"Catholic Charities saved my life. I felt total despair when my husband died and found myself in a dark cycle of drug use. I then learned I was HIV positive. The shock of this diagnosis spurred me to seek support and begin my recovery for the sake of my daughter. Catholic Charities Rita da Cascia Community helped me with so many critical steps in my healing. They gave me moral support, encouraged me to think about what is best for my daughter, and helped with housing and job applications. Today, my daughter and I are safely housed, I am employed, and I feel healthy."

"I have always been the breadwinner in my family. A few months ago my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I could no longer work and we were ineligible for public benefits because of my family's undocumented status. I fell behind on rent and my family faced eviction. Catholic Charities helped me pay back rent, as well as future rent for several months. My family and I are focused on my health and being a family now."

" I love my friends at Catholic Charities Youth Club at St. Francis of Assisi. I learn a lot in the classroom and I also have fun with my friends doing outdoor activities. In third grade I was behind in reading and having a hard time keeping up in school. My tutor at Catholic Charities helped me read my books after school and get ready for the next day. I feel good about reading this year and raise my hand more. I like going to school now."