Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.

A Quarterly Newsletter from Catholic Charities - May 2002

Dental Screenings Bring Healthy Smiles to Moorpark First Graders

A first-grader in the Moorpark Unified School District participates in Healthy Smiles dental screening. The purpose of the program is to promote good dental habits for a life time.

The Healthy Smiles Project, a collaboration of Catholic Charities’ Ventura Region, Moorpark Unified School District and local Moorpark dentists, was formed recently to expand dental services and outreach to low-income families in Moorpark. The program, funded by Ventura County Community Foundation, targets first grade students in the district.

School nurses observed that a large number of children came to school in pain or were absent because of illnesses attributed to poor dental health. A preliminary screening of children in Moorpark indicated:

•	Children of low-income families had a high number of cavities and required tooth extraction due to decay.
•	Fewer than 50% of the Spanish-speaking respondents had dental insurance.
•	A low percentage of those surveyed had knowledge of prevention techniques.
•	30% of the children surveyed were in need of immediate care for severe dental problems.

The Healthy Smiles Project began recently with dental screenings of 700 first graders. The screenings consisted of discussion of good dental hygiene, an examination by volunteer dentists and hygienists and a visit with the “tooth fairy” to receive a dental care kit. The students were ranked from “no observable decay” to “needs to see a dentist immediately”.

The most severe cases were referred to Patricia Calderon, an employee of Catholic Charities’ Moorpark Community Services Center, for immediate follow up. Ms. Calderon, a bilingual case aid, finds that many of the families with whom she works speak little English and do not have experience managing their dental health. After contacting parents to inform them about the results of the screening, she determines the status of the families’ dental coverage and helps them apply for insurance if they are eligible. She will also make dental appointments with one of the dentists who provide services at discount rates. The program also offers stipends to families who cannot afford dental care or who do not qualify for dental insurance. In addition, the Moorpark Community Services Center offers outreach and dental care education to clients who come to the Center.

For more information about The Healthy Smiles Project or the other programs and services offered by Catholic Charities’ Ventura Region, please contact Rob Bagdazian, Regional Director, at (805) 643-4784.

Start Practicing Your Swing!

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles will hold its Sixth Annual Cardinal Mahony Golf Tournament on October 7th at The Riviera Country Club. In addition to hosting the Cardinal Mahony Tournament, Riviera, located in Pacific Palisades, has also hosted many pro golf championship tournaments.

The good times kick off at registration when tee bags are distributed to all players. A putting contest and barbecue lunch take place before the Call to Carts. The day culminates with a trophy reception, buffet and auction. Some past auction items were golf packages to the Los Angeles and Bel Air County Clubs, as well as TaylorMade and Callaway golf clubs. Trips to Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and Hawaii also create swift bidding.

Last year’s tournament netted over $130,000 for the programs of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., the social service arm of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The goal is to make this year’s tournament even more successful. If you, your company, organization, or foundation are interested in becoming a sponsor, advertiser, or auction donor please contact Lana Duda 213-251-3494, lduda@ccharities.org or Christy Woods, 213-251-3498, cwoods@ccharities.org. A complete tournament packet will be mailed to you.

Sponsorship may be corporate or individual and is available on the following levels:

• $10,000 Tournament Sponsor--four Player slots
• $5,000 Gold Sponsor --four Player slots
• $2,500 Silver Sponsor--two player slots
• $1,250 Individual Player

Ad placement in the Tournament Program is available for:

• Full-page ad - 8” w x 10” h - $1,000
• Half-page ad - 8” w x 5” h - $500
• Quarter-page ad- 4” w x 5” h- $250
• Eighth-page ad - 4” w x 2” h -$125