For Immediate Release January 20, 2014 Contact: Patricia Cole pcole@catholiccharitiesusa.

org 703-236-6218

CCUSA Remembers the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Alexandria, Va. Catholic Charities USA President, Rev. Larry Snyder, issued the following statement today honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. More than 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered an urgent plea for tolerance, equality and peace, in his iconic I Have a Dream speech. Today, his words are a constant reminder of the importance of serving as advocates for the poor and marginalized in society. As we look for inspiration to help us on the difficult path ahead in our work to reduce poverty, I pray that Dr. Kings legacy reassures us of the power of the faithful in the public square and propels us to create a more just and compassionate world for every American, whatever their situation. Catholic Charities USA and our network of local agencies across the country work every day to keep the dream of Dr. King alive through our work of reducing poverty in America. To that end, in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the War on Poverty, Catholic Charities USA is partnering with nine nonprofit organizations to address the progress made and whats still needed to build more permanent bridges out of poverty. Together we have pledged to educate, innovate and act in communities across the country throughout the year using newfound knowledge and techniques. For more information on CCUSAs efforts to reduce poverty and to sign the pledge visit: http://support.catholiccharitiesusa.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=12700

About Catholic Charities USA Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is leading a national movement to end poverty in America. In communities across the country, Catholic Charities member agencies are helping individuals and families in poverty achieve their full potential. Together we are dedicated to creating a life of opportunity and self-sufficiency for each of the 46 million of our brothers and sisters struggling to make ends meet. CCUSA was founded in 1910 on the campus of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. as the National Conference of Catholic Charities. For more than 100 years, CCUSA has guided and supported the vast network of Catholic Charities agencies nationwide in a common mission to serve, advocate, and convene. For additional information, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org. ###