[todaysdate]
By Julie Henling
A Strategic National Grant has been awarded to the Catholic Charities of Spokane, the Catholic Charities of Yakima and the Catholic Community Services of Western Washington. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development awarded $492,580 worth of funding to the three charities for “The Life to Justice Initiative.”
Instigated by the Washington State Catholic Conference, the “Life to Justice Initiative” reflects the aspirations of bishops of Washington in unison with directors of Catholic Charities to bring the Catholic principles of life and justice to churches across the state in a tangible manner. The grant is being used to accelerate the development of the Prepares program, which provides support and parenting resources for mothers, fathers and young children. The “Life to Justice Initiative” will also connect Prepares with specific initiatives to assist Farmworker and African American communities to promote economic development and justice, according to a press release.
Additionally, the grant will connect Prepares to two specific initiatives to assist farmworker and African American communities to lay claim to their fair share of justice and economic development.
The Farmworker Initiative will be focused in Skagit Valley, training local leaders to engage effectively with government figures in areas such as housing, health and education. The initiative also works to promote statewide awareness of the economic and community barriers experienced by all farmworkers. The African American Initiative aims to organize leaders as effective change advocates, allowing access to tools and resources to stop the cycle of poverty and create their own future.
