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July 2022 E-News
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Dear Friend,
July is the beginning of the new fiscal year for Catholic Charities. We are reflecting and reviewing our last fiscal year as we prepare the Annual Report. We have experienced COVID, returning from COVID, relocating our corporate offices, Hurricane Ida, the tornado that hit Arabie and the many storms of everyday life.
Most recently, we had a new initiative in our Head Start programs in cooperation with the Louisiana Dept. of Health and the Southeast Louisiana Area Health Education Center called the "Short White Coat" ceremony. This initiative is to encourage our young students to consider a future in health care. Our Spirit of Hope Disaster Response Program has joined with the State of Louisiana's Disaster Case Management Program to continue working with those individuals and families that are still recovering from Hurricane Ida.
Within CCANO we are evaluating what we have accomplished and where we are headed in the new fiscal year. While continuing to serve over 50,000 clients monthly across Louisiana we are beginning the launch of our new strategic plan. The vision of this plan is to build a dynamic, integrated, well-resourced agency that moves people from crisis to stability while building their self-sufficiency and treating them with diginity. Along with strengthening our internal systems and communication throughtout our programs we will be adding more staff development and support. This is all to continue our promise to help our neighbors meet immediate needs and face long-term challenges.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and God will establish your plans."
(Proverbs 16:3)
 
Sr. Marjorie Hebert, MSC
President and CEO
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Tai Chi at PACE
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One of the many benefits we offer seniors at PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is Tai Chi instruction. Margaret Hildreth has been a physical therapist at PACE since 2019. Tai Chi is considered by some to be the perfect exercise, explains Margaret. It is known to improve flexibility, strength, balance and posture. It also can improve sleep, cognition and alleviate pain along with many more benefits. Of particular benefit to our PACE participants, regular Tai Chi practice has been shown to reduce the risk for falls. Tai Chi movements can be accomplished in almost any position. Those in wheelchairs or with walkers are able to perform these exercises safely. Participating in a Tai Chi group class is also good for socialization. One of the wonderful things about Tai Chi is that it can be easily done at home thereby allowing PACE to continue Tai Chi instruction via ZOOM during Covid lock down.
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Cornerstone Builders Works!
A Success Story
Sean is originally from Texas and along with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences he worked for 10 years in contracting and construction. When Sean was met by Cornerstone he was participating in the reentry program at St. Tammany Parish Jail and needed assistance as his family, although emotionally supportive, were unable to financially help him. Sean was concerned about his mental health issues and his history of substance abuse with his main concern being relapse. After securing housing with Oxford House which is a 2 year recovery program and sober living facility he was able to attend regular 12 step meetings and live communially with his other housemates often taking on a leadership role. Our case manager applied for SNAP benefits and Medicaid for Sean and referred him to a local food pantry program as well. Sean is now working toward reestablishing his own contracting and construction business with the intention of moving into his own apartment.
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World Refugee Day Celebration
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Our Refugee Program celebrated on June 26th with food, fun and entertainment for our families!
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September 15, 2022
Join in the Special 50+ Year Anniversary of ACCESS Pregnancy Center at JAZZIN' JUBILEE! Patron Party 5:00-6:15 pm and Dinner celebration at Metairie Country Club at 6:30pm for more information go to: www.ccano.org/50thanniversary
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Jannet
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 Jannet Lopez
Food for Seniors has some outstanding volunteers and this month we are spotlighting, Jannet Lopez. Jannet was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to Texas when she was 15 years old. Currently as a Marine she works as a Financial Research Analyst. Volunteering has many benefits and Jannet believes that serving others in this way is a great opportunity to know yourself better. Trying a variety of volunteer activities to find the right fit is important. There is such a wide range of ways we can volunteer so if one does not work for you then just move on the the next opportunity until you find the one that best fits. Jannet enjoys the team effort and structure along with the physical aspect of volunteering by packing boxes for seniors.
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Short White Coat Ceremony at Head Start
Incarnate Word Head Start Students participated in a "White Coat Ceremony" on June 21st. Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and Southeast Louisiana Education Center (SELAHEC) have partnered to address significant health disparities among minority and under served populations in LA. to encourage the pursuit of health care careers.
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