Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fresno

For over a century, Catholic Charities has been dedicated to helping people in need and those struggling with poverty in our nation. “Today, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno is part of a network of 160 partner Catholic Charities agencies throughout the country” who provide food, clothing, and other basic necessities, explains Jeff Negrete, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fresno.

The local chapter serves the Central Valley (regardless of age, race, or beliefs) through three locations overseen by Bishop Joseph Brennan, who cares for not only the 1.2 million registered Catholics within the region, but also for the three million souls that reside here. “Today and always, Catholic Charities is here to support him in doing just that,” says Negrete. Though based in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Merced, the Community Benefit Organization serves all those within the 35,239 square miles that make up the San Joaquin Valley, from Kern to Merced counties.

Everyone is encouraged to join them in service. “Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply praying for us and those we serve, it is only because of this support that we’re able to exude love and compassion to 200,000+ people each year.” In these times of widespread uncertainty, Catholic Charities is lending a helping hand to more families and individuals than ever—and the surge in need has also been answered by an outpour of increased support.

Food supplementation is the Agency’s largest program. “We also have a career and education center, a representative payee program that provides financial management for those receiving social security or veterans’ benefits, a Senior Companion Program, as well as a Thrift Store and clothing referral program,” Negrete elaborates. “The plea from those throughout our community is constant and reflective of every age group, demographic, zip code, and more … The services provided by Catholic Charities don’t fit within a box right now, and they can’t. Our goal is to never turn any individual or community partner away empty-handed or without hope.”

Catholic Charities hosts a number of events year-round to support that mission. Chief among them is the much-anticipated Harvest of Hope (usually held each fall), which provides critical financial support to the Agency. “Though there is still much uncertainty surrounding the event,” reflects Negrete, “we remain hopeful that whatever happens, our community will continue to be there to support our neighbors in crisis.”

“Our donor base is fully engaged with our mission and since the beginning of the pandemic, their support has been present in so many extraordinary and different ways—making a tangible difference in the lives of others,” Negrete goes on. “During these unprecedented times, we are laser focused on being there for our clients and those who have nowhere else to turn.” Whether you are in need or your heart is urging you towards service, Catholic Charities is a beacon of unification, meeting the needs of any and all wherever they may be.

LB How do those in need get in touch with Catholic Charities?

JN Catholic Charities’ three brick and mortar sites are open for services Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and we have volunteer receptionists answering our phones for any questions someone might have. Though the Agency serves all regardless of religious preference, we also rely on parish partnerships to help generate a pulse of greater community needs and refer individuals who may not know where to turn, especially in rural communities throughout the Valley where small missions or churches have a defining presence. After fulfilling what we assessed as a gap in services throughout the San Joaquin Valley, our Rural Outreach Program now accounts for 25% of all our food distribution taking place.

LB As a result of coronavirus, have any new charity partnerships developed?

JN Catholic Charities has multiple community partnerships with like-minded goals and, as a result of coronavirus, those relationships have deepened. We have been able to expand our normal reach and assist senior living communities, veterans, those who are home-bound, churches, and other organizations who continue to try and serve through the financial devastation and non-essential business protocols that’re affecting many. The calls keep coming in and we feel so blessed that we’re able to say “yes” every time—that they can count on us to help. Last month, over 40,000 pounds of food were redistributed from Catholic Charities’ warehouses to partner agencies who are also serving our community.

LB What differences has Catholic Charities seen in the needs of the community due to coronavirus?

JN Catholic Charities has seen a 74% increase in the need for food services since the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic began to impact our community. Over 40% seeking out services have never visited us before. Recently a young mother standing in our line with her two kids said, “I didn’t know there were people like you to help people like me until my neighbor told me to come here.” There’s a common misperception that Catholic Charities only serves Catholics when in reality, Catholic Charities is about care and not conversion. As so many families in our community have been impacted by COVID-19, the spirit of community and “neighbor helping neighbor” have never felt greater.

Fresno
149 North Fulton Street
Fresno, CA 93701
559.237.0851

Bakersfield
825 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
661.281.2130

Merced
336 West Main Street, Suite 1
Merced, CA 95340
209.383.2494
www.ccdof.org

Managing Editor Lauren Barisic

Photographer Jeffrey Scott Agency