List of Programs

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX
 
SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS
 
ADOPTIONS and MATERNITY COUNSELING 876-0490
Counseling for people dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. Adoptive placements with couples in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, when infants are surrendered for adoption. Pre-placement Home Studies for international and domestic adoptions. Director:  Robert D. Gorman
 
ASSISI BRIDGE HOUSE (ABH) and INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM (ILP) 872-5529
A residential halfway house for chemically dependent men (ABH) and a transitional program (ILP) for men who have successfully completed the ABH program.
Associate Director: Monique Vicknair Albarado
 
CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CENTER 632-6859
A food bank and thrift store in Galliano serving South Lafourche.  Some outreach, counseling and disaster relief distribution in times of disaster. Manager: Susan Terrebonne
 
CATHOLIC HOUSING SERVICES (CHS) 876-0490 Associate Director:  Paula Dawson-Ringo
Educational assistance to people who wish to become homeowners. Provides pre-purchase & post-purchase counseling for homebuyers, basic home maintenance skills, assistance in getting best terms for mortgage. CHS provides some financial assistance to income eligible participants.
 
COASTAL ENTREPRENEURS’ NET TO SUCCESS (C.E.N.T.S.) 876-0490
A self-employment, entrepreneurs’ program that provides training and credit to support the development and growth of legitimate small or micro businesses.
Associate Director:  Paula Dawson-Ringo
 
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE and PROJECT SELF HELP 876-0490
Short-term financial assistance for people experiencing temporary financial crisis because of job loss, accidents, or family illness. Budget counseling. Assistance with Social Security disability applications. Assistance with car repairs needed for employment. Income tax return e-filing assistance. Adopt A Family Christmas Toy Drive. Bridging the Bayous TimeBank allows members to exchange needed services without money. Project Self Help provides assistance for people who need further education, training, or assistance in obtaining uniforms, tools, etc. needed for employment. Associate Director:  Jennifer Gaudet
 
FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM 876-0490 Associate Director: Van Johnson                
The FGP Program provides opportunities for low-income volunteers, age 55+, to give supportive services to young children in school or day care. Stipends given to income eligible volunteers.
 
GOOD SAMARITAN FOOD BANKS and THRIFT STORE
Three ecumenical (interchurch) food banks in: Thibodaux (TSCC) 447-9776,
Raceland (CLIO) 537-7706, & Houma (TCU) 851-5523  provide food & household items to families in crisis already on (or denied) food stamps (SNAP). Thrift store in Raceland. The Houma Good Samaritan Food Bank is not a program of Catholic Charities, but Catholic Charities provides in-kind contributions.
Managers:  Kristin LaFleur (TSCC) Leslie Robichaux (CLIO) Henry Stegall (TCU)
 
ST LUCY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER 876-1246
Pre-school and toddler child care for children ages 1 year to 5 years. Class A. 3 Stars.
Associate Director:  Danielle Davis
 
PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY PROGRAMS
876-0490
 
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CCHD)
A national anti-poverty program of the U.S. Catholic Bishops working to break the cycle of poverty through:
• Education - To assist people in the parish to learn about, and have a greater understanding of, the Church’s teaching on social justice in order to address the structural causes of poverty and other social concerns.
            • Funding for Self Help Groups – Provides funding for self-help programs that encourage organized groups of low income people to work together to solve their common problems. Annual Collections – Each year a national collection is held in parishes throughout the country.  75% of the collection funds projects throughout the country.  The other 25% remains in the diocese to support local CHD efforts. Diocesan Director:  Agnes Bitature
 
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Associate Director: Agnes Bitature
• CRS RICE BOWL
A Lenten program combining prayer, fasting, education and almsgiving.  CRS Rice Bowl gives Catholics in America a way to support social justice efforts by helping “the least of these” in developing countries. Seventy-five percent (75%) of funds collected support overseas development efforts and 25% go to support local social ministry.
• CRS ETHICAL TRADE
Parishes conduct no-risk craft sales with greater proceeds going directly back to crafters in third world countries to support their families. Individuals can order directly as well. Crafts are unique and not found anywhere else. Shop and promote justice simultaneously.
 
DIOCESAN DISASTER SERVICES Associate Director: Agnes Bitature
In hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other disasters, Catholic Charities coordinates the diocesan disaster preparation and the diocesan response to assist victims of the disaster.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP Executive Director: Robert D. Gorman
Besides helping people understand the connections between all of creation and our faith, CCHT staff is involved within our own diocese and on a state and national level in helping address environmental stewardship concerns.
 
PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY Associate Director: Agnes Bitature
The responsibility of the PSM staff is to assist parishes in integrating the social mission of the parish and the 7 principles of Catholic social teaching into all aspects of parish life:

• Leadership Training and Education – Help parishes come to a better understanding of the social mission of the Church
• Networking - Linking key parish social ministers with national organizations that provide ongoing updates on issues that link everyday life with the social teachings of the Church
• Development and training of Parish Social Ministry Committees and Volunteers (Missionary Disciples)