providing help creating hope - Catholic Charities Annual Report

A Letter fromHis Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal DolanWhen I visited families in washed-out neighborhoods andemergency shelters, I observed the extraordinary generosity ofneighbors from near and far as they provided food, clothes,cleaning supplies and, above all, encouragement and solidarity.I witnessed the good Catholic Charities does and how it helpsrebuild lives. Catholic Charities, in close partnership with ourparishes, provided help in a way that created hope — as it doesday in and day out — during difficult times and during suddendisasters. Catholic Charities provided support from Day One.Equally important, Catholic Charities will be there for the longterm to help individuals and families pull their lives back together.Sadly, many New Yorkers’ needs existed before and remainafter the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy. I have beenprivileged again this year to observe some of the work done byCatholic Charities agencies to meet these needs. Among myfavorite memories is that of children of newcomers in Tarrytownwho were welcomed and encouraged in a caring afterschoolprogram at the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM)Life Center in Sleepy Hollow. The program offers but oneexample from the 90 agencies that make up the network ofthe federation of Catholic Charities agencies in ten countiesof the Archdiocese of New York.As we approach the 100th anniversary of Catholic Charities in1917,I continue to be inspired by the professional high-quality serviceI see. Even more, I am awed by seeing the love of Jesus alive inthose helped and those who provide help, along with the personalconcern and compassion shown in Catholic Charities servicesprovided. During this Year of Faith, we recall that of the threethings that last — faith, hope and love — the greatest of theseis love.Timothy Cardinal Dolan visiting with children for a Christmascelebration at the RSHM Life Center.May Catholic Charities continue to bring love to those in need —non-Catholics and Catholics alike — each made in the imageof God.Faithfully and gratefully in Christ,Dear Friends of Catholic Charities:When Hurricane Sandy struck last autumn, its impactdevastated the lives, homes and businesses ofhundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. But itsdestruction also brought to light the indomitablespirit that prevails among individuals, families,parishes and communities.Timothy Michael Cardinal DolanArchbishop of New YorkAnnual Report 2012www.CatholicCharitiesAnnual.org