One Faith, One Family

ACC Builds Hope, Futures

By Darrell W. Harden

ACC Director of Marketing, Public Relations

With the forward movement of time into a new day, week, month or year also comes a new hope for what the future will bring. For many, the future will be deeply impacted by one or more of the numerous ministries provided by the Diocese of Memphis and Associated Catholic Charities (ACC).

In life there are no guarantees. I often reflect back to a time prior to 2005 when I was gainfully employed; life was going according to plan and I thought "what could possibly happen that could change all of this?" I was in for a shock.

On August 29, 2005 my entire life was turned inside out as a result of Hurricane Katrina. If someone had asked me how I felt about the diocesan ministries and the effect that they have prior to Hurricane Katrina, my answer would have been severely limited in scope and understanding at best.

However, after receiving everything from boxes of food to feed my family, pre-kindergarten services for my young son, donations from parishioners, and warmth, welcome and guidance from the church after the hurricane, I have a completely new understanding and appreciation for the true nature of the ministries.

The Bishop's Appeal is not just another campaign or fundraiser. It is an appeal to our sense of service and good will. It is an appeal to our sense of understanding, kindness, and respect for the dignity of human life. It is an appeal to our awareness of and care for the most vulnerable and the poor.

Every year the staff and volunteers of ACC provide help and bring hope to nearly 30,000 West Tennesseans, regardless of race, ethnic background, economic status or religion.

Three corporations that make up ACC include St. Peter Villa Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Catholic Charities, Inc. (CCI) and the Diocese of Memphis Housing Corporation (DMHC).

St. Peter Villa is a 180-bed, nonprofit, skilled and intermediate healthcare facility that provides exceptional, round-the-clock care for people of all ages who require individual attention and security. The Villa offers the highest quality of life to their residents through physical, speech and occupational therapies, individualized care plans, recreational and social services, religious programs, and so much more.

CCI is the social services arm of ACC and provides a variety of services. Homeless Services provides 24-hour residential treatment programs for men, women and children who are homeless. Genesis House serves men and women who are chronically mentally ill with co-occurring diseases. Dozier House serves the chemically dependent homeless. Sophia's House serves women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. Extended Child Care Services offers licensed and accredited programs such as after school care and summer camps designed to provide an enriching and fun environment for school aged children. St. Peter Ministries offers maternity and adoption services, low cost counseling based on a sliding fee scale and emergency services such as food, clothing and limited financial assistance. Refugee and Immigration Services, places and resettles newly arrived refugee families and offers English language training, employment services, cultural adjustment and access to health care and schools. These programs help individuals and families to heal in mind, body and spirit and provide them with the tools to return to the community as independent and productive citizens.

DMHC provides independent, comfortable and affordable housing for the low-income elderly and mobility impaired and is made up of seven facilities throughout West Tennessee. These facilities are comprised of approximately 800 units, consisting of efficiencies, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments.

Under the leadership of Eileen Hivner, Executive Director of ACC, committed staff, volunteers and support from the Bishop's Appeal, this agency will continue to touch the lives of the vulnerable in our community. For more information about Associated Catholic Charities, visit www.ACCinWestTN.org or call 901-722-4700.

For more information about the 2008 Bishop's Appeal, visit the Diocese of Memphis website at www.cdom.org or call 901-373-1208