bridging the gap to build and sustain parish relationships

8/11/2019 Bridging the Gap to Build and Sustain Parish Relationships

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5B Tuesday, Oct. 7thBridging the Gap to Build and Sustain

Parish Relationships

Diane Bullard, Regional Office [email protected]

Eniris Riddick, Coordinator Direct Assistance

[email protected]


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Bridging the Gap to Build andSustain Parish Relationships

Parish Outreach Days

Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty.


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Parish Outreach Day

A Parish Outreach Day is an event

coordinated by Catholic Charities at a

parish that is typically located in a ruralsetting. At these locations, communityresources are limited and distance has a

history of interfering with utilization ofagency services.


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Why host a Parish Outreach Day?

Ignites a relationship between Catholic Charities and the parish

Provides services for a community with limited resources

Allows parishes to realize their ability to help people in need Encourages a deeper connection between the parish and

people in need

Allows for the development of collaborations and services inthe future


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How does the agency benefit from

Parish Outreach Days? Connects people with agency services

Provides the foundation for future collaborations

Challenges staff to think outside the box

Quality services can have a profound impact when offered in non-traditional settings using non-traditional methods

Offers an opportunity for a meaningful relationship betweenparishes and parishioners

Encourages the agency to connect service to faith


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How are Parish Outreach Days organized?

Target parishes/communities and begin the communication process. Besure to listen to recommendations from parish staff

Train staff to offer traditional services in non-traditional settingsencourage creativity!

Identify and contact people who could benefit from services

Secure collaborative partnersboth community partners anddiocesan/agency partners

Prepare: identify necessary equipment, assign responsibilities, shop, pack,

and develop a community resource book Confirm all plans with all players shortly before the big event day

Hit the road!


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Who does what?

AgencyResponsibilities

Coordinating all services

Screening clients

Assigning staff

Coordinating community partners

Supplying food and toys forwaiting area

Financial assistance materials &giveaways

Delivering quality service

ParishResponsibilities

Connecting the agency withfamilies in need

Appropriate meeting space

WIFI

Assisting with identification of

possible community partners Assigning one staff or parish

volunteer as liaison to the project


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Challenges

Parish staff in rural communities are hard to reach

Some parishes are not motivated until AFTER they see peoplehelped

Transportation for clients is difficult; oftentimes no bus systemor cab company to rely upon

WIFICount on using old school methods


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Success Means...

The agency is able to help a lot of people in extreme need

Parishes want to collaborate with Catholic Charities on future projects

Establishes relationships with new community partners

Establishes new relationships with parish staff

Parishioners are more aware of agency services and more connected

to the mission of the agency

Some parishes are inspired to connect the event to opportunities for PSM

and the fulfillment of the mandate of their faith

Staff feel inspired because they are able to help in a new way

People who received help have a deeper relationship with their parish


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Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty.

bridging the gap to build and sustain parish relationships

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