Catholic Charities of East Tennessee, Inc. sees as part of our call to service not only the work of providing help and creating hope through our many programs but also to be a voice for the poor at the local, state and national level. There are many policies and laws that directly impact the most vulnerable of our society, and as defenders of the vulnerable we must do all we can to assure that these policies and laws work to protect the rights of every human life.
We advocate for our clients on an individual basis through the case management process in which we may accompany a client to an appointment where they are to sign up for medical services through an entitlement program. Our staff help the person speak for him or herself, assist in filling out paperwork and be there for answering questions. We also work with our many clients in educating them on how to negotiate different aspects of life, so that each person may be able to carry out various functions on their own. We do not want to create a dependent relationship but one that allows each person to flourish to the fullest and to be able to speak for themselves and their families.
We also advocate for our clients on a "macro" basis. This occurs through staff participation in national social work associations, counseling networks and state advocacy groups. The issues that we support in these various groups are always in line with our mission statement, Catholic Social Thought, and are carried out within the guidelines of our tax-exempt status. Through our affiliated organizations, we are involved in these key areas:
Thank you for being willing to learn more about the important things that we wish to advocate for and the manner in which we do so. May God bless you in your endeavor in advocating for help and hope for each person.
Catholic Charities USA This is the national network of charitable organizations that work together to provide help and create hope in every state. If you visit their website you will find many of the important issues and concerns that we deal with on a national level. There is a means that you too can write your senator or congressman and express your concerns for the poor and vulnerable that is easily carried out on this website. Please visit their web site and you will be able to learn a great deal and use some of their tools for advocacy. That address is:
The Catholic Public Policy Commission This is a statewide commission of people chosen by the bishops of our state who work in conjunction with each other and the Catholic parishes to assure justice for the people of our state. Please visit the website for this group and you will find position papers, activities and current bills being supported by the CPPC. The website is: