February 2006
This year, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis marks its 137th anniversary. While being well over a century old and still viable is extraordinary for any business, the fact that we are still here and much needed in 2006 is deeply troubling. Then as now, the violence of poverty remains an intrinsic part of society. How, then, does Catholic Charities address an issue as systemic and complex as poverty?
The answer may surprise those who think Catholic Charities is only about meeting the immediate, basic needs of the poor. While direct service is a fundamental part of what we do, it is not all we do. Advocacy is integral to who we are and how we do business. Direct service alone will never end poverty, but powerful advocacy can. Through advocacy, we make certain the poor have a seat at the community table and it is how we help to craft sustainable solutions to address poverty that can actually work.
Our mission statement clarifies our commitment and approach to restoring the dignity and quality-of-life that poverty destroys: “The mission of Catholic Charities is to serve those most in need. We help individuals and families reach their full human potential as we call for justice in the community.”
So, what is “advocacy?” Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “…to plead in favor of or to act in support of a cause or proposal.” At Catholic Charities, it is through advocacy that we stand with the poor and vulnerable – for those among us who have no voice. We speak out, because they cannot.
To fully realize our mission, you will find us wherever policies and laws are made that impact those we serve in the Twin Cities. Our advocacy on behalf of children and families is a good example.
The $86 million in cuts to childcare funding assistance legislated in 2003 have had lasting, crippling effects on thousands of low-income families across the state. In fact, nearly half of the families enrolled at Catholic Charities’ Northside Child Development Center were forced to pull their kids out altogether, many unable to return since.
As an agency, we weigh in on this issue because early childhood education programs like Northside give low-income children a strong start in life and better their chances of breaking out of the cycle of poverty they were born in to. Catholic Charities will continue to advocate for restoration of this funding during the 2006 Legislature. For this issue of justice and others like it, advocacy is how we ensure vulnerable people have a say in policy decisions that so acutely affect their lives.
As long as there are public policies in place that prevent people from reaching their full human potential, Catholic Charities will speak out in the public square and call for justice in the community on their behalf.
Humanity can ill afford another 137 years to make it right. To end poverty and close our doors for good is a day we pray for in earnest.
Fr. John Estrem, Chief Executive Officer
