Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston

Parish Social Ministry

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:41:37 GMT

Contact Person: Beth Zarate Email: bzarate@catholiccharities.org Phone: 713-874-6654 Fax 713-874-6787 Contact Person: Dr. Joe Rubio Phone: 713-874-6657 Services Provided The Parish Social Ministry (PSM) of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston is a unique partnership between parishes in the Diocese and Catholic Charities. PSM provides education, leadership training, networking, and resources for local parish and community leaders, empowering them to serve the most vulnerable in their communities through the five elements of the Churchs social teachings and mission: direct service, legislative advocacy, community organizing, justice and peace/ global solidarity and Catholic social teaching formation. In addition we offer the Parish Social Ministry Certificate Programs: A formation program is designed primarily for persons interested in social ministry in a parish setting. It is a gospel-centered program for leadership people, making them aware of the...

Serenity House

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:29:43 GMT

Program Name: Serenity House Location: Central Facility Division: Community Outreach A Program of Community Services for Independence (CSI) Contact Person: Denise Diaz Goal of Service To provide affordable and temporary housing for out-of-town patients receiving treatment in the Texas Medical Center. History of Program/How Long In Existence As the Texas Medical Center’s patient services went from predominantly inpatient to outpatient treatment, this program was developed to meet the increased demand for affordable temporary housing for out-of-town patients and their families. Serenity House became a program of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in 1990. Services Provided Serenity House provides low cost, temporary housing for out-of-town patients and their families who are receiving outpatient medical treatment. Serenity House is part of coalition of churches that provides housing assistance. To date, the coalition has...

Services to the Alone and Frail Elderly (SAFE)

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:28:54 GMT

Program Name: Services to the Alone and Frail Elderly (SAFE) Location: Central Facility Division: Community Outreach A Program of Community Services for Independence (CSI) Contact Person: Denise Diaz Goal of Service To enhance quality of life for elders living inside the 610 loop and to the extent possible, assist clients to remain in the home of their choice as long as possible. History of Program/How Long In Existence This program began over 20 years ago as a friendly visitor program to home bound seniors residing in the inner city. The primary focus was on the basic needs of the elderly, such as transportation for medical appointments and grocery shopping. It eventually became a program of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and currently receives operating funds from the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. Services Provided Comprehensive in-home assessments, escort and transportation to medical appointments,...

AIDS Ministry

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:28:25 GMT

Program Name: AIDS Ministry Location: 2900 Louisiana Division: Community Outreach A Program of Community Services for Independence (CSI) Contact Person: Denise Diaz Goal of Service To provide services in a holistic manner to those suffering from HIV/AIDS while promoting self-sufficiency. History of Program/How Long In Existence Diocesan AIDS Ministry was founded in 1988 by Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza in the Catholic Diocese of Galveston-Houston to provide a compassionate response and to serve persons with HIV/AIDS, their families, and loved ones. The Ministry became a program of the Community Outreach Division of Catholic Charities in 1996. This program strives to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental response and help clients to be as self-sufficient as possible. Services Provided Case management, spiritual support, HIV education and one-time financial assistance. Eligibility Criteria (Age, etc.) General: Proof of HIV+ status At least...

Family Counseling

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:11:45 GMT

Program Name: Family Counseling Division: Children and Family Services Services Provided The program provides individual, group, family and couples therapy, life skills seminars, and intensive workshops targeting family relationships and individual functioning. Services are available in English and Spanish. Calendar of upcoming workshops and life skills seminars. How To Access Contact Person: Lena Estrada Contact the Family Counseling Intake line at 713.874.6590 or 866-649-5862 for more information and to schedule at any counseling location. Eligibility Criteria (Age, etc.) The program serves a diverse population of children, families, singles, and couples regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status. Geographic Service Area/Location Counseling services are provided at the following locations: Central 2900 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77006 Southwest Ft. Bend County United Way Service Center 10435 Greenbough Blvd., #200, Stafford, TX 77477 ...

Counseling Services

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:10:03 GMT

From teens in turmoil to parents with difficulties with anger to a couple struggling to keep their marriage together, families have many things to deal with on a daily basis. Counseling Services may be a viable option in working through problems.

Learn more about Counseling Services
For information about volunteer opportunities click here.
Calendar of upcoming workshops and life skills seminars.

Catholic Charities... providing hope, creating help.

Employment

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:56:24 GMT

Catholic Charities is currently accepting applications in various disciplines. We offer an environment that values diverse backgrounds and qualities of our employees, and recognizes performance. Our competitive benefits package includes health, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, FLEX plan, 401(k), pension plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and credit union. We are committed to People of faith helping people in need achieve self-sufficiency. Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. HR Online Contact Information: All interested candidates should send a letter of interest indicating which position he or she is applying for, a resume and salary requirements to Catholic Charities, Attn.: Human Resources, P.O. Box 66508, Houston, TX 77266, or email at humanresources@catholiccharities.org Positions Available: As of August 1, 2008 Case Worker (Part Time) An exciting opportunity working with our Senior Services...

Unaccompanied Refugee Minors

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:55:42 GMT

Program Name: Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Location: Off-site; Contact Michelle Mitchell Division: Children and Family Services Contact Person: Michelle Mitchell, Supervisor Goal of Service The Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program works to ensure that residents have their medical, dental, psychological, and legal needs addressed within 90 days of placement; participate in English as a Second Language (ESL), life skills, tutorials, and social activities; and were placed in age-appropriate living situations upon leaving the program. History of Program/How long in Existence The program involves two components, individual foster homes and an agency home called St. Jerome Emiliani’s Homes for Children. The program has placed minors by referral only from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) since February 2003. USCCB identified a need for an Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program in Texas and requested for Catholic Charities to provide that program...

Community News

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:43:32 GMT

Catholic Charities CDC to begin building affordble single-family homes. Open House set for July 21,2008.

» more

Requirements/How to Become a Volunteer

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:48:50 GMT

Long-term volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.

Prospective Volunteers and/or Interns submit a General Volunteer application.

Please note

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston will conduct a criminal background and reference check.
Beginning in January of 2008, an orientations will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on the Third Wednesday of every month to acquaint new volunteers with the mission and opportunities at Catholic Charities. All orientations are conducted at Catholic Charities, 2900 Louisiana, Houston 77006. Please call Volunteer Services at (713)874-6727 or e-mail nmercado@catholiccharities.org to register for available orientations.
Every volunteer that works with children for an extended period of time is required to attend the VIRTUS training within three months of placement.

For more information contact Nancy Mercado at 713.874.6727.

Catholic Charities... providing help, creating hope.

VOLUNTEER REFERENCES

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 22:20:03 GMT

Thank you for providing a reference for your volunteer. This helps us promote the safety and well-being of our clients.

References are asked to email us with the following information.

1. Name of the volunteer.

2. Your name and number.

3. How long have you known the applicant? In what capacity?

4. What are his/her strengths?

5. What is the applicant’s ability to work with others, especially people seeking assistance?

6. Is there any reason that you know of why this person should not be a volunteer at Catholic Charities? If yes, please explain.

Catholic Charities in the News

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:26:07 GMT

Helping each other get through the pain / Assisting homeless children is just part of Gods plan for Frances Mendieta Volunteer receives 2007 Catholic Charities award / Washington, 77, a caregiver to the elderly for 13 years Mayor Thomas to receive hope award Houston Senior Citizen Honored as Volunteer of the Year The Search for Families to Adopt African American Babies OF RACE, ROOTS AND ADOPTION / The babies are waiting / Private agencies struggle to match black children with African-American families Catholic Charities African Adoptions City Council Honors Veteran Foster Parent Court fights come at no cost / Undocumented youths without guardians get free help from top law firms Poverty rates improve for Asians, Hispanics / But county figures indicate no change for blacks, Anglos VOLUNTEERING / A sacrifice willingly made / Jesuit Volunteer Corps members give up comforts to live, work with the poor Hispanics exceed whites in county / Area leads the...

Foster Care

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:28:50 GMT

Program Name: Foster Care Division: Children and Family Services Contact Person: Barbara Feliciano 713-874-6597 bfeliciano@catholiccharities.org Goal of Service Foster care has been a part of Catholic Charities work since the agencys inception in 1943. The Foster Care program provides services and assistance to the children in our greater Harris County area who are in need of temporary homes. Catholic Charities believes that every child has the right to the love, protection and care provided by a capable and committed family. The children in the program have suffered abuse, neglect and/or abandonment and are in the managing conservatorship of Childrens Protective Services. Catholic Charities Foster Care Program seeks potential foster parents who can meet the needs of these children. Services Provided to Foster Children Our program serves children in the managing conservatorship of Childrens Protective Services. The children are between the ages of birth to 17 and...

Waiting Children Adoption

Tue, 13 May 2008 21:27:58 GMT

Program Name: Waiting Children Adoption Division: Children and Family Services Contact Person: Barbara Feliciano 713-874-6597 bfeliciano@catholiccharities.org Services Provided Catholic Charities believes that every child has the right to the love, protection and care provided by a stable, capable and permanent family. The waiting children in the adoption program are primarily school age and represent a broad range of ethnic and racial backgrounds. A majority of the children are African American or Hispanic. Most often, the children have brothers and sisters who want to be adopted together. Our program serves children in the managing conservatorship of Childrens Protective Services. The children have endured abuse, neglect and abandonment. Our waiting children deserve parents who can provide love, nurture and commitment in a permanent home. Many individuals have the qualities to parent these children. The program will: Assist families...

Volunteer

Mon, 12 May 2008 18:53:45 GMT

Prayer of Pope Paul VI
Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow men throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands, this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love, give peace and joy.

Alone we accomplish some, together we accomplish much. At Catholic Charities, we value our volunteers and their impact on every program. We could not serve the community of Galveston-Houston in the same capacity without them.

For more information on how to become a volunteer contact Volunteer Services at 713.874.6727.

Catholic Charities... providing help, creating hope.

Upcoming Special Events

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:27:59 GMT

Noche de Serenata the Spirit of Charity Gala honoring Trini Mendenhall Sosa is set for May 3 at Intercontinental Hotel.

» more

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:35:10 GMT

Villa Guadalupe

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:03:42 GMT

Villa Housing Program at the Guadalupe Center Contact Person: Kimberly Carroll Email: kcarroll@catholiccharities.org Phone: 713.227.9981 for an appointment with a case manager for an initial assessment in order to determine whether or not the Villa can meet your needs Services Provided Villa Guadalupe provides transitional shelter to single women and/or women with children who find themselves at risk of homelessness. The Villa program is set up so that each woman who comes to the program lives in an individual bedroom/bath unit. Clients share a combined kitchen, living, and play area. In addition, they share laundry facilities and a small office to make phone calls and to practice resume writing, typing skills, individual and group counseling, daily life skills, job preparation assistance, crisis intervention, transportation assistance, daycare assistance, voice mail, advocacy services, and referrals for immediate needs. Hours of Operation: 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday...

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 20:30:55 GMT

Advocacy and Parish Social Ministry Advocacy, an integral part of all program services at Catholic Charities, focuses on issues such as access to health care, hunger, affordable housing and immigrant reform. Activities include establishing and leading a network of ministers in parishes and religious communities committed to advocating for social justice and human needs as well as implementing the annual board-approved advocacy agenda. Parishioners may engage in non-partisan efforts to create or change state and federal legislation to reflect just and compassionate social policies. This is done in partnership with Texas Catholic Conference and local and national Catholic organizations, such as Catholic Charities USA and the Department of Social Development and World Peace of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Useful links to collaborating organizations include the following: Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston Office of Justice and Peace Catholic...

Volunteer for the Cabrini Center

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:41:07 GMT

Volunteer services are vital to Cabrini Center’s ability to provide high-quality immigration legal services to the Houston community. Last year, Cabrini Center utilized over 2,490 hours of pro bono services.

Cabrini Center seeks the assistance of pro bono attorneys. Attorneys can choose to take on an individual case or come to our offices to volunteer. We seek assistance with both litigation and administrative cases. For attorneys who opt to take on a case, we typically seek assistance with:

Asylum cases, both affirmatively through the Houston Asylum Office and defensively with the Immigration Court;
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases, for juveniles who have been abandoned or abused by their parents in their home countries;
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) cases, for domestic violence survivors to self-petition for immigration benefits; and
T visa cases, for victims of human trafficking.

Cabrini Center also relies on volunteers who are law students. Law students are exposed to the full spectrum of Cabrini Center’s immigration caseload. Cabrini Center accepts law student volunteers during the summer and during the school year.

Cabrini Center also seeks assistance from non-attorney volunteers. Other volunteer services that we typically require include assistance in translating documents and assistance with administrative office tasks.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Janell Ray jray@catholiccharities.org and fill out the volunteer application form.

Learn about the Cabrini Center
Read about the types of cases that Cabrini Center handles
Read about how to become a client of Cabrini Center

Donate to Cabrini Center

Catholic Charities... providing help, creating hope.