Candice and her family’s lives were transformed by Catholic Charities Hawaii’s Mary Jane Home program, which provides support for pregnant women who are at risk of homelessness or are in an unsupportive environment. (Courtesy Catholic Charities Hawaii)
By Catholic Charities Hawaii
Special to the Herald
Being Catholic is about caring for one another and building a just society. Catholic Charities Hawaii, rooted in the gospel of Jesus, exists to carry out the social mission of the church by serving the people of Hawaii, regardless of their faith or culture. We do this by putting his love into action. And it’s because of the love and generosity of our supporters and community partners that we are able to do that.
In the 1940s, the Maryknoll Sisters chartered the beginnings of Catholic Charities Hawaii, building a foundation with their mission of “making God’s love visible” through hard work and perseverance to lift the lives of struggling families and individuals during World War II.
Over the decades, Catholic Charities Hawaii continued to work to meet the needs of the community, build partnerships and grow into one of Hawaii’s largest nonprofit human services agencies.
Catholic Charities Hawaii faithfully undertakes Jesus’ call by valuing the dignity of each person. Through over 40 programs, we provide vital services and advocacy with compassion and a commitment to excellence. Our focus on building self-reliance empowers individuals and families in need as they navigate their unique journeys.
This past year, we proudly served over 113,000 individuals and families throughout Hawaii, providing programs and services that have made a real difference in their lives. From providing a hand up and assistance to our homeless neighbors, to offering counseling and mental health services to those struggling, to delivering support and advocacy to families and seniors, our work is rooted in the power of love. We believe that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, and we’re committed to showing them that they are loved.
“It’s really cool you know that there actually are people out there who is willing to help people like me,” said a single father of three who received housing assistance.
“There are good people who care about me and I am grateful for the help they gave me,” said a senior who receives transportation services.
There are no boundaries to show love and aloha to people who need and are willing to receive love and help. Please support Catholic Charities Sunday in a special second collection taking place in August in parishes throughout Hawaii.
You can help Catholic Charities Hawaii make a difference in rebuilding lives and building community. Share your love and make a generous donation to help our brothers and sisters who are facing challenging times at your parish or online at www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/catholic-charities-sunday.