Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

A Quarterly Newsletter from Catholic Charities - August 2002

Special Guest Visits After-School Program

Children from the ADESTE program try on protective vests during a recent visit by the FBI.

The children of Catholic Charities’ Archdiocesan Elementary School Time Enrichment (ADESTE) program at St. Rita School in Sierra Madre were privileged to have a special agent from the FBI as a guest speaker.

The special agent informed the children that FBI agents are different from regular police officers because they do not drive in marked cars or wear uniforms. The vests and jackets the agents use have removable tags with the words “FBI” or “Police” printed on them. Their metal FBI badges are worn around their neck on a chain. They do not want anyone to know who they are until they are ready to identify themselves. One of the kindergarten students asked, “what if they don’t believe you?” The agent’s response was: “we work in teams, so they believe us when they see us working together.”

The children were showed the types of equipment used by the FBI. They were allowed to handle handcuffs, bullet-proof vests, a shield with lights, battering ram and retractable metal baton. In addition they discussed the equipment used for self-defense. They viewed a tape of a television newscast involving a police pursuit which showed suspects being apprehended and taken into custody.

Each member of the ADESTE class was given a junior FBI badge and I.D. card with their picture on it. Students were also fingerprinted during the class. ADESTE staff Roberto Romo and Carmen Braxton were presented with flag pins containing the FBI emblem.

The Catholic Charities’ ADESTE program offers a safe environment for children, ages 4 years 9 months to 13 years, to participate in age-appropriate activities which enhance their social, physical, mental and emotional development needs. For more information about San Gabriel Region’s ADESTE program, contact Mary Romero at 322-266-3130.


	A Message from the Executive Director, Monsignor Gregory A. Cox
	Nature is a classroom in which we can learn many lessons. One of the valuable lessons that nature teaches us is the importance of change. Catholic Charities is in an environment that is always changing. A year ago the State of California’s budget had a surplus of $12 billion, and this year the budget deficit will be approximately $25 billion. As the State of California decreases service to the poor, agencies like Catholic Charities have to discover new resources to meet the growing needs of the poor. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” Dr. King reminds us of the importance of service in our communities. The strength of Catholic Charities is in our staff and volunteers. These individuals provide service to homeless mothers and their children, runaway youth, refugees and the elderly. Not only is the type of service important, but also the manner in which the service is given. The words “compassionate,” “trustworthy,” “quality” and “dedicated” best define the staff and volunteers of Catholic Charities. As financial resources from the public sector decrease, Catholic Charities’ staff and volunteers will continue to discover ways of serving the most vulnerable in our society. In order to meet the growing needs of the poor, we all need to participate in our local communities. It is in our service that we become truly great.

Reserve Your Spot Now!

With one swing, you can enjoy your pastime AND help the less fortunate in our communities.

Take part in Catholic Charities’ Sixth Annual Golf Tournament on October 7, 2002 at The Riviera Country Club. Activities will include a putting contest, barbecue lunch, Hole in One car, trophy reception, buffet, and raffle.

For more information contact:
Lana Duda 213-251-3494, or Christy Woods, 213-251-3498