For Immediate Release March 13, 2014 Contact: Patricia Cole pcole@catholiccharitiesusa.

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Two Programs Recognized for Innovative Approaches to Fighting Poverty in South-Central Texas Alexandria, Va. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio received two national antipoverty awards today in recognition of two programs that have pioneered new approaches to assisting those in need on their journey out of poverty. Great Start Plus and the Money Management Program were presented with the Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) Social Innovation Awards and recognized by CCUSA for their efforts to offer bold ideas and pursue new solutions to the problem of poverty in their local communities. In addition to receiving an award, each program will receive a $5,000 cash prize to be reinvested into their respective award-winning program. Great Start Plus provides parenting education and family support to parents and their children who have been involved with Child Protective Services due to suspected child abuse or neglect. The program serves nearly 750 participants a year, visiting homes and providing one-on-one services tailored to the needs of the family. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonios Money Management Program acts as a liaison between the refugee and immigrant community and the local school districts. The program assists with interpretation and translation services, food, clothing, and school supplies, as well as academic support and after-school tutoring. CCUSA Social Innovation Awards recognize socially-innovative programs being run by Catholic Charities agencies in communities across the country. The local member agencies received their awards at a CCUSA Partners in Excellence event held in Laredo, Texas, part of a series of events held to support local agency efforts and best practices. These gatherings bring together Catholic Charities leadership and staff from around the region for a time of learning and sharing of best practices. Social Innovation Awards have been presented at each of the Partners in Excellence events, with another gathering scheduled for Fort Worth in May 2014.
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

Catholic Charities of San Antonio Receives National Social Innovation Awards