From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, 280,064 people received assistance from the ministries of Catholic Charities of Central Florida! This is nearly double the number of people who were served in the 12 months prior. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff and volunteers met the increased demand. The Annual Collection–at the parishes of the Diocese of Orlando and online–provides monetary support that goes directly to the people who are in the most need throughout our nine-county service area. CLICK HERE TO DONATE When November 20-21, 2021 Where Parishes through the Diocese of Orlando A letter from our president: The ministries of Catholic Charities of Central Florida (CCCF) are the outward manifestation of the Corporal Works of Mercy for the Diocese of Orlando. Today, the ministries provided are in greater demand than ever, whether housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, greeting the stranger or ministering in some other manner. In the period July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, CCCF provided case management and financial assistance to over 1,500 families, totaling over $564,000 in rental, mortgage, utility, and related assistance. Since the pandemic began the need for food assistance has increased by over 400%, with CCCF serving more families in a week than were served in a month prior to the pandemic began. In the period July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, CCCF supported over 74,000 households including over 281,000 children and adults with over 1.2 million pounds of food! For many in Central Florida, CCCF becomes the hope for help in the face of crisis.It is fitting that this Sunday, November 21 is the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. We are called by Jesus, our King, to clothe the naked, house the homeless, provide drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, visit the imprisoned and care for the sick. I invite you to join CCCF in this ministry by supporting our annual collection.I am grateful for your support as we assist those in our community who have nowhere else to turn. We would not be able to accomplish our mission without the support you and your parish provide. God bless you!Gary TesterPresident, Catholic Charities of Central Florida Students from Bishop Moore Catholic High School volunteer at one of our Agape Mission Markets. Monica is a patient at one of our Medical & Dental Clinics, who provided her with a walker. Christine receives assistance from the Culture of Life and Comprehensive Refugee Services ministries. Students in the Comprehensive Refugee Services Youth Program celebrate their graduation.
