2000-2001 Annual Report

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony Archbishop of Los Angeles

Dear Friends Despite its later successes, the agency that was to become Catholic Charities of Los Angeles began with nothing more than a single room, desk and a part-time secretary-social worker. At the time of its founding in 1919, there were few bureaus of social service operating in the United States. Monsignor William Corr, the fist Executive Director, proposed a plan that would coordinate the work of Catholic charitable organizations and institutions in Southern California, facilitate and increase the efficiency of the organization, promote and found new programs as deemed necessary, guide and encourage individuals and families, and cooperate with authorities and outside agencies, pubic and private. Among its interests were child, family and immigrant welfare. The objectives were to identify the needs not already addressed and find ways to lessen the effects of poverty and delinquency. For 82 years, Catholic Charities has remained true to the vision of its founding director. As the social service arm of the Archiocese of Los Angeles, the agency's history of service has afforded it the opportunity to establish a presence in each community it serves and adapt services to meet the needs to the poor and disadvantaged. Programs and services such as case management, job skills training , after school care, psychological services, cultural assimilation programs and youth and emergency services are offered in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The agency served 234,000 individuals and families last year. Catholic Charities' Welfare to Work Program, in partnership with public and private organizations, helped welfare recipients learn how to complete a job application, prepare a resume, and interview with potential employers. They received on-the-job training and job placement services. This program speaks directly to the Mission of Catholic Charities which seeks to assist individuals through skills development to become more self-sufficient and to effect change through education, advocacy and collaborative strategies. I am grateful to you for your own commitment to helping to poor in the Archiocese of Los Angeles through your support of Catholic Charities. Asking to Lord's blessing upon you, and with every best wish I am Sincerely yours in Christ, His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony Archbishop of Los Angeles

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