Supporting life, offering hope, providing opportunity... when I reviewed the news items that are featured this month, and all of our activity, this theme kept coming to mind. Pregnancy and Maternal Health: supporting the choice of life; Foster Care Month: offering hope to children who otherwise would be lost in the system; Childcare Services: providing opportunity so that families can maintain self sufficiency and a positive quality of life.

Life and hope are what we are about. Furthermore, the work we do is about recognizing and upholding the God-given dignity and self-worth present in each of us. We strive to help those we serve to recognize these attributes within themselves. Life is filled with choices. There are consequences to choices we make, some that can be self defeating. Our work is a work of helping people to believe they can change, to believe in their potential to succeed and to find true peace even after they have made poor choices. It is the work of redemption, proclaiming the value of life, based on our faith in Christ.

		In Christ,
		Neil F. Oberto
		Neil F. Oberto, MS, LPC

Working to reduce and eliminate poverty, support families and empower our community, Catholic Social Services has provided support and created hope for countless individuals regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds. The following is a breakdown of services provided throughout the Greater Hazleton Area in 2009:

7,500 individuals were provided some type of material assistance with basic necessities such as food, clothing and other essentials.

7,349 pre- and post-natal services were provided through our work at pre-natal clinics and in-home visitations.

63 children were provided a secure, stable home environment through foster care, with twenty-four hour supports to families. Over 5,100 units of service were provided on behalf of the children.

Permanent homes were found for special needs children through adoption; the agency also has a successful infant adoption program. 2,800 units of service helped to make a difference for these children in need. A post-adoption group provides ongoing support.

2,500 counseling units of service were provided. Marriage relationships were renewed, families were strengthened and individuals found hope and effective ways to solve problems.

6,750 units of education and family supportive services enable individuals to develop more effective parenting skills and stronger self-reliant family networks.

64 children from infant to toddler received nurturing childcare through our daycare program.

  for those less fortunate with the necessities
  of life — food, shelter and clothing.

  residents of Northeast PA with essential
  humanitarian programs.

  issues of fear, hatred and prejudice through
  the teachings of Christ and the social
  doctrine of the Catholic Church.