Local groups that receive funding from Catholic Campaign for Human Development include New Beginnings and Casa Guadalupe

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For over 40 years, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) has funded organizations that address the root causes of poverty in our diocesan communities and across the United States.  CCHD works to help people break the chains that hold them in a life of poverty and to encourage neighbors to work with neighbors.

This once-a-year collection, taken up on the weekend of Nov. 19 to 20, is the primary source of funding for CCHD’s anti-poverty grants and education programs. Over the years, your support has had a significant impact on the welfare of many men, women and children within the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Local examples

New Beginnings, one CCHD-funded group that serves the diocese, provides a safe residence for a mother facing a crisis pregnancy and services for up to one year after her child’s birth. Case management services help mothers accomplish their goals while gaining self-esteem and developing life skills and parenting skills. Mothers attend school or work at least part time while in the program.

The residence is licensed to house 16 mothers and 16 children. In addition, New Beginnings provides referral services to individuals not in the residential program.

Casa Guadalupe also receives CCHD funding. This organization works to "improve the quality of life for Latinos and those of diverse backgrounds through the delivery of programs and services that empower and strengthen families and educate and celebrate diversity in our community.”

In addition to offering English classes and entrepreneurship training, Casa Guadalupe has a women’s group and a youth group. Members of the Latino parent group are involved in community organizing activities, advocating for their children’s needs in the school district and gaining leadership skills.

Working together as neighbors

Through CCHD, the Catholic Church is working to break the cycle of poverty in our diocese. With more than 25 percent of the collection staying in our diocese, and with a number of local groups applying for national CCHD funding, you can be sure that your donation will be put to good use helping those who are struggling with the challenges of hunger, housing and health care.

Please join me in supporting an effort that helps people — in our diocese and in our country — work together as neighbors during this difficult economic time.

For more information about CCHD and the groups it funds, please visit www.usccb.org or email the Department of Social Concerns of Catholic Charities at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .