseling, education, and community-building initiatives.

Advocacy and Social Justice

Catholic Charities USA is actively involved in advocacy efforts to address the root causes of poverty and injustice. The organization works to influence public policy at the local, state, and national levels, focusing on issues such as affordable housing, healthcare access, and immigration reform.

CCUSA collaborates with other faith-based and secular organizations to promote social justice and the common good. It also engages in public education campaigns to raise awareness about social issues and mobilize communities to take action.

Organizational Structure

Catholic Charities USA operates as a membership organization, with each member agency maintaining its own governance and operational autonomy. The national office, located in Alexandria, Virginia, provides support, coordination, and leadership to the member agencies.

The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes representatives from member agencies, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and other stakeholders. The President and CEO of CCUSA oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the organization.

See Also

• Catholic social teaching
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Caritas Internationalis

External Links

• Official website of Catholic Charities USA

References

• "Catholic Charities USA: A Century of Service." Catholic Charities USA, 2010.
• "Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic Charities." United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.