San Antonio Selected to Host Catholic Charities USA Centennial Summit

Landmark Regional Conference to Engage Community and Focus on CCUSA's Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America

SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA, the 170-member national human services organization committed to cutting poverty in half by 2020 -- hosted by Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. and joined by Catholic Charities agencies from around the region -- convenes one of 10 Centennial Summits here in San Antonio on Thursday, January 21, as part of the organization's 100 year history.  Open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a registration fee of $100, this event brings together civic leaders, elected officials and all interested parties to address the devastation of poverty in this country.

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The event will begin with welcome remarks given by: Rev. Larry Snyder, president, Catholic Charities USA; Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, archbishop, Archdiocese of San Antonio; Sister Yolanda Tarango, CCVI, congregational coordinator, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word; Tommy Adkisson, Bexar County Commissioner, Precinct 4; Steve Saldana, president/CEO, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc.; and James C. Heck, board chair, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc.

Rev. Snyder, who is also a member of the White House Council of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, will give the keynote address.  Bob Richter, public editor for San Antonio Express-News, will serve as facilitator for the day-long program.

The panelists for the summit will include: Sister Michele O'Brien, CCVI, chair, Texas region of the National Kidney Foundation, and former director of adult advocacy and public policy, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care; Howard J. Nolan, president, United Way of San Antonio & Bexar County; Dr. Elizabeth Garza, superintendent, Edgewood Independent School District; Leticia Van de Putte, Texas state senator; and Cynthia Colbert, executive director, Catholic Charities of Central Texas.

"In a country like ours, even in these tough times, it is simply unacceptable that close to 40 million people live in poverty," said Rev. Snyder.  "Catholic Charities agencies and Catholic Charities USA seek a sustained national commitment that will ensure a reduction in poverty.  Together, we can lift each other up.  Only collectively can we begin to change the face of poverty."

The San Antonio summit is part of a nationwide series that will culminate in Washington, DC on September, 26, 2010.  The summits provide a forum for thought-leaders, major influencers and citizens-at-large to come together and act on poverty.  

For the past 69 years, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. has been providing for the needs of the community through selfless service under the sign of love.  The agency is committed to empowering disadvantaged individuals and families to become self-sufficient.  Through 23 social service programs, Catholic Charities is able to serve people of all ages and all walks of life, from youth to the elderly.  The agency reaches out to over 52,000 individuals throughout the community each year.  

Catholic Charities USA's members -- more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide -- provide help and create hope for 8.5 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds.  For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing.  In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.  For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

To register for the San Antonio summit, please visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1820.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA