Excerpt from The Tidings, February 5, 2010, by Janis Nelson.

Individuals who serve the needs of their parishes and the communities in which they live were honored Jan. 31 at the ninth annual Partners in Service Dinner sponsored by Catholic Charities Ventura Region.

Excerpt from The Epoch Times, January 26, 2010, by Nicholas Zifcak

Grant money available for refugees doubled from $900 to $1800, the State Department announced on Monday. The money is paid to resettlement agencies who find housing and help newly arrived refugees acclimate to the United States.

The recent earthquake in Haiti has focused much attention on the island nation. The widespread devastation there reveals poor infrastructure and governmental instability. The story of a Catholic Charities client from Haiti seeking asylum in the United States sheds light on the corruption and discrimination that plagues that country.

In the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, the international community is responding with much needed supplies and support for the island nation.

Catholic Charities’ community center in Long Beach, in conjunction with the City of Long Beach and its collaborative partners, is participating in the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) by reaching out to families and individuals facing eviction or a utility shut-off.