Basic Needs Services
Offered in English and Spanish, CCA staff helps families to stabilize their current living situation, providing services intended to help them achieve self-sufficiency.
Information and Referral Services
One of the greatest challenges families in need experience is determining what assistance is available to them and how to access these services. Our staff works with families throughout North Georgia to help identify their needs, locate available services in their communities, and obtain the necessary contact information to engage these services.
EarnBenefits
Catholic Charities Atlanta provides “EarnBenefits” screenings and application services to help clients access public and community benefits. Through this program, we determine the eligibility for twenty different services including public benefit and assist them through the application process.
Disaster Preparedness and Response
Following Hurricane Katrina, CCA established a Disaster Preparedness & Response unit aimed at assisting families affected by significant natural disasters through long-term case management services and direct financial assistance. Over 7,000 families received assistance from CCA after escaping Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Our staff also provided assistance to local families impacted by recent tornadoes and flooding here in North Georgia.Finally, our program provides information seminars focused on disaster preparedness for groups and community organizations such as churches, schools and not-for-profits.
Family Stabilization Services
Catholic Charities Atlanta Family Stabilization Services helps families move toward self-sufficiency. Our services are designed to help clients transition from meeting immediate needs to establishing and achieving future goals of economic independence.
In August 2010, in honor of the successful partnership Catholic Charities has established with Goodwill to help families create long-term stability through stable living situations and well-functioning families, Goodwill of North Georgia recognized Catholic Charities Atlanta as the Community Organization of the Year.
Housing Counseling Program
Homebuyer Education Seminars
The goal of homebuyer education seminars is to educate potential homebuyers about the steps involved inthe home-buying process, as well as equip participants with the necessary tools to make a wise purchasing decision and maintain homeownership.
Pre-Purchase Counseling
There are many steps involved in buying a home. Credit checks, income histories, and loan approvals can become confusing for the new homebuyer. Pre-purchase counseling guides potential homeowners through this process.
Mortgage Default/Delinquency – Foreclosure Intervention/Prevention
It is a fact thatmost home foreclosures can be avoided. Realizing that you need help is the first step. You can find out your options before it’s too late.
There are many reasons why homeowners experience problems making their mortgage payments.If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, do not wait.Take action now and avoid losing your most precious asset.
Savings Match Program/Individual Development Account (IDA)
This educational and savings-match program serves refugee families who have been in the country for three years or less. Participants may enroll in the Savings Match Program (for the purchase of a home) as an individual or a family.The program matches the client’s contribution one to one up to $2000.00 and $4000.00 respectively.
Educational Services
English Language/Civics Classes
Trained instructors offer multiple levels of English Language Instruction to individuals with limited English proficiency throughout North Georgia. These classes are aimed at assisting newcomers with learning basic English skills needed to successfully gain employment and adapt to their new lives in America.
Refugee Parents Program
Last year, our staff helped nearly 200 newly arrived refugee parents navigate American schools and become more involved in their children’s education. Parents participate in educational sessions that address relevant topics such as bullying, standardized testing, and internet safety. Staff also facilitate communication between refugee parents and school personnel. These services are critical to refugee children being successful in school as parents learn how to support their children in their educational goals.
SPECIAL NOTICE
“Catholic Charities Atlanta is pleased to announce our intention to apply for funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program (21st CCLC) to serve the elementary school children in the city of Lilburn in Gwinnett County. Our application will be filed by February 27th, 2012.”
