Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana says they are starting again in the 13 parishes served by the Diocese of Alexandria.
“Anyone from any of these places can ask for help,” said board member Jessica Difulco. “We will help whoever we can.”
“The misconception is that it’s only for Catholics,” said Father John Brocato, executive director and pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Colfax and St. Patrick’s Church in Montgomery. “It’s not. We serve everyone.”
“As far as who we help, it has nothing to do with race, creed, religion,” Difulco said.
On Friday, a Crawfish Boil fundraiser was hosted by CCCL at Main Street Truck Park in Pineville.
Funds raised by CCCL will be used for three targeted outreach programs: disaster relief, counseling and basic needs including food, shelter and clothing.
“Part of our profits are going to help a few pantries,” Difulco said.
Among them is No Limit 4 Recovery directed by Robert Williams. The organization offers addiction education and counseling, but is now expanding its services in the community to offer a food pantry.
Although not part of the Diocese of Alexandria, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in St. Joseph is also a recipient of a CCCL donation. Father Taylor Reynolds, who was pastor of the Diocese of Alexandria, is pastoring the church and opened a pantry there because he saw there was a great need for it, Difulco said.
Brocato, a trauma therapist, said confidential professional mental health counseling will be available. And CCCL will also provide advice to help people with their finances and other basic life skills.
“Since 2019, the Diocese of Alexandria has held almost 600 counseling sessions for individuals and couples,” he said.
Once up and running, Brocato said they would run financial management courses.
With its disaster relief program, CCCL will provide material and emotional support. The Disaster Response Team will mobilize to help those experiencing or recovering from a disaster.
Even though CCCL is in the process of setting up its operations, Brocato said those seeking help can call him and he will connect them with other community organizations that can help.
For more information, call Brocato at (318) 445-2410. To donate via PayPal, email [email protected]. For more information, visit www.cccenla.org or their Facebook page Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana
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