A campaign to fund the evolving needs
and direct services in Central New Jersey.
There comes a time in a person’s life when they wonder what matters the most to them and what their purpose is. For those who have been blessed – they are able to think about things like: how can I make life better for someone who is struggling, how can I make a difference in the world or how can I leave my mark?
The Restoring Dignity, Giving Hope Campaign will give you the chance to do all of those things. After a detailed analysis of the needs in our community, this campaign will seek to raise $10 million to ensure that Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton will be there for those less fortunate, no matter their faith, ethnicity, or ability to pay, for many years to come.
You will be the reason that a child grows up with food, shelter and the tools necessary to survive.
You will be the reason that a family can escape domestic violence and live a life without fear.
You will be the reason that someone who has mental illness or addiction gets the help they need.
Thank you for making our mission – your mission.
Dear Donor,
Throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, Catholic Charities is transforming the lives of your most vulnerable neighbors. One person and one family at a time, we help those who are burdened with food insecurity, homelessness, mental illness and addiction. We offer a safe haven to women and children who have escaped abusive relationships. By treating all with dignity and compassion, we serve over 100,000 people every year and have been for 108 years!
By joining our Restoring Dignity, Giving Hope Campaign, you can build on our mission to serve those in our community who are struggling and need us most. Please partner with us to ensure that we can continue the life-saving work we do for many years to come.
With our sincerest gratitude,
Marlene Laó-Collins, Executive Director
John M. Tesoro, Board of Trustees Chair
$5 million will strengthen and expand client programs throughout Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties in these crucial areas over the next five years:
Children and Families
Our focus is strengthening families, particularly economically vulnerable families or those impacted by violence or trauma. We are currently operating above capacity, and we need help. Each year Children and Family Services sees more than 12,000 people, offering trauma and abuse counseling services to those experiencing domestic violence and crisis intervention for adolescents and their parents.
Additional individualized support, education, and advocacy to enhance current trauma services. These programs include specialized art and play therapies to help children express their feelings and heal from abuse.
Housing and Food
New Jersey’s cost of living is the third highest in the nation, so it is only to be expected that we assist more people through these services than any other within the organization. The percentage of working families seeking food assistance has increased dramatically. Our programs support immediate basic needs while providing opportunities for people to develop financial literacy, marketable job skills and secure permanent, affordable housing.
Increased visits to our food pantries with extended operating hours, five days a week. Help additional households with rent and utilities to address the record number of residents experiencing homelessness.
Immigration
Catholic Charities has been providing immigration services dating back to 1913. Our services help more than 600 immigrants each year adapt to American customs and lifestyles. Our Department of Justice (DOJ) – accredited case managers provide civil legal assistance. We also provide citizenship and naturalization classes, English as a Second Language, job training, food, and clothing.
Additional wrap-around services to support people overcoming trauma and mental health challenges associated with immigration. These funds will expand educational services including citizenship, parenting, and GED classes.
Infrastructure Fund
$3 million will address growing capital needs of existing facilities. Over 600 employees help more than 100,000 people in 60 locations in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. As the need for our services grows, more space is required to keep up with the demand.
Relocate/expand our Ocean Community Services facility to meet the rising needs of residents; relocate/expand the El Centro facility in Trenton to better serve the Latino community in Mercer County; reduce the mortgage at the Burlington County domestic violence center.
Legacy Fund
$2 million will create an endowment to support the goals and operations of Catholic Charities’ mission of alleviating human suffering. The principal from these funds is to be invested and professionally managed. Beginning in year four, the growth and income from these funds will be used to support programs and services. Through the Legacy Fund, we encourage a spirit of family philanthropy, with the ability to provide additional contributions to the named funds in the future.
In its long and venerable history, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton has touched the lives of countless people in need throughout the four counties of the Diocese and beyond. After 108 years, its work is more important and more necessary than ever. But, we at Catholic Charities cannot do this great work of service — truly a labor of love — without the help and support of our benefactors. As we begin this Capital Campaign, as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton and President of Catholic Charities here, I invite you to read, think and pray about the case statement you have before you. Please keep in mind that, although charity begins at home, it does not end there. I read somewhere that giving is not simply making a donation; it is about making a difference. Please give generously and make that difference! God bless you.
Gratefully yours in the Lord,
Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D.
Bishop of Trenton
Why is Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton launching a capital campaign now?
Each year, we perform an analysis of the greatest needs in our community. Along with the uncertainty surrounding federal, state, and municipal funding, we must ensure that our facilities, programs, and staff will meet the growing needs of those we serve. Grants, contracts, and corporate funding alone can no longer be relied on to support our programs. Our priority is to establish stable, sustainable funding from individuals, like you, who recognize the dedication Catholic Charities commits to those in need.
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a good faith commitment made by a donor that Catholic Charities relies upon to continue the life-saving work we do for many years to come.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Pledge payments are tax-deductible. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton is a non-profit organization operating as a separate 501(c)(3) corporation and EIN 21-0634494.
Who should donors make checks payable to?
Checks can be made payable to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton with reference to Restoring Dignity, Giving Hope. Donations can be mailed to 383 W. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08618.
Are donors able to pay pledges using a credit card, debit card or through automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account?
Yes. A donor may fulfill a pledge using a credit card, debit card, or automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account. Payment can be made below online.
Can donors make gifts of stock or other non-cash gifts?
Gifts of publicly traded securities and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) may be made. There may be tax advantages to donating non-cash gifts (such as certain appreciated securities or IRAs); donors considering such gifts should speak to their tax advisor, as Catholic Charities cannot provide tax or legal advice to donors. Other non-cash gifts, like gifts of closely held stock or business entity interests, real estate, or personal property such as motor vehicles, may also be considered by Catholic Charities in accordance with its gift acceptance policy. Donors should contact the Development Office if considering donating such non-cash gifts.
Will I receive reminders to make payments on my pledge?
Yes. You will receive a pledge reminder.
The vulnerable among us have faced unprecedented economic hardship from this once-in-a-century pandemic. The need could not be greater. It is a privilege to serve as the Honorary Chair of the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton major gift campaign, Restoring Dignity, Giving Hope. Please join me in ensuring that the resources provided by Catholic Charities to 100,000 individuals in Central Jersey will last for many years to come.
Judith Persichilli, Honorary Chair
“We need to realize that poverty doesn’t only consist of being hungry for bread, rather it is a tremendous hunger for human dignity”, said Mother Teresa. Essentially, this is what Catholic Charities is all about. The financial sustainability of our agency is critical in fulfilling this mission. This campaign, the first in over a hundred years, will help ensure we continue to instill dignity to those who turn to us.
Senator Peter Inverso, Honorary Chair
Thank you for considering an investment in the future of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton. As a leading non-profit organization founded on faith and shared values, we provide critically needed services that transform the lives of people in need. More importantly, through the inspired work of our more than 600 colleagues and the commitment of our almost 1,300 volunteers, we offer women, men and children the opportunity to realize their dreams. Your support will help provide vital resources to make a meaningful difference for the most vulnerable residents of our community, and we deeply appreciate your generosity.
With much appreciation,
Larry Downes
Campaign Chair
