Catholic Charities USA Conducts Congressional Briefing on Job Creation and Workforce Policies

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Apr 20, 2010, 08:47 ET

"Jobless Recovery" Cannot be Tolerated

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA and its president, Rev. Larry Snyder, will conduct a Congressional Briefing this morning (Tuesday, April 20, 10 a.m. -- H-137 US Capitol) to focus on Job Creation and Innovative Workforce programs designed to help low-income individuals meet their basic needs and find jobs in this historic period of unemployment.

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"Recent reports and media articles state that this recovery could in fact be a jobless recovery with many Americans left out and left behind," said Fr. Snyder. "Clearly, that is unacceptable -- and not healthy for our long-term economy. An 'inclusive recovery' is essential, and job creation and stability is the foundation to make that happen."

Fr. Snyder will present opening comments for the Briefing and then moderate a panel composed of Vanessa Lee, Director of Employment and Training for Catholic Charities Health and Human Services of Cleveland, Ohio; Rachel Gragg, Federal Policy Director for the National Skills coalition; Mary Anne O'Donnell, Director of the Community Services Division of Catholic Charities of Baltimore; and Angel Gutierrez, Vice President of Community Development and Outreach Services for Catholic Charities of Chicago.

The harsh reality of today's economic conditions presents a sobering litany of data: 8 million Americans have lost jobs since the start of the recession, 10% national unemployment, 20% unemployment among Hispanics, 16% unemployment among African Americans and almost 20% of youth age 16 to 24 are unemployed. Catholic Charities and similar organizations must step up to encourage both the corporate and non-profit sectors to join forces in seeking innovative ways to provide meaningful employment to the American people.

"The widening gap between those with the least and those with the most continues to grow," Fr. Snyder added. "Collaboration and partnership must occur at all levels -- local, regional and national -- to address the fundamental issue of employment and fix the problem."

Catholic Charities USA's members -- more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide -- provide help and create hope for nearly 9 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.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA