1999-2000 Annual Report

Reverend Monsignor Gregory A. Cox Executive Director

Dear Friends of Catholic Charities: For much of America's history, social welfare needs were addressed exclusively through the family, voluntary organizations, and local governments. During the Depression, the nation discovered that this system, strong as it was, simply was not equal to the task of crating opportunity and protecting Americans' welfare without a more concerted, nationally based approach. The Federal government created new forms of social support to help reduce the insecurities that occur in every stage of live: Aid to families with Dependent Children, Unemployment Insurance, and Social Security retirement benefits. A number of other programs have been added to the list of services provided by the Federal government and recently the government has overhauled the welfare system by signing into law "The Welfare Reform Act." Some lessons of our history in welfare services are obvious: Americans ought not to have to choose between the public and private sectors as avenues for dealing with problems of social welfare. Both are intimately linked; they should complement and support each other. Nor can we rely on economic growth alone to guarantee social welfare. A healthy economy, while essential, will not of itself generate the human investments and mutual caring that are necessary for a strong, just society. Catholic Charities believes that the best welfare policy offers individuals both economic opportunity and social protection, and it does so in a way that best uses our human and financial resources. Self-reliance ought to be encouraged, but it will be most effective within the context of a supportive social framework. During this Jubilee year, we at Catholic Charities are reminded of the importance of working with the public sector in providing the resources and hope to the poor and vulnerable who are forgotten in our society. May out Lord continue to bless the staff, volunteers and benefactors of Catholic Charities who mike it possible for us to be the "caring family" for those who are in need. God bless, Rev. Monsignor Gregory A Cox Executive Director

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