CATHOLIC CHARITIES ALLOCATES MORE THAN $20 MILLION FOR SEPT. 11 RECOVERY EFFORTS

ALEXANDRIA, Va., -- Catholic Charities USA has allocated more than $20 million to 16 local agencies that are responding to the immediate and long-term needs of families affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

The latest grants -- which come from more than $27 million donated to Catholic Charities USA for September 11 disaster assistance -- will help local Catholic Charities agencies deal with economic and emotional needs of families that are surfacing months after the attacks.

Most of the programs supported by these grants will address long-term needs of families whose lives were affected -- directly and indirectly -- by the tragedy. Some of the programs supported by the latest round of grants include counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder; emergency financial assistance to help with rent/mortgage, utilities, and medical bills; job placement for those who have lost their jobs or have been laid off as a result of the terrorist attacks; legal aid; and outreach to immigrant populations.

"The work of Catholic Charities extends long after the dust has settled and the physical wounds of disaster have healed," said Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, president of Catholic Charities USA.

"Catholic Charities agencies provide hope and support as long as the need remains. We know from firsthand experience that new needs arise long after tragedy occurs, and some of our most important and valued work takes place months after people first contact Catholic Charities for assistance."

"Catholic Charities agencies have been on the front lines of efforts to provide the immediate emergency assistance required in the days and weeks immediately after a disaster," Hehir continued. "At the same time, our agencies are taking steps to serve the long-term emotional or financial needs that may develop months later."

After receiving $10 million in donations in December, Catholic Charities USA collected more than $27 million for September 11 recovery. "We have been heartened by the generous outpouring of support and donations from individuals, dioceses, parishioners, corporations, and foundations to Catholic Charities since September 11," Hehir said.

"Catholic Charities agencies are using this money to make a difference in the lives of people who have lost loved ones, lost their jobs, or lost their way emotionally."

The need for long-term relief has been seen in the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City was still providing counseling and other support to families affected by that tragedy five years after the fact.

Providing Counseling and Emotional Support

Catholic Charities agencies in the New York and Washington, DC, regions are anticipating that a significant number of people-adults and children-may develop post-traumatic stress disorders. Many chronic symptoms of stress may not emerge for up to a year after the disaster. As a result, the agencies are setting up programs to identify and help those suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The violence of this disaster has traumatized a countless number of individuals living in the (New York City) metropolitan area, and the long-term psychological effects are beginning to emerge," said Joseph Duffy, executive secretary of the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Paterson, NJ, citing increased rates of depression, anxiety disorders, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

"These emotional disturbances are a source of significant distress, and if not addressed and resolved quickly, such reactions can become ongoing sources of dysfunction, with devastating effects for the individual, his or her family, and society," Duffy added.

Mental health clinics of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn/Queens have recently seen an increase in the number of people seeking help for symptoms of sleeplessness, anxiety, and startle response.

"It seems that those who initially thought they could 'tough it out' are now discovering a need and willingness to ask for help," said Thomas A. DeStefano, CEO of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn/Queens. In addition, the agency is providing assistance to families of current police officers, EMS workers, and firefighters who are suffering "survivor's guilt" after losing friends and colleagues in the World Trade Center on September 11.

Offering Job Training and Placement Services

Many Catholic Charities agencies are providing job placement and training services to those who lost their jobs in the wake of the terrorist attacks. Catholic Charities of New York, NY, is working with other agencies in the city to set up an employment and training program to assist particularly vulnerable people who lost jobs after the attacks, such as refugees and the homeless.

The training center will be called "The September 11 Memorial Center for Human Services." The program, which will serve as many as 1,500 people a year, will offer a Web-based job network, short-term training classes that will be customized by employment sector, pre-employment screening, direct job placement, and paid internships in human services agencies to provide on-the-job training.

Other Services

In addition to providing counseling, emergency financial assistance, and employment services, Catholic Charities agencies are providing other vital long-term recovery, such as:

Free Legal Services.

To help families navigate the complex legal issues they now face, Catholic Charities of New York has created a network of pro bono attorneys to assist the families of victims with issues such as banking law, collection of survival benefits, foreclosures, and estate administration.

Helping Families through the Recovery Process.

Hard hit by the events of September 11, Catholic Charities of Metuchen, NJ, has had a full-time case management coordinator and 15 volunteers working within the community since October helping families through of the recovery process. These managers assist families with everything from helping them sort through the various forms of financial assistance to referring those in need to a variety of counseling and mental health services. As the needs of the community continue to grow, so will this invaluable form of advocacy.

Reaching Out To Immigrants.

Many immigrants affected by September 11 face numerous barriers to getting help. To ensure this population does not fall through the cracks, Catholic Charities agencies in Newark, Brooklyn/Queens, Paterson, and Washington, DC, are among the local agencies reaching out specifically to immigrants, seeking to address cultural differences, language barriers, and fears that coming forward might draw attention from immigration agencies. Catholic Charities of Newark plans to open three "Immigrant Outreach Centers."

"Catholic Charities agencies have been there to help those in need-regardless of faith-immediately following these horrible attacks," Fr. Hehir said. "These dedicated agencies are still providing help months after the tragedies, and they will be there with help in the months and years to come."

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