The programs of Catholic Charities focus on empowerment and seek to enact long-term positive change in individuals, families and communities. As a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, the agency is built on the principles of dignity and inclusion.

Brothers "Pedro" and "Rafael" (not pictured above) are now in college at UC San Diego and Cal State Northridge. They are studying hard, planning careers and living full lives. But their lives could have gone in an altogether different direction. The brothers grew up in a neighborhood rife with gang violence, illiteracy, poverty and lack of hope.