This
year, give hope
As boys whose families could not care for them, Kyle and Gabriel bounced
through foster homes. They grew into young men with few prospects and
much anger and fear, along with mistrust for adults. Maria sought a safe
day care environment for her preschool-age daughter, Arianna, one that
taught skills as well as values. Greg was getting older, and knew that
living homeless on the streets meant facing dangers from cold weather
and violent people. Shannon’s mental impairments made it hard for
her to get along with other developmentally delayed residents in a large
institutional setting.
Each faced the storms that life can sometimes unleash, and found the help
they needed to live a better life. Each represents more than 137,500 people
served in a great many ways in 2007 by the agencies of Catholic Social
Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Because of the compassionate
care they received from CSS, they’re living lives more at peace
and with dignity, as everyone deserves.
Kyle learned a trade and Gabriel is going to college; both gained invaluable
life skills and discovered that the adults who helped them achieve at
St. Francis-St. Joseph Homes were trustworthy. Little Arianna is happy
and thriving in the day care program of Casa del Carmen, giving her working
mother peace of mind all day. Greg leaves the streets for a time to stop
into the Coffeehouse at St. John’s Hospice for a safe, warm place
to rest his head, and eat a nutritious meal. Shannon now lives in a family-like
setting with just two other women and a dedicated care giver, and she
confidently engages with other people.
All found hope through those agencies of Catholic Social Services. But
it didn’t come easily. The 2007 annual report of CSS shows that
the $113 million it expends to provide vital services outpaced revenues
by almost $20 million. That gap was bridged significantly by funds from
the Appeal, along with grants from investments. And CSS is only one of
the Appeal’s recipients — youth programs, special education
schools, food services and crisis pregnancy supports also benefit.
That is why your contribution to the Appeal is so important. You can respond
to the invitation you receive in the mail, donate online at catholiccharitiesappeal.org
or call 215-587-3651. Your sacrificial gift directly provides help and
hope for thousands of people from all religious and social backgrounds.
This year, give hope. Give to the 2008 Catholic Charities Appeal.