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| Press Release (29 September 2004) |
CREATIVE FUNDRAISING IN THE SAN PEDRO REGION
Catholic Charities depends on the support of many people and institutions that provide funding for the agency's charitable programs. Two recent initiatives in the San Pedro Region serve as an excellent example of this variety of supporters and fundraising ways.
In the summer of 2004, the Long Beach Community Center in the San Pedro Region received a grant of $68,275 from the Neighborhood Action Program of the City of Long Beach for improvements to its facilities. Anna Totta, Regional Director, said: "When I saw that families with children and disabled persons were standing in line outside, in very hot weather or on rainy days, I decided we needed to seek help." Thanks to the grant, the waiting room will be enlarged to hold 25 persons (it currently holds 10) and a bathroom accessible by wheelchair will be installed. In addition, the center will get a new gate and fencing. "I look forward to the day when everyone can be seated," said Virginia Gomez, intake worker. "We like to treat our clients with dignity and respect. It is hard to see families with children standing in the hot sun." The Long Beach Center provides basic safety-net services to the poor, including food, clothing, assistance with rent and utilities, as well as transportation.
During the same summer, a birthday party was held for a parishioner from St. Matthew's Church in Long Beach. It was a party with a purpose: forty-eight people who attended, instead of buying presents for the birthday lady donated a total of $1,100 to Elizabeth Ann Seton Residence, a Catholic Charities' shelter for homeless families in Long Beach. The party organizers asked for donations in lieu of presents and were delighted with the generosity of their guests. Anna Totta commented: "This is one way of truly celebrating life!"
Established in 1919, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc., has been one of the largest social service agencies in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, serving millions of people during the 85 years of its existence. During fiscal year 2003-2004, the agency provided about 1,180,000 services to over 229,000 different individuals in more than 50 offices and community centers. People in need come to Catholic Charities for emergency food and shelter, low-cost before-and-after-school childcare, immigration and refugee assistance, psychological services, computer and jobs skills training, and other supportive services. Poverty doesn't discriminate. How could Catholic Charities? All services are available to residents of the three counties, regardless of their race, ethnicity, income, gender or religious belief.
 If you would like to receive more information or if you wish to assist the San Pedro Region in its mission of serving the poor, please contact Anna Totta, Director, San Pedro Region, Catholic Charities Los Angeles, at (562) 591-1641, or e-mail: annatotta at verizon dot net. |