Annual Appreciation Event for Family-to-Family Volunteers

On Monday, February 6, volunteers from the 22 parish teams in the Oakland Diocese, who participate in the Family-to-Family Partnership Program will be honored at an Annual Appreciation Event that will be held at St. Columba's Catholic Church in Oakland, CA. for their assistance to low-income families in the Diocese.

The Event will be held at St. Columba's Church,1086 Alcatraz Avenue, Oakland, CA, at 6 p.m., on February 6, 2012.

Program: In attendance at the Event will be volunteers from the 22 Diocesan parishes currently participating in the Family-to-Family Partnership Program. Many of the low-income families they have helped will also be present. After a donated dinner by St. Columba’s Catholic Church, the program will include a presentation by the St. Joan’s Team with their family. Bishop Cummins will conclude the event thanking the volunteers for their service to the poor.

Catholic Charities of the East Bay provides technical assistance to the the Family-to-Family Partnership Program. The Program is a parish-based ministry. It is comprised of parishioners from various parishes in the Oakland Diocese who volunteer their gifts of time and talents including small financial and material support to a local family as selected. A team of six to ten families are trained in three sessions outlining poverty, purpose, process, understanding clients and, most importantly, teamwork to name a few.

The Program offers volunteers a way to engage with their communities and to make a difference in the lives of impoverished families by helping them to become sustainable. It is a unique opportunity for those who are interested in working directly with low-income families. Currently, 19 Parish Teams are assisting families in the Oakland Diocese.

The goals of the Family-to-Family Partnership Program align with the mission of Catholic Charities of the East Bay by providing service, hope, and charity to the poor and vulnerable amongst us. Catholic Charities of the East Bay has served the region for over 75 years, and is known and trusted for its compassionate provision of basic human services. Directed by our faith, Catholic Charities of the East Bay lifts people ot of poverty by promoting self-sufficiency, strengthening families, and supporting safe and just communities.

For more information, Contact:
Carolyn Krantz (925) 628-7980 or ckrantz@cceb.org