For Immediate Release Monday, February 4, 2013

Contact: Patricia Cole pcole@catholiccharitiesusa.org (571) 527-3244

Catholic Charities USA Launches National Mentoring Program

Grant from Department of Justice to Support Evidence-Based Mentoring Services to At-Risk Youth Alexandria, VA -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nations leaders in poverty reduction and disaster response, announced the launch of its National Mentoring Program today, enabled by a grant from the Department of Justices Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, which aims to provide evidence-based mentoring services to at least 500 youth over a two-year period. So often services that are directed towards at-risk youth neglect to incorporate the important role an individual mentor can play in the life of a child, said CCUSA President, Rev. Larry Snyder. As we continue our work to create holistic approaches to poverty reduction in communities across the country, we are grateful for the support enabled by grants such as this. Through a network of 42 Catholic organizations representing 38 states, CCUSA will act as fiscal agent and provide program monitoring, reporting, and technical assistance to its subgrantees. The purpose of this program is to prevent delinquency, truancy, drug use, gang involvement, pregnancy and other high risk activities while improving school performance. Targeted to at-risk youth between the ages of 9 and 17 who live in areas of significant community disadvantage, the program will use trained adult volunteers to form nurturing relationships lasting no less than twelve months. The program will also include periodic group recreational activities as well as case management and other assistance provided by professional social service or service learning staff. According to CCUSAs Annual Survey, Catholic Charities agencies and affiliates provided 14,361,030 unique client service encounters through services that strengthen families and build stronger communities including food, housing, disaster services, and other basic needs including youth mentoring and after-school programs. About Catholic Charities USA Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USAs members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. To learn more about CCUSA, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org ###