Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans

March 2023 E-News

It's National Nutrition Month!
Heidi Gereighty,LDN,RD is the dietician for both Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and Padua House which provides comprehensive 24 hour care for those with disabilities. "As we age, we may be eating less and losing weight because we simply forget to eat," explains Heidi. "There could also be dental issues that cause pain when eating. If so, we try to address this issue by suggesting dental appointments or adding softer foods to the diet." An individual's nutritional health can also be impacted by a decline in their cognitive health, particularly if they are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Heidi along with the PACE and Padua Services team carefully watch for signs of grief, depression and anxiety that affect nutrition habits. The loss of a spouse or being isolated from friends and family can affect diets. "Eating is a very social habit, particularly here in New Orleans. That's why we like to see our PACE and Padua clients in the center dining and socializing with others," she adds. She encourages family members and friends to monitor their loved one's dietary habits but without being obtrusive and judgmental. They can pack individual meal servings for their peers, offer to take them grocery shopping and include them in plans for dining out.
Good Samaritan Honoree: Mary L. Smith, MPH Councilman Oliver Thomas presenting to Mary L. Smith, MPH Mary L. Smith, MPH a Benefits Enrollment Center Coordinator at Catholic Charities Parish and Communities Ministries Program received a much deserved award on Thursday, March 9, 2023. During the City Council meeting at New Orleans City Hall, the Council recognized Good Samaritans for their assistance and support of an exigent Senior Citizen who is legally blind. The honorees included; T.I. Contracting, LLC., R & S Towing, Inc., Council on Aging, Resilience Force members along with Mary Smith from Catholic Charities Archiocese of New Orleans. Mary is continuing to work with this senior citizen to get her back to a better living circumstance, after she survived a fire in her aparment complex and experienced life-threatening water damage from the extinguishing of that fire. This event made her apartment unlivable and a call to action was sent to many individuals to get her the immediate assistance she needed to move out of her place. Mary completed a Medicaid application and with her permission, contacted her primary care physician to restart her Certified Nursing Assistance Services. Mary will continue to work with her case until she is settled and comfortable. "I am glad to be of service fulfilling Catholic Charities' mission, providing assistance to the most vulnerable in our community, especially the elderly and those with disabilities." Sister Marjorie commented, "Mary, you surely embrace the Spirit of Jesus in your outreach to assist, console and support those in need, God bless you!" For information on our Parish and Community Ministries go to: www.ccano.org/parish-community
ALL SMILES AT CCANO HEAD START
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans Head Start Program is the first in New Orleans to have a mobile dental bus provide services to families enrolled in the program!!! All smiles at Head Start!!! For more information on Head Start:www.ccano.org/head-start-program


EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Refugee Employment Specialist-Nicole Kiernan Would you consider hiring someone that speaks a different language? Although Nicole grew up in New Jersey she is now home here in New Orleans. Nicole had a connection with CCANO when working with Project Lazarus a couple of years ago. "I had a good feeling in my gut that Catholic Charities would be a good fit for me." As the Employment Specialist, Nicole works in collaboration with our Refugee program exploring opportunities for job readiness and job placements for our clients. "The goal is to help find good jobs that employ our clients with a livable wage along with benefits, training and the possiblity to move up in the company." The process in our program begins when a case manager refers a client, who is authorized to work in the United States, to Nicole. "We first connect over an employment assessment to identify their interest, strengths, and challenges or areas that we can support them to meet their employment goals. I have helped clients learn about job and training opportunities, develop professional resumes, apply for jobs online, network with job contacts, prepare for interviews, and support them with their transition into a new job." Prior to starting with CCANO, Nicole most recently worked as a freelance career coach which certainly led her into her current role with Catholic Charities. After graduating with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Couseling, Nicole moved to New Orleans. For more information on the employment training through our Refugee Services programs or if you are an employer with opportunties for our clients, please contact Nicole Kiernan by email at: NKiernan@ccano.org


March for Life Reunion Event, March 31, 2023
March for Life Reunion Event at Rock n' Bowl will be on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 4:30pm until 7pm! Join your fellow March for Life attendees for bowling, food and fellowship!! Open to all Pro-Life Club High School Students. Tickets are required. To purchase a ticket go to: www.ccano.org/march-for-life

THANK YOU!! St. Pio Foundation of New York
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is a grateful recipient of the St. Pio Foundation of New York's "Christmas Challenge" for the second year in a row. CCANO recieved 1,000 bags of ingredients to make spaghetti dinner! Our Pregnancy and Adoption services, Foster Grandparents, Cornerstone Builders, Immigration and Refugee Services and the Food Pantry all recieved this generous gift for their families. To find out more about the St. Pio Foundation go to: https://saintpiofoundation.org/



Donations to the AHCA raise crucial unrestricted funds that allow Catholic Charities to respond swiftly, effectively and compassionately in times of crisis or disaster. Our goal is $1.75 million, and Vaughn and Doug Downing are this year's chair couple. To find out more about our programs go to: https://www.ccano.org/program-directory/ To make your AHCA gift today, please click the button below.