Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops takes action against immigration bills in the Louisiana House
The LCCB isencouraging voters to contact legislators to advocate against House Bills 1357, 1358 and 25.
The Louisiana House of Representatives will take action this week on three immigration bills by Rep. Geymann that the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops are in opposition to. The bill numbers are HB 1357, HB 1358, and HB 25.
Please visit the Archdiocese of New Orleans website for more information about why these three bills would enact laws that work against Catholic social teaching.
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Visit the Media Room
Watch the Fraychineauds, Deaf Action Center clients, move back into their Katrina-damaged home with the help of Operation Helping Hands.
Mr. Fraychineaud enjoys being back in his Harvey home for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.
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Catholic Charities Helps Taxpayers Gain Greater Refunds in 2008
As the 2008 tax season has ended, the IRS has calculated that Catholic Charities three tax assistance sites have produced $98,264.00 in total refunds to Louisiana residents.
In addition, by operating as a free tax filing site, we have been able to save residents hundreds who would have otherwise gone to paid preparers who charge as much as $300 per return.
By ensuring residents receive all tax credits they are entitled, as well as not charging a fee, filers now have the opportunity to purchase the various necessities that they previously might not have been able to afford.
Find a Community Center in Your Area >
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Visit the Media Room
Watch Crescent House's Chaila Williams discuss domestic violence issues on WGNO ABC 26.
Click Here to Watch Chaila's interview on WGNO ABC 26 >
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Summer Witness Registration Information Available
We have 9 day camps where your child can have an amazing summer experience! Learning, field trips, games, athletics, dance and more await!
Two Summer Witness campers swim in the pool at Notre Dame Seminary last summer.
Summer Witness Registration Information >
The History of Summer Witness >
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Crescent House to Hold Resource Fair for Survivors of Sexual Assault
& Domestic Violence
On Thursday, April 3, Crescent House will hold a resource fair to connect those who have suffered sexual assault or domestic violence with resources for healing.
The fair will be held at 1000 Howard Avenue in New Orleans from 10 AM - 2 PM.
If you or someone you love needs help, please come see us.
Catholic Charities Domestic Violence Services >
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Food Network Star Paula Deen Visits
Second Harvest
Food Network star Paula Deen stopped by Second Harvest Food Bank to work with volunteers from Catholic Charities and Second Harvest in late February.
Catholic Charities Food & Nutrition Programs >
Second Harvest of Greater New Orleans & Acadiana >
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FREE Amplified Telephones & Hearing Aids Available through Deaf Action Center
Our Deaf Action Center has FREE amplified telephones and hearing aids available for the hearing impaired. An amplified telephone enhances the volume of the telephone and the telephone’s ring, and a hearing aid helps the hearing impaired to hear better on a general level.
Please call Shari Bernius at (504) 615-7122 to learn the requirements to receive these aids and to schedule an appointment.
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Community Radio Show
"Construyendo Nuestra Comunidad"
March Schedule
March 5 at 2 pm: WFNO La Fabulosa 830 AM - Alina Sampson will discuss the JPSS - ESL program & services
March 12 at 9 AM: KGLA La Tropical 1540AM - Ann Picado with the Kenner Housing Authority & Rosa Cartagena will discuss Section 8 applications
March 19 at 2 PM - WFNO La Fabulosa 830 AM - A representative from the American Cancer Society will discuss colon cancer awareness
March 26 at 9 AM - KGLA La Tropical 1540AM - Lucas Diaz-Puentes will discuss the LatiNola Votes campaign
Immigration & Refugee Services >
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Check out the Media Room
Check the Catholic Charities Media Room for news articles about Catholic Charities, read biographies of our experts, and check out our news releases to be up-to-date on all things Catholic Charities!
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More Orientation Dates for New Volunteers!
The Volunteer Department has new volunteer orientations scheduled on Wednesday, February 20; Monday, March 10; Tuesday, April 8; Wednesday, May 21; and Thursday, August 28. This is your chance to get active in your community. Whether you want to work with children or the elderly or want to do office work or manual labor, there is a volunteer opportunity available for you!
Volunteers interested in sharing their talents also are greatly needed, including those who want to share a passion for art, music, crafts, a language, any sport, or provide a quick yoga, dance, or cooking demonstration.
Visit the Volunteer Section for more information >
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The Archbishop's Community Appeal Surpasses $1.5 million Goal!
Thanks to the hard working volunteers, donors and staff of Catholic Charities, the Archbishop's Community Appeal (ACA) concluded in January and made $1,543,000 to support the work of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
If you want to learn more about the ACA and how you can get involved in the next campaign, please visit our ACA section.
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Give to Catholic Charities Through
Your Church Parish
The Catholic Charities Parish Appeal Second Collection in Catholic Church parishes will occur on either February 2-3 or February 9-10.
This collection will go directly to those who need it the most. Please consider this appeal.
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update
December 31
Our volunteers have raised $1,434,267, which represents 95.5% of our $1.5 million dollar goal!
There is only $65,733 to go - help us make this goal a reality by donating to the ACA.
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Community Radio Show
"Construyendo Nuestra Comunidad"
January Schedule
Jan. 2 at 9AM: KGLA La Tropical 1540 AM - Sr. Leah discusses the St. Joseph Rebuild Center
Jan. 9 at 10AM: WFNO La Fabulosa 830 AM - The Hispanic Apostolate's ESL staff discusses English as a Second Language
Jan. 16 at 9AM: KGLA La Tropical 1540 AM - Vilma Lobo discusses the Vita Tax Program
Jan 23 at 10AM: WFNO La Fabulosa 830 AM - Rosa Cartagena discusses the Hispanic Apostolate's Emergency Services
Jan. 30 at 9AM: KGLA La Tropical 1540 AM - Luz Miranda and Margarita Romero discuss the Hispanic Apostolate's Job Services
Immigration & Refugee Services >
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Free Tax Assistance
Call to make an appointment or walk-in at one of the following Community Centers starting January 2008:
Hope Haven Community Center
Call
(504) 371-7747 (Ask for Andronica)
or visit 1131 Barataria Blvd., Marrero
St. Jude
Call (504) 522-8290 (Ask for Sharon Peterson)
or visit 411 North Rampart St, New Orleans
St. Bernard
Call (504) 281-2627 (Ask for Kendra Clark)
or visit 1519 East Judge Perez, Chalmette
*****You may be eligible up to $4,500 in tax credits*****
What you need: W2, ID, Social Security cards
Find a Community Center in your area >
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update
December 24
Our volunteers have raised $1,092,597 of our $1.5 million dollar goal!
Time is running out for you to send in your contribution to the Archbishop's Community Appeal. Help fund the 50 programs of Catholic Charities!
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update
December 19
Our volunteers have raised $1,076,502 of our $1.5 million dollar goal!
Time is running out for you to send in your contribution to the Archbishop's Community Appeal. Help fund the 50 programs of Catholic Charities!
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Amplified Telephones Available through
Deaf Action Center
Our Deaf Action Center has FREE amplified telephones available for the hearing impaired. An amplified telephone enhances the volume of the telephone and the telephone’s ring to more than 40 decibels.
In order to qualify, you must: (1) have a doctor’s note or an audiogram verifying that you are hearing impaired, (2) a photo ID and (3) a document with your Social Security number, such as a check or Social Security card. Please call Shari Bernius at (504) 615-7122 to make an appointment.
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update
December 13
Our volunteers have raised $983,348 of our $1.5 million dollar goal!
Time is running out for you to send in your contribution to the Archbishop's Community Appeal. Help fund the 50 programs of Catholic Charities!
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Our Response to Homelessness
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans has provided services to the homeless since its founding in 1727 by the Ursuline Nuns, who provided shelter for widows and orphaned children. 23 years ago, the Catholic Charities CARE Centers were opened, utilizing a holistic approach that addresses the many issues that lie at the root of homelessness.
What Catholic Charities is doing about homelessness >
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update
December 4
Our volunteers have raised $886,372 of our $1.5 million dollar goal!
Time is running out for you to send in your contribution to the Archbishop's Community Appeal. Help fund the 50 programs of Catholic Charities!
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update
November 29
Our volunteers have raised $885,868 of our $1.5 million dollar goal! There is only 1 month left in the campaign, so please donate today!
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Community Radio Show
"Construyendo Nuestra Comunidad"
Upcoming Shows
Nov. 21 at 9 AM: KGLA La Tropical 1540 AM - Guests Pilar Ruiz and Michelle Black from Catholic Charities ACCESS program discuss services for pregnant women in New Orleans
Nov. 28 at 10 AM: WFNO La Fabulosa 830 AM - Guest Laura Guzman discusses the state of the LA Road Home program.
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Client Satisfaction Surveys -
Catholic Charities meets 83% of client
needs "very well"
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update
November 6
Our volunteers have raised $668,034 of our $1.5 million dollar goal! There are only two months left in the campaign, so please donate today!
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Check out our Media Room
New Orleans City Business recently published a pair of articles about the services Catholic Charities is bringing to seniors in the Greater New Orleans Area.
New Orleans is younger after loss of seniors >
by Richard A. Webster
New Orleans City Business
by Richard A. Webster
New Orleans City Business
Check out all the news articles about Catholic Charities in the Media Room >
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update October 31
Our volunteers have raised $652,782 of our $1.5 million dollar goal! There are only two months left in the campaign, so please donate today!
Why should you support the ACA? >
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California Wildfires - How You Can Help!
New Orleanians have been receiving much help from people across the country in such a time of need. If you would like to give back by helping the victims of the California wildfires, please visit:
Catholic Charities of San Diego's Fire Relief>
Catholic Charities of San Bernadino >
Please note: Several Catholic schools are accepting toiletries from their students only. The Archdiocese of New Orleans has no central drop-off points for toiletries or clothing. Cash donations can be given through the links above.
Catholic Charities at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update October 26
Our volunteers have raised $631,711 of our $1.5 million dollar goal! We still have a long way to go before the campaign ends on December 31.
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Archbishop's Community Appeal Update October 12
Our volunteers have raised $492,175 - nearly 1/3 of our $1.5 million goal!
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Times Picayune Editorial:
ACA is "A Worthy Appeal"
It's hard to overstate the demand charitable organizations have faced since Hurricane Katrina to assist people across the metro area.
Residents across the region have responded with an outpouring of donations and volunteer work, and the New Orleans Archdiocese is counting on them for this year's Archbishop's Community Appeal.
Visit the Media Room to read the full editorial >
Learn about the ACA >
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USA Dance Partners with Catholic Charities Hope Haven Center to Present
"A Dance for Hope"
USA Dance will host a benefit dance on Sunday, October 14 to support the children of Catholic Charities Hope Haven Center.
USA Dance has been providing ballroom dance lessons to the abused, neglected and troubled children of Hope Haven Center for several months, and hopes to raise funds to be able to continue to underwrite this service.
The benefit dance will be from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Jefferson Orleans North on Edenborn Avenue in Metairie and will feature music by The Encore Orchestra, a silent auction, a raffle, a buffet and Pro-Am exhibitions. Tickets are $25 and the attire is semi-formal.
For more information, contact Kerry Lovell at (504) 485-5692 or visit www.usabdanola.org.
Visit our Child & Family Services page >
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Help Bring the 2008 Presidential Debate to
New Orleans
Women of the Storm, the non-partisan group who has been working tirelessly to educate our nation’s leaders, abou
t the long road to recovery and the importance of the Gulf South region to our nation, is pushing for a Presidential debate to be hosted in New Orleans.
TIME Magazine, The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, The New Orleans Times Picayune and all of the major Presidential candidates have all endorsed the proposal for a Presidential debate in New Orleans.
TIME Magazine, in fact, has not only endorsed the proposal of Women of the Storm for a Presidential debate in New Orleans - it has provided a way for you to do the same. In an 
essay in the Sept. 24 issue, editor Rick Stengel supports the Women of the Storm proposal, made in conjunction with Dillard, Loyola, Tulane and Xavier Universities, to the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Today, please type in this e-mail address neworleansdebate@timemagazine.com to endorse this effort and forward to friends, family and organizations across America, asking them to do the same! These will be sent to the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Visit our Hurricane Recovery programs page >
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Community Radio Show
"Construyendo Nuestra Comunidad"
September Schedule
"Building Our Community," the Hispanic radio show that features members of our Catholic Charities team, has released its September schedule. Be sure to tune in to WFNO La Fabulosa 830 am and KGLA La Tropical 1540 am.
Sept 5 at 10 AM: WFNO 830am - Carlos Naranjo from Tulane Children's Health Network will discuss community health services available in the area.
Sept 12 at 9 AM: KGLA 1540am - Lucas Dias & a representative from the NOPD will discuss public safety.
Sept 19 at 10 AM: WFNO 830am - Dr. Roy Salgado & Deacon Luis Campusano will present Part II of their talk on alcoholism & drug abuse.
Sept 26 at 9 AM: KGLA 1540am - Martin Gutierrez & a representative from the Kenner Police Department will discuss public safety.
Immigration & Refugee Services >
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New Orleans Family Justice Center Opens its Doors on August 28
The Family Justice Center, a partnership led by Catholic Charities Crescent House and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will be a one-stop refuge for survivors of domestic violence to find counseling, legal support, advocacy, case management, law enforcement, job training, and therapy for children.
Read about our Domestic Violence Services >
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Catholic Campaign for Human Development Announces Grant Recipients
Catholic Charities Office of Justice and Peace has announced the recipients of the 2007 Catholic Campaign for Human Development grants totaling $150,000.
Receiving grants of $30,000 are Louisiana Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, Louisiana Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and Louisiana Bucket Brigade.
Receiving grants of $25,000 are All Congregations Together (ACT), and Jeremiah Group.
A grant of $10,000 was awarded to St. Margaret’s Health Care Facility in Bywater.
All grants will be used to help mobilize community organizations to enact policy and structural change. The money comes from the second collection taken in all church parishes in the Archdiocese every October for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. All the money collected in the Archdiocese is distributed to local organizations.
Visit our Social Justice page >
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Catholic Charities USA Recognized as the 8th Most Fiscally Responsible Charity in the Nation
Alexandria, VA—Catholic Charities USA is a “Slam Dunk” for donors looking to maximize their investment, according to Charity Navigator, the country’s largest independent charity evaluator, which this week recognized Catholic Charities USA as the eighth most fiscally responsible charity in the nation. In addition, Charity Navigator awarded Catholic Charities USA its highest rating—four stars—for both organizational efficiency and organizational capacity.
“At Charity Navigator we’ve scrutinized the financial health of more than 5,300 of the best-known charities in America. Catholic Charities USA stands out not just as one of the most fiscally healthy, but also for their strong commitment to respecting the rights of donors,” said Trent Stamp, president of Charity Navigator. “Their inclusion on our top 10 list of Slam Dunk Charities signals to the public that Catholic Charities USA is worthy of its trust and support.”
Read the entire news release >
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After School Assembly Goes Back to School!
After School Assembly begins again August 20 for children in kindergarten through 8th grade. Registration will be held this Saturday, August 11 at these sites:
St. John the Baptist Community Center
1920 Clio Street, New Orleans
Registration: 10am-11am
Gert Town Community Center
3425 Audubon Court, New Orleans
Registration: 12 noon-1pm
Hope Haven Center
1108 Barataria Blvd, Marrero
Registration: 10am-11am
Please bring a $25 registration fee to hold your child's place!
Visit Child & Family Services for more on our work with After School Assembly and other programs for children and families.
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Construyendo Nuestra Comunidad
August Radio Schedule
"Building Our Community," the Hispanic radio show that features members of our Catholic Charities team, has released its August schedule. Be sure to tune in to WFNO La Fabulosa 830 am and KGLA La Tropical 1540 am .
August 8 at 10:00 AM: WFNO 830 am - Dr. Roy Salgado and Deacon Campusano discuss alcoholism and drug abuse.
August 15 at 9:00 AM: KGLA 1540 am - Rebeca Hasbun discusses the City of Kenner Police Department's outreach efforts.
August 22 at 10:00 AM: WFNO 830 am - Karla Sikkafy and Cristina Indovina discuss the Hispanic Apostolate's ESL program.
August 29 at 9:00 AM: KGLA 1540 am - Lolita Carcache and Gina Cortez discuss the 2nd anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Visit Catholic Charities En Espanol.
Visit Immigration & Refugee Services for more on our work with the Hispanic community.
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Crescent House To Hold a
"Night Out Against Crime" Party
Crescent House plans to host a party to raise awareness on "America's Night Out Against Crime" on Tuesday, August 7. The family event aims to encourage the prevention of violent crime such as domestic violence.
From 3-7 pm, families will be treated to free food, music, and information about domestic violence. The event is at Palmer Park at the corner of S. Claiborne Ave. & Carrollton Ave.
We hope to see you there!! Visit Domestic Violence Services for more on the work we do for victims of violence in our community.
Visit the official Night Out 2007 website.
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Head Start Children Graduate
On July 16, 17 and 18, children from Louise Head Start, St. John the Baptist Head Start and El Yo Yo Bilingual Head Start graduated, signifying the success of their early childhood education and transition to kindergarten.
Visit Child & Family Services to learn more about Head Start Centers and what they offer for children in New Orleans.
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Landrieu Helps Release Essential Funding for New Orleans Catholic Charities
WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., announced today that Catholic Charities of New Orleans will receive a $496,000 grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding had been secured in 2004 by former Sen. John Breaux, D-La., but had not yet been released. Sen. Landrieu intervened and facilitated the dialogue between HUD and the Archdiocese that ultimately allowed the money to be obligated.
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Foster Parents Needed
Imagine being a child without a family in this post-Katrina world. A child without anyone to look out for you and make you feel safe and loved. This is the reality for many children in our area waiting for a foster home.
After Katrina, many certified foster parents relocated or are living in FEMA trailers and unable to care for a foster child. We have less than half the foster parents we did before the storm and many, many more children who need to be placed.
Consider becoming a foster parent and help keep our community’s promise to care for our most vulnerable citizens.
- Must be a 2-parent/single parent home with est. support system
- Must be under 55 years old and financially stable
- Must be a high school graduate or possess GED
- Must be comfortable with people from culturally diverse backgrounds
For more information, please contact:
Elaine Johnson, Recruitment Coordinator
(504) 310-6957
Our services for children & families >
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First-ever Hispanic Outreach Day celebrated on June 9
Saturday, June 9, Hispanic Apostolate Community Services sponsored a Hispanic Outreach Day at Lake Town Park in Kenner. From 10am-6pm, Hispanic Apostolate Community Services offered social services, health services, employment services, workers rights services, hurricane preparedness, education, counseling, immigration services and more.
Our services for the Hispanic Communtiy >
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May 16: Second Harvest urges lawmakers to buy food for the poor
(AP) - Louisiana's food banks asked lawmakers Tuesday to use $15 million in state surplus money to buy food for the poor, another in a long list of requests to the House Appropriations Committee. Read More >
Read more Catholic Charities news >
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Help Us Campaign!
Be sure to vote daily at www.campaignforyourcause.com for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans. You could help us win $100,000 from Burger King to supplement our help for the poor & vulnerable in Southeast Louisiana.
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Community Employment Services Presents Workshops
Community Employment Services is holding an intensive series of employment workshops geared toward helping you get a job. These sessions will give tips on how to ace an interview, polish your resume and more!
Workshops are at St. Jude Community Center & Hope Haven Community Center and are 4 days beginning: May 14 & 28 and June 4 & 18.
Please call Community Employment Services at (504) 371-7747 for more information or to sign up.
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Food For Families Hosts Monthly Drive Thrus
On May 10, Food For Families/Food For Seniors held another food box drive thru at Zephyr’s Stadium From 8am-11am, FFF employees handed out 40 lb. boxes of nutritionally balanced food for seniors who are struggling to pay the bills.
Future Dates
June 1
July 6
August 3
September 7
October 5
Seniors who have participated in the program before should bring their pink card. All seniors should bring a picture I.D. To see if you or a loved one may qualify for this service, please call 1-800-522-3333 (toll free).
Catholic Charities Food & Nutrition Programs
Catholic Charities Senior Programs
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Check Out Our Hispanic Radio Show
Construyendo Nuestra Comunidad (Building our Community)
Maria Jose Bermudez of Immigration & Refugee Services/Hispanic Apostolate Community Services hosts “Construyendo Nuestra Comunidad” every week on the WFNO La Fabulosa 830 AM & KGLA La Tropical 1540 AM. Here’s who’s coming up, so if you are a Spanish speaker, tune in!
5/16: La Tropical 1540am @ 9:00am
Guest: Jacob Perez
Topic: Esperanza Charter School (new charter school in New Orleans for Latinos)
5/16: La Fabulosa 830am @ 10:00am
Guest: Laura Guzman with The Road Home Program
Topic: Promote Road Home/Hispanic Apostolate community event on 5/26
5/23: La Tropical 1540am @ 9:00am
Guest: Mirtha Larken with Crescent House
Topic: Services available through Catholic Charities for victims of domestic violence
5/30: La Fabulosa 830am @ 10:00am
Guest: Natalia Bracco with Medicaid
Topic: Medicaid available to undocumented pregnant women effective May 1st
Visit our services En Espanol
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Cornerstone Builders Launches
This new program partners Catholic Charities with AmeriCorps to help formerly incarcerated persons reengage in society. These people will work with local non-profit groups to receive job training, and in the process, will develop their team leadership skills. They will also mentor and tutor their peers.
In exchange, the Builders will receive a stipend, an education award and health benefits. The inaugural class has 30 members, and was sworn in by Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu at a ceremony on May 7.
For more information, please visit our Employment section.
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Operation Helping Hands Begins Rebuilding
Operation Helping Hands, our program that was started in November 2005 to gut homes of elderly or disabled storm victims, is launching a new phase. Thank you to the more than 11,000 groups who traveled from around the world to help us clean the city
Now, instead of gutting homes, volunteers will help us rebuild homes. We are looking for semi-skilled, longer term volunteers to assist in jobs like sheetrocking, painting and installing flooring.
Also check out the newest opportunity to volunteer: Operation Helping Hands Volunteer Corps. More information is located on our Operation Helping Hands webpage.