Two groups of Oregon high school students were so moved by the refugee resettlement work done by Catholic Charities that they designated $8,000 in grants to the agency.
Archive

Remarks from Catholic Charities’ Executive Director at Multi-faith Prayer Service for the Zomi Community
On April 17, 2021, Catholic Charities of Oregon and Zomi Catholic Community Portland (ZCCP) hosted a multi-faith prayer service for the Zomi community. Leaders from the Catholic, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, and other Christian denominations joined the Zomi community in Oregon and other refugee communities, as well as Catholic Charities of Oregon, state senators and local…

Catholic Charities Recognizes Our Volunteers During National Volunteer Month
Each year the month of April is recognized as National Volunteer Month, giving us a chance to celebrate the impact of volunteer service in our community. The mission of Catholic Charities is made possible through the hands and hearts of more than 2,200 volunteers. These selfless individuals have logged 4,971 hours of service in the…

Donor Appreciation Spotlight: Chris Duffin
We are fortunate to have extremely generous donors and volunteers who give their time, energy, support and resources to Catholic Charities. As part of our donor and volunteer appreciation campaign, we are recognizing individuals and organizations who share God’s love and help to spread light by partnering with Catholic Charities. Because of them, we are…

Testimony from Catholic Charities’ Director of Refugee Services to the Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health and Recovery
Matthew Westerbeck, the Director of Refugee Services at Catholic Charities of Oregon, provided testimony during a public hearing in front of the Senate Committee on Human Services, Mental Health and Recovery on March 30, 2021. The topic was Senate Bill (SB) 718, which appropriates moneys from General Fund to Department of Human Services to award…

PRESS RELEASE: Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Oregon Announces Retirement
Deacon Rick Birkel, Ph.D., will lead a year of succession planning and transition management before retiring in June 2022.

Donor Appreciation Spotlight: Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
We are fortunate to have extremely generous donors and volunteers who give their time, energy, support and resources to Catholic Charities. As part of our donor and volunteer appreciation campaign, we are recognizing individuals and organizations who share God’s love and spread Christ’s light by partnering with Catholic Charities. Because of them, we are able…

Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample, the Archbishop of Portland in Oregon, extends a prayer of hope as we are called by our faith to help our neighbors in times of suffering
On March 13, 2021 we gathered together virtually for our annual Celebration of Hope gala to spread goodwill and assist our brothers and sisters in greatest need. During the gala the Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample, Archbishop of Portland in Oregon, shared a message of hope for our community as we continue to support our…

Our response to the violence in Atlanta
Catholic Charities of Oregon is appalled and heartbroken by the horrific violence and loss of life in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. Our prayers and hearts go out to the eight victims, their loved ones, and their grieving families.

Catholic Charities' Executive Director calls for unity and action on Oregon's path to recovery
During Catholic Charities’ annual Celebration of Hope gala on March 13, 2021, Executive Director Rick Birkel, Ph.D., shared how Catholic Charities of Oregon has stepped up to serve our neighbors across the state of Oregon in more ways than ever as a result of a year filled with multiple disasters. Our vision to create a…

Acute need for assistance continues amid Oregon wildfire aftermath
Sandra Perez, Director of Asset & Facilities Management of Caritas Housing at Catholic Charities of Oregon, talks about the resiliency of the wildfire survivors in Medford, Oregon, the challenges they still face, and our agency’s efforts to provide ongoing legal services, financial relief support, and trauma-based counseling to the individuals and families impacted by the…

Event recap: Celebration of Hope 2021 virtual gala
On Saturday, March 13, Catholic Charities and our supporters came together as a community to spread goodwill and celebrate the resilience of Oregonians in greatest need at our annual Celebration of Hope gala. Led by our co-chairs, Catholic Charities Board Chair Kathy Swift and Eva Garcia, we answered the call of those who have lost…

Emergency Services for Jackson County
If you live in Jackson County, Oregon, and are facing legal or financial hardships or need emotional support due to the Oregon wildfires, Catholic Charities may be able to help.