Catholic charities of the diocese of fort wayne-south bend (catholic charities) has been serving the needs of the poor and vulnerable in since 1922

Our mission is to "serve those in need as christ would have US do." catholic charities serves all who come to our doors for assistance because of the belief that we are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. All of our services are secular in nature. Catholic charities employs a diverse staff that speaks 18 different languages, in over 20 separate programs geared to the specific needs of the diverse communities we serve. Catholic charities primary target populations includes adults and children living in poverty and all other marginalized persons in need. Catholic charities services range from assisting financially-challenged households with basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, and clothing to assisting with educational attainment, both primary and post-secondary, through securing employment that leads to economic mobility. The two-generation approach emphasizes the provision of education, economic supports, social capital, and health and well-being to create a legacy of economic security that passes from one generation to the next. Volunteers are a vital part of extending our mission, vision and values throughout the organization and into the community. We have been a successful, sponsoring agency for rsvp for close to 40 years. In choosing the focus areas for next 3 years, catholic charities gathered research from united ways, community foundations, and other foundations to determine community priorities in each of the counties. The information gathered helped US to know where volunteers could be most useful and led US to determine our primary focus area of healthy futures. This grant cycle additional focus areas include financial literacy and education, which is being added as early childhood education is a top community priority in all 3 counties served. Throughout this upcoming grant cycle, catholic charities will recruit, train and support volunteers for the following activities: assisting food pantries, provide vita tax services and supporting school readiness skills. The primary focus area of this project is healthy futures. 91 rsvp volunteers will be placed in outcome assignments and an estimated 225 rsvp volunteers will serve in other capacities. At the end of the three-year grant, 1,950 individuals will have federal and indiana income taxes prepared, 3,000+ individuals will receive emergency food thus decreasing food insecurity and 225 young children will be better prepared to enter school. The cncs federal investment of $89,548 will be supplemented by $44,025 per year.