| Catholic Charities USA Officially Begins its Centennial Year with 2009 Annual Gathering Convening in Portland, Oregon, Sept. 24-26, Features CNN’s David Gergen and Steve Liss’ “In Our Own Backyard” Photo Exhibit Portland, OR—Catholic Charities USA, the nearly 100 year old human services organization, and its 170 member agencies from across the country, convene their 2009 Annual Gathering—Journey to Reduce Poverty in America--in Portland, Oregon—officially launching their 2010 Centennial and renewing the commitment to cut poverty in half by 2020. “We convene at a very challenging time for social services providers. While our agencies and staff experience soaring increases in requests for services, available resources continue to dwindle,” Said Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. “More than ever, we need to come together in person to re-set and re-focus on the work before us in these very difficult times. As any signs of recovery begin, we must ensure that the poor are not left behind this time.” CNN’s David Gergen, who has been at the table of public policy formation and debate for 30 years and has served as adviser to two U.S. presidents, will serve as the Keynote speaker for the conference. Gergen will share themes and an historical perspective on the subject of poverty in America, as well as participate in a Q&A with all attendees. His presentation is nationally sponsored by the Washington, D.C. law firm—Arent Fox. Overall national support for the conference is also provided in part by the Northwest Area Foundation. As part of the beginning of Catholic Charities USA’s Centennial celebration, the meeting will also include the official premier of Steve Liss’ “In Our Own Backyard” photo exhibit. Liss, an award winning former Time Magazine photographer, has captured a moving portrayal of poverty in America. His work will move to eight other U.S. cities over the course of 2010 as part of a series of Centennial Leadership Summits conducted by Catholic Charities to engage others in the campaign to reduce poverty in America. The Most Rev. John G. Vlazny, Archbishop of Portland in Oregon, along with Dennis Keenan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Oregon, and his entire Board and team of staff and volunteers, will serve as hosts for the Annual Gathering in the City of Roses. Thursday will feature the first Centennial Leadership Summit as part of the conference, with a strong call-to-action Opening Address by Fr. Snyder on the historic “eve of Centennial”. The Rev. Thomas P. Doyle, Executive Vice President of the University of Portland, will lead a panel comprised of Mark B. Ganz, President and CEO, Regence BlueCross/BlueShield of Portland, Oregon—a major local sponsor of the Gathering, Jodi Pfarr, Executive director of Emma Norton Services, the Minneapolis, MN based non-profit providing housing for homeless women, and Kevin F. Walker, President and CEO, Northwest Area Foundation, St. Paul, MN. Candy S. Hill, Senior Vice President of Social Policy and Government Affairs for Catholic Charities USA, will moderate a panel on regional initiatives to help solve national problems and advocate for change. Members of the panel include: Tiziana Dearing, President of Catholic Charities, Boston; Kathleen McGowan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Joliet, IL; Michael Reichert, President, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, Seattle; and Harold A. Smith, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Baltimore. In addition to David Gergen’s keynote presentation and Q&A, Friday’s (Sept. 25) session will include the presentation of the Vision Award to Sister Carol Keehan, DC, RN, MS—President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, Washington, DC. Sister Carol, who has held various influential roles in health care, insurance and education, will be honored for her life and work in exemplifying Catholic social teaching and support of Catholic Charities USA in its mission of supporting families, reducing poverty and building better communities. CCUSA will also present its first-ever Centennial Recognition Awards. Saturday’s (Sept. 26) concluding activities are highlighted by the organization’s annual Awards Luncheon, saluting Dr. William Rainford, of Boise; and Elsa Amboy, Melissa Kreisa and Andrea Lee, of San Jose; as Catholic Charities USA’s 2009 Volunteers of the Year; the Annie E. Casey Foundation Awards to Luther Burbank Family Resource Center, San Jose; Family Strengthening Program, Green Bay; and El Centro Family Center, Hartford. The Bishop Joseph Sullivan Award, presented annually to recognize an individual for excellence, creativity and leadership, goes to Harold Smith, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Baltimore, who has provided visionary leadership in his 33 years as Executive Director. Mr. Smith has recently retired, leaving a legacy of service to people living in poverty, a network of children and family programs, 19 senior living communities for low-income seniors, and an assisted living facility and nursing rehabilitation center. And the Arnold Andrews Award for Collaborative Excellence was presented to Faith Community Support Circle Program for Homeless Families, Raleigh. Following its year-long series of Centennial Leadership Summits, Catholic Charities USA will convene in Washington, D.C. in September of 2010 to mark the finale of its Centennial milestone year and launch its next 100 years in serving and advocating for the poor. -30- | |