Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

A Quarterly Newsletter from Catholic Charities - August 2004

OASIS Program Makes a Difference in Seniors’ Lives

OASIS Volunteer Coordinator Anita Weber, left, with Paddy True, OASIS Volunteer, provide essential services to seniors in need.

Many seniors in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties are living in isolation, and are finding it exceedingly difficult to perform day-to-day functions. They are in need of assistance. For over 18 years, Catholic Charities has been reaching out to frail and elderly residents in Ventura County through its program, OASIS (Older Adult Services and Intervention System). The primary goal of OASIS is to help individuals remain independent in their homes. Staff and volunteers provide supportive services to over 900 individuals per year.

Through in-home client assessment and case management, OASIS eases the burden on seniors by offering aid in many areas, including housecleaning, transportation to doctor’s appointments and church, and its brown bag lunch program, which is available to those unable to shop. HEALTH WATCH, a 24-hour monitoring device used to call for help, is installed when necessary. Volunteers make phone calls and personal visits. The birthday card program ensures that each client receives a birthday card every year. OASIS also makes referrals to other supporting agencies and service providers. In addition to providing these invaluable services, OASIS workers make a difference every day just by putting a smile on someone’s face.

To volunteer, call Robert Bagdazian, Director of the Ventura Region, at (805) 643-4784.

Catholic Charities Receives Honor from Vietnamese Community

Recently, Catholic Charities USA accepted the first-ever National Leadership Award from the Vietnamese American National Gala (VANG). At the Washington, D.C., event, Catholic Charities was honored for its 30 years of work in resettling Vietnamese refugees, and helping to enhance the quality of life for Vietnamese people in the U.S.

Since 1975, the Catholic Charities’ network has resettled 25% of Vietnam’s refugees. Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, which is considered to be the leading organization in this effort, has handled a majority of these cases, bringing the number of Vietnamese refugees aided by the program to over 50,000. The Immigration and Refugee Department first assists individuals with basic needs, such as housing, food and clothing. Then, “support is provided to legalize their residency status, and help the recently arrived adjust to their new home and achieve economic self-sufficiency,” said Loc Nguyen, Program Director.

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles remains involved in the assimilation process, offering many services including youth activities, elderly assistance, voter registration, small business development, family unification, and public education. Advocacy work is also a priority. In December 2003, staff members traveled to the Philippines and Washington, D.C., to work with government and religious agencies to promote the resettlement of the 2,000 remaining Vietnamese refugees who have been stranded in the Philippines for the last 15 years without legal status.

For more information, contact Mr. Nguyen at (213) 251-3489.

Homeless Shelter Celebrates a High School Graduation

Marcus, a former resident of
Elizabeth Ann Seton Residence for
homeless families, attributes much of his success to the care and assistance he received at the shelter as a young boy.

When Marcus was 12 years old, he and his mother (who was both diabetic and blind) arrived at the Catholic Charities’ Elizabeth Ann Seton Residence, a shelter for homeless families in Long Beach. There, they met a volunteer who tutored Marcus through the program of School on Wheels. Sadly, Marcus’ mother soon died; the orphaned teenager found himself under the care of the volunteer who eventually adopted him as her son.

This past spring, Marcus graduated from Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. “Poly” is known for its outstanding student achievement. Marcus’ favorite subject in school was Marine Biology. He plans to attend Long Beach City College and then to transfer to “a prestigious university.” Before his high school graduation, Marcus invited the director of the shelter, Vanessa Romain, and her staff to watch him perform in the school play.

“I really enjoyed watching Marcus perform,” said Wendy Young, who works for the shelter. “We hope that the children we serve here find our shelter a warm and comfortable place that they can call home. Marcus remembers us as just that. We are his extended family now.”

For more information, please contact Anna Totta, Director of the San Pedro Region, at (562) 591-1641.

Save
the
Date!

Saturday, December 4, 2004
An evening at
The California Club
for the benefit of
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles