CSSW thank you letter

We would like to thank the parishoners of St. Francis of Assisi for the generous contribution of $12,621.23 from your 2012 Lenten Project to support the programs of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County.  It takes the commitment of many to help families in poverty, individuals seeking counseling, vulnerable children and other adults looking to enhance their quality of life.  Your support is what makes this possible.

 

On behalf of the entire CSSW staff and Board of Directors, and especially the thousands of children, adults and families we serve each year, we appreciate you stepping up and providing a helping hand to those who need it most.

 

Sincerely,

 

Larry Voight     ---        Jill Kind, Vice President

President         ---        Community & Philanthropy

Total

Our 2012 Lenten Sack for CSS called Neighbors in Need made  $12,621.23 .

Neighbors in Need Lenten collection continues to climb.

Our Lenten CSS-Neighbors in Need collection continues to climb.  Not counting several checks that were received in sacks at last evening's Mass, we are at $10,719 for that collection.  I suspect we will collect quite a bit more this weekend, as people often forget to bring their sacks or boxes, as the case may be, on the first weekend.  I think we should wait until at least April 16th before writing our check to CSS to allow plenty of time for donations to come in. 

Easter Blessings!

We have now collected over $10,000.00 and we expect it to go higher after Easter.  Blessings!

Lent 2012: Neighbors in Need at St. Francis, Ann Arbor

St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Lenten Effort - Almsgiving

During the Lenten season we pray, fast, and give alms.  The Lenten Season is a time of sacrifice almsgiving and prayer, in preparation for our renewal. Use your sack (or cardboard Rice Bowl) for collecting your monetary offerings from savings by preparing simpler meals or making other sacrifices for those living in harsh poverty conditions.

Our St. Francis of Assisi Parish- Peace and Justice Committee is proud to present the following Original LENTEN Efforts/Projects.

Neighbors in Need Join us in support of our local neighbors  who are struggling for food, housing,  and care of poverty-stricken elderly. Our direct service partnership is with  Washtenaw Catholic Social Services. Please return your cash and/or check contributions in the sack on Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012. Checks should be payable to:  St. Francis of Assisi, 2150 Frieze Ave., Ann Arbor, MI  48104

Use our Activities Calendar and Fast and simplify your lifestyle - with the donations going to help us pray, fast, learn, and give in solidarity with those less fortunate, experiencing hunger and harsh poverty conditions.  Participation in this parish-wide Lenten Project/Sack will cause each of us to learn to make small changes that make our lifestyles more sustainable over the long-term.  We are united in the effort.

Neighbors in Need - The Headlines (prior to Ash Wed, February 19, 2012);
Aging Services (week 1, February 26, 2012) - FORUM COVER;

Housing Services (week 2, March 4, 2012) - FORUM COVER;

Food Services (week 3, March 11, 2012) - FORUM COVER;

Pregnancy Services (week 4, March 18, 2012) - FORUM COVER;

Disability Services (week 5, March 25, 2012) - FORUM COVER;

More at: stfrancisa2.com/lent

2012 Activities CALENDAR (week 5, March 25)

(Activities Calendar PDF)

Lent 2012 Disability Services (week 5, March 25) (INSIDE the Forum)

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW):  Disability Support

Coping with the daily challenges of a physical, emotional, or mental disability is difficult enough; coping with your dignity intact is even harder.  CSSW helps people do both.

CSSW programs empower thousands of people with disabilities to maximize their independence by providing housing, counseling, hands-on assistance, respite support, and more.  

For adults with developmental disabilities, Intentional Communities of Washtenaw (ICW) offers independent housing options and support assistance.  Housing Support Services provides comprehensive services in Ann Arbor’s Avalon Housing.  Behavior Health Counseling Services helps people at all stages of life struggling with psychiatric, substance abuse, and emotional issues.  

Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, The Oaks ~Adult Day Services, and Neighborhood Senior Services provide senior caregiver support, home safety/home maintenance, and a program for adults with memory and cognitive deficits.  

A young woman who is developmentally disabled has her own home in a supportive community.  A formerly homeless Vietnam veteran with mental illness receives medical and housing assistance to remain vital and independent.  A wife can delay nursing home placement for her husband because of respite help. Coping – with dignity. 

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This week, we share the story of Ruth and Syd, who are involved with The Oaks:

When you walk into The Oaks ~ Adult Day Services, you see people socializing, practicing yoga and Tai Chi, cooking, listening to music, playing board games; laughing, and living.  The Oaks provides stimulating activities 5 days a week to improve social interaction and mental acuity, while also providing needed support for loved ones seeking a break from the demands of daily caregiving.

Syd led the kind of life most would envy.  He and his wife, Ruth, are happily married with two children and five grandchildren.  After receiving his doctorate at Brandeis University, he built a rewarding 40-year career as a U of M professor.  He traveled extensively, enjoyed an active social life, and kept himself physically fit.

Nine years ago, Syd was diagnosed with age-related dementia.

After the initial shock, Ruth realized that her husband’s well-being was in her hands. “As Syd became more physically debilitated, I was becoming really tired—exhausted would be a better word. That’s when I knew I need to have outside help.”

Ruth tried various options before choosing The Oaks, which operates under 5 core values: comfort, care, compassion, dignity, and respect.   The program has created structure and stimulation to Syd’s day.  Equally important, it gives Ruth the respite to help her stay mentally and physically able to provide for her partner.

This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member

Lent 2012 (week 5, Mar 25) FORUM Cover by Herb Black

During Lent we are called to  Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be
renewed in God's spirit.   The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.
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Lent 2012 (week 5, March 25) FORUM Cover by  Herb Black, member of St. Francis Parish

Lent 2012 Essay by Herb Black

In 1992, when I become interested in getting involved with Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW), I contacted some of my friends who were already volunteers with the agency.  John Martin, the longtime Executive Director of CSSW, asked me to serve on the newly formed John and Marnee DeVine Foundation, which became the fundraising arm of CSSW.  I spent the next nine years on the Board, the last four as president.

The initial task for the Foundation was to raise the first $300,000 to start an endowment fund for the agency. Our success qualified us for a $100,000 match as part of the Van Dusen Challenge sponsored by the Kresge Foundation.

For the next several years, the DeVine Foundation sponsored the Fall Festival of Music (many of these events were held here at St. Francis) to raise additional funds for the endowment. By the time I left the Foundation, the endowment had reached the $1,000,000 mark!

I was drawn to CSSW because of its mission to assist those individuals at the lower end of the economic ladder. While there are many good causes to which we can contribute, it seems to me the most important is the one that helps our fellow man in need.

I believe CSSW is one of the best kept secrets in our community.  It flies under the radar despite more than two dozen programs and 150 employees, the largest non-profit human service agency in our community.  These programs cover the lifespan of needs from infants through the elderly, including the area’s largest food bank and the Father Pat Jackson House.

I have continued to stay involved with CSSW by spearheading an initiative to repay the mortgage loan with the Diocese of Lansing for the building the agency needed in 1996. If we can get this debt paid, it will free up $5000/month that the agency can directly use for programs and our neighbors in need.

Lent 2012 (week 5, March 25) FORUM Cover by  Herb Black, member of St. Francis Parish
Neighbors in Need:  Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly.  Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services."    Learn more at:  www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/

2012 Activities CALENDAR (week 4, March 18)

(Activities Calendar PDF)

Lent 2012 Pregnancy Services (week 4, March 18) (INSIDE the Forum)

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW):  Pregnancy Assistance

Pregnant women began turning to CSSW for help more than 50 years ago.  CSSW provides many services to expectant parents, including:  parenting education, prisoner outreach, and a residential home for teens.  Each program provides hands-on assistance for pregnant moms, whether they want to enhance their parenting ability or choose adoption.

Pregnancy Counseling provides guidance and referrals for expectant parents, coordinating with Adoption Services to offer ongoing counseling, support groups, and workshops for those making an adoption plan.  Several years ago, Pregnancy Counseling added an outreach service for incarcerated women at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility – helping them make guardianship, power of attorney, or adoption plans.

Opened in 1984, the Father Patrick Jackson House is a residence providing pregnant teens and adolescent moms with life skills education in a safe home environment.  CSSW’s Healthy Families program provides 1-on-1 support for new parents throughout pregnancy and until the child turns 5.

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This week, we share the story of Danielle, who is involved with the Fr. Pat Jackson House:

Danielle is a 20-year old single mother and full-time nursing student.  She has plenty of good friends, works as a nurse’s aide, is on the college Deans List, and has a healthy and happy 3-year old daughter, Leesa.

Four years ago, however, Danielle’s life couldn’t have been more different.  A former honor student and standout volleyball player, she started fighting with her family, drinking, skipping school, and was booted from the team when her grades dropped.  Often, she didn’t bother coming home at all.  Then she found out she was pregnant.

That’s when Danielle came to CSSW for help.  Through the Father Patrick Jackson House, she found a stable home environment where she established a positive routine.  She returned to school, received prenatal care and counseling, and enrolled in on-site parenting classes.  She also began repairing her broken family relationships.

A few months after her 18^th birthday, Danielle and Leesa moved into their first apartment with money she saved while living at Father Pat’s.  Two years later, she continues to excel in both work and school, determined to be a good role model for her little girl.  With the help she received through CSSW, this troubled teen has grown into a responsible young parent.

This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member

Lent 2012 (week 4, Mar 18) FORUM Cover by Susan Edwards

During Lent we are called to  Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be renewed in God's spirit.   The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.

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Lent 2012 (week 4, March 18) FORUM Cover by  Susan Edwards, member of St. Francis Parish

You will find that Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSS) is an amazing organization.  It has 28 programs and is open to all of the needy in our community.  CSS serves an average of 3,000 clients per month; its food bank alone provides food for nearly 650 families per month.  It is hard to imagine that in our affluent community, there are cars lined up as far as you can see, waiting for the food bank to open.  Still others arrive at the food bank via the bus, or on foot.  I have spent some time helping distribute food at the food bank, and it is an indescribable experience.  Not only do I feel overwhelmingly thankful to God that the needs of my own family are met, but I feel a sense of “rightness” in being there, of helping distribute what others have shared from their own tables and pantries, and of being able to show another that he or she is loved and cared for. 

There are many ways to help at CSS.  You can volunteer, serve on a committee or board, donate money or supplies, work on a fundraiser, or simply attend a fundraiser.  Donations are well spent, as CSS has one of the highest pass-through rates of any social services organization.  The programs at CSS include Father Pat Jackson House (the home for unwed mothers), as well as programs for the aging, housing for the most at-risk, help for abused children, hands-on work with the elderly, and many others.  One of their programs is sure to spark your interest.

Why become involved?  Jesus tells us to.  We have been singing the message of Matthew 25 since we were young.  “Whatsoever you do for the least of my brothers, so you do unto me.”  How often do we get to minister to Christ?  Yet, He says that everything we do for someone else, we do for Him.  Wow!  I also learned something that has been very meaningful to me this year.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1039) says, “Would that you had known that my little ones were in need when I placed them on earth for you and appointed them your stewards to bring your good works into my treasury.”  Amazing.  I thought that I was ministering to others when I donated my time, money, or talent.  Yet, it seems they were also ministering to me, allowing me to perform works that would please God.  These words certainly brought me a renewed sense of humility and gratitude in helping others, and a new way of looking at the poor and needy around me.

I have enjoyed my affiliation in varying capacities with CSS over the last 15 years.  CSS is a wonderful place to show your works.  I pray that God will continue to use me, and those around me, to reach out in love to those in need in our community. 

Have a blessed week!

Susan Edwards

Written by Susan Edwards, St. Francis Parish member…  Neighbors in Need:  Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly.  Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services."    Learn more at:  www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/

2012 Activities CALENDAR (week 3, March 11)

(Activities Calendar PDF)

Lent 2012 Food Services (week 3, March 11) (INSIDE the Forum)

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW):  Food Services

The CSSW Emergency Food Program’s food bank is located at the Northside Community Center in Ann Arbor.  Clients receive 3-5 days of non-perishable groceries and referrals to programs that provide clothing, transportation, and other assistance.  The staff and volunteers make sure that they always honors the dignity of each person served.

To qualify, families must have annual incomes below the Federal poverty level.  The Food Program buys food from Food Gatherers at a substantial discount, and also receives grants and donations from area churches.  The food that our children donate during St. Francis masses is delivered twice a month to the food bank.  Perishable food is also available; on the 2^nd Thursday of the month, Food Gatherers offers fresh fruits and vegetables.  This is important because only 13% of households eat the USDA recommended daily five servings of fruits and vegetables.

Food Gatherers cites Northside as the largest pantry in the County in pounds of food distributed.  The need for assistance at the food bank has increased four-fold in 5 years.  As wages fall and jobs disappeared, need has increased.

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This week, we share the story of Kim, who is involved with the CSSW  Emergency Food Program:

When you’re hungry, nothing else seems to matter, especially when all you have is a bag of frozen beans, two bagels, and $61 in food stamps to feed your family for an entire month.

Kim faces the daily challenge of coping with a closed-head injury from 12 years ago that left her with permanent neurological damage.  Unable to hold a job, she gives back to the community by volunteering for several non-profits.  Her husband Ed goes out day after day looking for work as a skilled carpenter.  It hasn’t been easy.

With sporadic income, their small savings eventually ran out.  Kim knew her family needed help. That’s when she decided to go to the Northside Community Center food bank. 

She was surprised not only by the quality and quantity of food she received, but also the personal attention.  “They treated me with dignity.  They didn’t treat me any differently than anyone else; I was treated like family.”  She was also given leads on employment opportunities and clothing assistance.

Although the food pantry supervisor was busy, she loaded Kim’s car and reminded her of the day fresh produce would be delivered.  They were wonderful,” Kim says. “I left feeling like they had given me my dignity back.”

This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member

Lent 2012 (week 3, Mar 11) FORUM Cover by Andy Nash

During Lent we are called to  Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be
renewed in God's spirit.   The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.
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Lent 2012 (week 3, March 11) FORUM Cover by  Andy Nash, member of St. Francis Parish


A few years ago there was an appeal in the Forum for volunteers, you have probably seen them many times.  Like most of us, I figured I was too busy to take on any volunteer obligations.  I was working full-time and taking classes at night while raising a family.  But I did my obligatory perusal of the positions and saw one that I thought I might be able to manage:  a once-a-month commitment delivering the church’s weekly food collection to the Northside Food Bank, operated by Catholic Social Services.  I own a pickup truck and I had helped deliver food in the past from periodic St. Francis food drives.  I knew how easy it was, which is honestly why I decided to volunteer for this particular position.

This was a huge change of outlook for me.  I had always thought that because the needs of our community are so immense, nothing short of an immense commitment on my part would make any difference or be worthwhile.  But delivering to the Northside Food Bank changed my mind almost instantly.  Several times when I arrived the shelves were almost bare – and while I am not responsible for collecting the food I deliver, my small effort to get it there is an important part of making sure that those who need the food actually get it.  This experience made me realize that it takes many small and large efforts on the part of many different people to make a difference.  So what started out as a decision to do “the smallest thing possible” ended up showing me that those small things are critically necessary.

The problems that we face are still immense, no doubt.  But all it would take to adequately address them would be for everyone to dedicate just a couple of hours per month; time that even the busiest of us could find.  I learned through my small commitment how necessary any amount of help is to those in need.  Additionally, I found that it is also very rewarding and greatly appreciated.  Since I first began delivering food, I have picked up a couple more volunteering commitments, both of them on a small scale, and am still able to maintain all of my work and familial obligations.  I now look back at my time before becoming a volunteer as time wasted for no good reason.  I was wrong in thinking that I didn’t have the time – and even more wrong in assuming that I couldn’t make a difference.  In closing, I encourage everyone to commit to volunteering a couple of hours a month to a cause you believe in.  It’s worth it.

Written by Andy Nash, St. Francis Parish member… Neighbors in Need:  Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly.  Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services."    Learn more at:  www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/

2012 Activities CALENDAR (week 2, March 4)

(Activities Calendar PDF)

Lent 2012 Housing Services (week 2, March 4) (INSIDE the Forum)

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW):  Housing Services

Having a roof over your head is not the same is having a home.  Understanding this, CSSW provides comprehensive assistance to adults and teens at high risk of homelessness to ensure they maintain safe, stable housing.

The causes of homelessness are complex, but the devastation is clear.  Those without a permanent home are much more likely to abuse substances, be crime victims, and suffer chronic health problems.  Along with a secure residence, a strong support system is imperative to break the cycle.  This is where CSSW comes in.

CSSW Housing Support Services (HSS) collaborates with the local non-profit, Avalon Housing, to help extremely low-income tenants maintain permanent housing and maximize independence.   

For pregnant teens and adolescent moms, Father Patrick Jackson House provides a safe, nurturing home environment and helps them develop the education and living skills needed to become capable parents.

Home.  A place CSSW believes everyone should be able to enjoy.

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This week, we share the story of Julia, who is involved with the CSSW program, Housing Support Services (HSS):

Things couldn’t get much worse.  Julia tried rehab, but kept relapsing; her husband and kids left long ago.  Because of her chronic alcohol addiction she couldn’t hold onto a job.  At 55, suffering from major depression, Julia was homeless.

Individuals like Julia battling life challenges don’t have to end up isolated, living in shelters, or on the streets.  In Ann Arbor, the HSS program helps tenants of Avalon Housing maintain housing and maximize personal independence.  Each client receives the level of assistance necessary to sustain independent housing.  Services include: help accessing rental assistance, transportation, connecting people with community and employment resources, and help with daily living tasks and medication management.  The HSS team is available 24/7.

For Julia, it worked.

When she first came to HSS, she had been homeless for more than two years—staying in hotels, sleeping on people’s couches, living in shelters.  CSSW helped her to get back on her feet, get medical help for her depression and other issues, and connected her with outside resources.

Today, almost three years later, Julie has a place to call home.  She is sober, secure, and hopeful. Her outlook remains positive because she is no longer alone—CSSW is there whenever, however she may need a helping hand.

This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member

Lent 2012 (week 2, Mar 4) FORUM Cover by Tony Glinke

During Lent we are called to  Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be 

renewed in God's spirit.   The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.

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The Yorkshireman's Motto [Abbreviated]

“. . . And if you do anything for nothing, do it for yourself.”

I am a selfish man, and I want you to be selfish.

Since 1959 Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) has been dedicated to improving the lives of our community's most vulnerable citizens.  CSSW is the largest social service agency in Washtenaw County.  Annually CSSW serves thousands of individuals and families of all faiths and all walks of life.  

CSSW offers more than two dozen programs reflecting the vast diversity of our community: adoption and pregnancy counseling, food assistance, homelessness prevention, domestic and child abuse intervention and prevention, family therapy, and services to assist older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, and at-risk families with young children.

I joined St. Francis parish in 1989 and the CSSW board of Directors in 1996.  By personal example, my parents always instilled in me the responsibility of lay Catholics to get involved and act positively in their communities.  When I joined CSSW I was absolutely shocked at the enormous need for social services in and around the Ann Arbor area.  This was not a mission to help poor people in some distant foreign land; this was real need just 1 mile from my home.  I guarantee that CSSW is active within a mile of your home also.

Did I mention that I’m selfish?  I have lived in Ann Arbor for 35 years.  I love our town.  I met my wife here.  We’ve made a life and raised our children here.  I plan to live here for the rest of my life. 

I am selfish because I want my town to get better and better.  If our community is going to improve, we need to help all our families in all their forms.  We must help all the children, not just our own.  Let’s face facts; times are tough for folks, and government finances and resources are stretched thin.  CSSW is a solid local charity that does solid local service for our community.

So I urge you to be selfish and get involved.  Do it for your community. Do it for your family and your children.  Do it for yourself.  Your gift of wealth, wisdom, or a willingness to work will have a profound and positive effect on our community now and in the many years to come.  Every dollar spent, every hour worked makes our community a better place for all of us.

Thank you for your time today, and may God bless each and every one of you.  

Lent 2012 (week 2, March 4) FORUM Cover by  Tony Glinke, member of St. Francis Parish

Neighbors in Need:  Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly.  Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services."    Learn more at:  www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/

2012 Activities CALENDAR (week 1, Feb 26)

(Activities Calendar PDF)

Lent 2012 Aging Services (week 1, Feb 26) (Article for INSIDE the Forum)

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW):  Aging Services

CCSW offers many services that help older adults maintain dignified, safe, and independent lives in their own homes:   Medicare/ Medicaid Assistance Program (helps older adults obtain benefits); Neighborhood Senior Services (support and advocacy for low-income seniors, with programs dedicated to home safety, household maintenance/repair, transportation to health care, and companion services); Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (respite care for those caring for a chronically ill family member); Grandparents as Parents (support for seniors raising children not their own); Tax Assistance (helps low-income seniors and disabled adults file income tax returns); The Oaks ~ Adult Day Services (intensive respite day program for adults with physical, mental, and cognitive impairments); RSVP (places adults ages 55+ in volunteer positions with local non-profit organizations).

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This week, we share the story of Rosie, who is involved with the CSSW program, Grandparents as Parents (GAP):

In the school of life, Rosie is a great teacher. Her unending curiosity, boundless energy—and a rare level of compassion and optimism—have transformed the lives she has touched and the children she has saved.  Now in her 80's, Rosie enthusiastically participates in monthly GAP meetings and offers encouragement to others who are raising their grandchildren.

By the time Rosie was 28 years old, she had nine children.  In addition to her own children, she raised her grandson, Roderick, who (like his grandmother) is a role model for his nephews and nieces.

Her son Andre came to her in a much different way.  After befriending a member of her church suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease, Rosie learned that the woman's daughter had given birth to a very ill infant boy.  So frail, in fact, that he was not expected to survive to his first birthday.  The young mother did not want to keep the baby; doctors held out little hope.  Rosie, being Rosie, took the rigid, malnourished infant into her arms and after months of struggling to get her baby to eat; exercising and massaging him, Andre began to thrive.  Today, he is a strapping young man.

Rosie's daughter, Andrea, began life in an equally dramatic way.  Rosie's drug-addicted granddaughter literally showed up on her doorstep one night, obviously sick, in pain—and pregnant.  Andrea was born the next day and was legally adopted by Rosie through the CSSW Adoption program.

Whatever the challenge, Rosie has remains an idealist and serves as an inspiration for others in the GAP program.

This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member

Lent 2012 (week 1, Feb 26) FORUM Cover by Brian Kelley

The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.

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I belong to The Friends of Fr. Pat's, a group supporting the mission of The Father Patrick

Jackson House Program. It was my Mother who first got me involved with Fr. Pat's. I started

out as a volunteer, parking cars at the house on football Saturdays to raise money for the

program. A few years later I served on the Board and helped in the transition as Fr. Pat's

became a program of Catholic Social Services. The goal of the program is to help pregnant

and parenting teens of all faiths develop the education and living skills needed to become self

sufficient. This is a difficult task. It takes dedicated, hard working staff and volunteers. It takes

community support and financial resources. When the House was dedicated in April of 1984, a

little over a year after the death of Fr. Patrick Jackson, it really was an act of faith.

Fr. Jackson was a diocesan priest who began his ministry at Ann Arbor St. Thomas in the mid

1960s before serving as the Pastor at Old St. Patrick's in Whitmore Lake from 1971 through

the early 1980s. I first met him when I was a second grader at St. Thomas. He had a very big

impact on me. Now, nearly forty years later, I am working on behalf of a program named in his

memory and trying to put into practice what he taught me about being a part of a community

of faith. He taught me that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ I needed to practice a living

faith. To me that means helping in whatever way I can to make the world I live in a better

place. I know that if I do this I am a better parent, a better husband and better member of the

community in which I live.

The Friends of Fr. Pat's are hosting a St. Patrick's Day Dinner on March 4th at St. John the Baptist Church in Ypsilanti to raise money for the Fr. Patrick Jackson House Program. For information go to http://csswashtenaw.org or call 734/971-9781, ext. 323.

Lent 2012 (week 1, Feb 26) FORUM Cover by Brian Kelley, member of St. Francis Parish

Neighbors in Need:  Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly.  Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services."    Learn more at:  www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/

2012 Activities CALENDAR (prior to Ash Wed, Feb 19)

(Activities Calendar PDF)

Lent 2012: Neighbors in Need (prior to Ash Wed, Feb 19)

Lent 2012:      Neighbors in Need

The headlines these days can be pretty sobering:

·  According to the Social Security Administration, 50% of American workers earned less than $26,364 last year

·  1/3 of all American workers (and 79% of low-wage workers ) do not get any paid sick days

·  In 2010 more people were recorded as living in poverty than in any of the previous 52 years for which rates have been published:  46.9 million (15% of the U.S. population)

·  About 17 million households were registered as food insecure, meaning they did not have consistent dependable access to enough food

·  According to a study by the MI League for Human Services:  Michigan recorded the nation’s 4^th highest increase in family poverty from 2006-2010.  We also had the nation’s 2^nd highest drop in median income

·  The State reduced the lifetime limit for cash welfare payments to 48 months.  Once a person reaches this limit, s/he cannot receive a cash payment after losing a job, being abandoned by a spouse, becoming seriously ill, or for any other reason

·  The State also reduced the time that citizens are eligible for unemployment assistance, and reduced workers’ compensation payments to those who are injured on the job

·  To fund business tax cuts, Michigan increased taxes on half of those who file a state personal income tax form.  The average tax increase varies depending on income – the poorest citizens will pay about $100 more and the highest-income earners will pay an extra $7 on average, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.  This is because the State eliminated several tax credits that only applied to low-income households.

·  Ten years ago, Michigan’s statutory revenue sharing for local governments was $900 million – it was only $215 million last year, which has resulted in steep cuts to human services at local levels

As more and more people are struggling, our state seems to have hardened its heart.  The limited assistance that used to be available is rapidly disappearing.  In the face of these hard realities, the Catholic Church continues to do its best to protect the poor and vulnerable.

While the Church does not have the resources to address all of the tremendous need that exists, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) provides desperately needed help to thousands of our neighbors.

During the Lenten season, we will highlight the stories of some of the people who have been helped by CSSW and describe some of the work that CSSW quietly does every day.  We will focus on their work with:

·  Senior citizens

·  Those who face housing insecurity

·  Those who face food insecurity

·  Women who are pregnant and imprisoned

·  People who have disabilities

In Mark 25:40, Jesus tells us that what we do for the least of His people, we do for Him.  The St. Francis Peace & Justice Committee hopes that this Lenten project will lead all of us to consider how we can use our time, talents, treasure, and prayers to serve Jesus when He appears among us as a neighbor in need.

This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member

Neighbors in Need

Join us in support of our local neighbors

who are struggling for food, housing,

and care of poverty stricken elderly.

Our direct service partnership is with

Washtenaw Catholic Social Services.

Please return your cash and/or check contributions in the sack (attached in this FORUM) on Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012

Checks should be payable to: St. Francis of Assisi

Learn more at: stfrancisa2.org/lent