December 2024 Newsletter
Catholic Charities of Arizona
Helping our community's most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives.
For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12
As we celebrate the holiday season at Catholic Charities, we want to express our deepest gratitude for your support of our mission. Together, we continue to bring hope, love, and compassion to our most vulnerable neighbors. This Christmas may the light of Christ fill your hearts with peace and joy and may the spirit of giving inspire us all to continue sharing God's blessings with others. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and New Year!
In this issue of Catholic Charities Connect, you’ll learn about our holiday tradition of providing toys to children in need and how you can help, read about the culmination of our No Longer Homeless campaign and enjoy photos from a recent awards ceremony. You’ll also read about an important mental health initiative and, finally, have an opportunity to give back via Catholic Charities’ Foster Care Tax Credit.
A Record-Breaking Giving Tuesday: Over $200,000 Raised!
Thank you to everyone who contributed this Giving Tuesday! Because of you, Catholic Charities raised over $150,000; and thanks to a generous family offering a $50,000 match, our total amount raised was over $200,000! This funding will allow us to further our mission in strengthening children and families; serving and sheltering our neighbors; welcoming refugees and immigrants; and collaborating with our community.
Whether you're an annual donor, occasional donor, volunteer, one of our amazing staff, or a parish champion - together we are a remarkable tapestry, woven as one to create meaningful impact in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. Thank you for being a changemaker in our community!
Emergency Santa Brings Christmas Cheer (for the 30th year!) to Area Children
The Christmas season is in full swing at Catholic Charities, and our Emergency Santa program is brighter than ever! Our Care Campus in Mesa has been transformed into a holiday wonderland, bringing warmth and joy to families in need. This year, we’re honored to provide brand new toys, books, clothes, games, and toiletries for over 700 children and 250 families. What makes this program even more special is that the parents of the recipients have volunteered their time in the community, giving back to earn the opportunity to participate.
Thank you for helping us make this Christmas season truly special for so many!
No Longer Homeless Campaign Provides Essential Funding for Veterans
Catholic Charities is proud to announce the successful completion of our No Longer Homeless Veteran’s Campaign! We are grateful to campaign co-chairs, Marcus Sipolt and Kathleen Duffy for their continued support and generosity. The culmination of the campaign was celebrated at a recent gathering at MANA (Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force) House, our 76-bed transitional housing facility dedicated to veterans experiencing homelessness.
“We greatly appreciate both Marcus and Kathleen for serving as Campaign Co-Chairs for the No Longer Homeless Veteran’s Campaign. We are excited to announce that, as a result of their philanthropic leadership, we have met our campaign goal of raising $7.5 million,” said Paul Mulligan, Catholic Charities President & CEO.
The two-year campaign helped provide critical funding designated to three focus areas: MANA House programs and operations; MANA House Building Fund; and Northern Arizona veteran programs and operations, including the BHHS Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope veterans wing in Bullhead City.
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Thank you to all whose dedication and support has allowed us to walk alongside our nation’s heroes, making a lasting difference in their lives, and a special thanks to the Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation and the BHHS Legacy Foundation for their outstanding contributions to the campaign!
Supporters Embody the Spirit of Philanthropy
Emeritus board member and longtime champion of Catholic Charities, Dr. Honora Norton, was honored at this year’s National Philanthropy Day Luncheon hosted by the Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Honora has been an incredible partner to Catholic Charities for over 17 years as a volunteer and donor with a special heart for veterans’ programs.
Catholic Charities’ partner, Flagstar Bank, was also honored with a Spirit of Philanthropy award. Thank you to Dr. Norton and Flagstar Bank for your contributions to Catholic Charities and the lasting impact you continue to make on the lives of our community’s most vulnerable!
Catholic Charities Partners with Diocese for Critical Mental Health Initiative
Catholic Charities’ counseling program is honored to partner with the Diocese of Phoenix Office of Mental Health Ministry to provide critical mental health services and resources to elementary and high school students in Catholic schools across Phoenix. The program will include six elementary schools and two high schools in areas where financial resources are limited. Read more here.
Give Hope with Your Tax Credit!
Since 1933, Catholic Charities has been bringing families together through foster care and adoption. You can help provide loving, safe homes for the more than 8,000 foster children in Arizona by redirecting your state tax dollars to invest in our work.
Improve lives and get a credit from the State of Arizona when you file your taxes in April. Learn more here.
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Read more stories about the great work you are accomplishing at the Catholic Charities Stories of Hope blog. Visit Blog
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3wSuch great things as always!