Coronavirus
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5/15/20
A Letter to the Legislative Finance Committee from CEO James Gannon
Honorable Members of the Legislative Finance Committee:
As members of the Legislative Finance Committee, I know that you are deeply concerned about the financial future of our state. You are aware of the impact of the cost of fighting the Coronavirus, the slumping revenues from oil production and the loss of a significant amount of taxes due to necessary protection of New Mexicans. The impact to income tax revenues, though perhaps less acknowledged, is still significant as record numbers of New Mexico’s workforce stay home, are laid off or furloughed. One after another, our municipal and county governments are turning to drastic measures to stay within budgets that weeks ago were forecasted as being robust and strong.
As the CEO of Catholic Charities, here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, I am just as fearful about our state’s ability to provide services, protect New Mexicans and address the fiscal shortfalls. I know significant federal funds will come to the state, but will they be enough for the magnitude of the job we all face? I am being asked to tell you to protect the funding for children, elderly, immigrants, homeless, economically unstable, adult students, etc. Yes, we have fortified temporarily unemployment payments with generous ceilings in cash benefits. However, record numbers of claims also mean that the vastly overtaxed system keeping up and eligible families are waiting for aid. We saw how large sophisticated corporations maneuvered to the head of line for Payroll Protection federal monies ahead of small businesses throughout our state.
I am asking you to challenge our state and local government agencies to move federal dollars and free up state revenues where possible to address the deficit and match federal dollars elsewhere in our budget. Advocate and lead discussions with our Congressional Delegation to bring federal relief and stimulus funds to the state. Also, with their advocacy, bring funds to replace/repair our crumbling infrastructure, booster our public education, human services, and health services throughout the state. Yes, wisely take funding from our long-term investment funds to invest in New Mexicans today when needed most. Provide the protections and be the advocates who assure that all receive assistance as intended.
It is a lot to ask of you. It is your duty and responsibility when allocating funds in general is not enough. The public leadership you sought and accepted calls you to now collaborate with the elected, the appointed and the professionals of New Mexico’s local, state, and federal government to not only balance a budget, but reinvigorate our state. You have the opportunity to invest in New Mexicans, in our children, our families, and our future. Perhaps the committee’s membership should take inventory of the investment made in New Mexico almost ninety years ago that still stands and still contributes to our state by the WPA and other depression era programs.
Know you are in my prayers and petitions that you are blessed with the courage and wisdom to successfully rise to the challenge before you.
Sincerely,
James F. Gannon
CEO
A Letter to the Legislative Finance Committee from CEO James Gannon
Honorable Members of the Legislative Finance Committee:
As members of the Legislative Finance Committee, I know that you are deeply concerned about the financial future of our state. You are aware of the impact of the cost of fighting the Coronavirus, the slumping revenues from oil production and the loss of a significant amount of taxes due to necessary protection of New Mexicans. The impact to income tax revenues, though perhaps less acknowledged, is still significant as record numbers of New Mexico’s workforce stay home, are laid off or furloughed. One after another, our municipal and county governments are turning to drastic measures to stay within budgets that weeks ago were forecasted as being robust and strong.
As the CEO of Catholic Charities, here in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, I am just as fearful about our state’s ability to provide services, protect New Mexicans and address the fiscal shortfalls. I know significant federal funds will come to the state, but will they be enough for the magnitude of the job we all face? I am being asked to tell you to protect the funding for children, elderly, immigrants, homeless, economically unstable, adult students, etc. Yes, we have fortified temporarily unemployment payments with generous ceilings in cash benefits. However, record numbers of claims also mean that the vastly overtaxed system keeping up and eligible families are waiting for aid. We saw how large sophisticated corporations maneuvered to the head of line for Payroll Protection federal monies ahead of small businesses throughout our state.
I am asking you to challenge our state and local government agencies to move federal dollars and free up state revenues where possible to address the deficit and match federal dollars elsewhere in our budget. Advocate and lead discussions with our Congressional Delegation to bring federal relief and stimulus funds to the state. Also, with their advocacy, bring funds to replace/repair our crumbling infrastructure, booster our public education, human services, and health services throughout the state. Yes, wisely take funding from our long-term investment funds to invest in New Mexicans today when needed most. Provide the protections and be the advocates who assure that all receive assistance as intended.
It is a lot to ask of you. It is your duty and responsibility when allocating funds in general is not enough. The public leadership you sought and accepted calls you to now collaborate with the elected, the appointed and the professionals of New Mexico’s local, state, and federal government to not only balance a budget, but reinvigorate our state. You have the opportunity to invest in New Mexicans, in our children, our families, and our future. Perhaps the committee’s membership should take inventory of the investment made in New Mexico almost ninety years ago that still stands and still contributes to our state by the WPA and other depression era programs.
Know you are in my prayers and petitions that you are blessed with the courage and wisdom to successfully rise to the challenge before you.
Sincerely,
James F. Gannon
CEO
3/20/20 4:45 pm
Caring Continues: A Message from Donor Relations Manager Elisabeth Loya
Dear Catholic Charities Community,
If you’re like me, you’ve seen countless stories of the ways people and businesses are coping with COVID-19 through large and small acts of heroism. Here at Catholic Charities, we’re blessed to be surrounded by heroes daily, and we continue to honor human dignity through this health crisis.
Thanks to you, we’re able to take immediate action.
One way we’re doing our part is by working with the New Mexico Children Youth & Families Department (CYFD) to to welcome the children of first responders, healthcare workers, caregivers, police, firefighters, childcare workers, and others on the front lines of community care into our Children’s Learning Center. The Center has increased sanitation and safety measures to ensure that children, their families, and our own families remain healthy and safe. This is just one example of what we are doing and will continue to do to support those in our community with the greatest need.
While it’s important to help our neighbors, we’re also committed to the health and safety of our staff and volunteers so that we can keep working as the situation continues to unfold. We know that those of us working in social services will be asked to step up even more in the coming weeks. Right now, healthcare workers and researchers are working tirelessly to ensure the health of our communities. But as time goes on and the “ripple effect” of this pandemic continues, services like rental assistance, childcare, senior care, and support for our newest neighbors through immigration and refugee programs will be needed more than ever.
We adapted immediately to maintain our current programs and services, but your help can give us the flexibility to meet whatever needs arise from this crisis.
Please consider donating to our COVID-19 Response Fund to make sure our most vulnerable community members can get the support they need to recover quickly. I look forward to sending you updates on what else we’re doing in the coming weeks.
With gratitude from all of us at Catholic Charities,
Elisabeth Loya
Donor Relations Manager
Caring Continues: A Message from Donor Relations Manager Elisabeth Loya
Dear Catholic Charities Community,
If you’re like me, you’ve seen countless stories of the ways people and businesses are coping with COVID-19 through large and small acts of heroism. Here at Catholic Charities, we’re blessed to be surrounded by heroes daily, and we continue to honor human dignity through this health crisis.
Thanks to you, we’re able to take immediate action.
One way we’re doing our part is by working with the New Mexico Children Youth & Families Department (CYFD) to to welcome the children of first responders, healthcare workers, caregivers, police, firefighters, childcare workers, and others on the front lines of community care into our Children’s Learning Center. The Center has increased sanitation and safety measures to ensure that children, their families, and our own families remain healthy and safe. This is just one example of what we are doing and will continue to do to support those in our community with the greatest need.
While it’s important to help our neighbors, we’re also committed to the health and safety of our staff and volunteers so that we can keep working as the situation continues to unfold. We know that those of us working in social services will be asked to step up even more in the coming weeks. Right now, healthcare workers and researchers are working tirelessly to ensure the health of our communities. But as time goes on and the “ripple effect” of this pandemic continues, services like rental assistance, childcare, senior care, and support for our newest neighbors through immigration and refugee programs will be needed more than ever.
We adapted immediately to maintain our current programs and services, but your help can give us the flexibility to meet whatever needs arise from this crisis.
Please consider donating to our COVID-19 Response Fund to make sure our most vulnerable community members can get the support they need to recover quickly. I look forward to sending you updates on what else we’re doing in the coming weeks.
With gratitude from all of us at Catholic Charities,
Elisabeth Loya
Donor Relations Manager
3/20/20 (3:55 pm)
Catholic Charities collaborates with St. Vincent de Paul at St. Francis Xavier to provide a monthly Mobile Food Pantry to the community. Due to the Corona Virus, proactive and preventative measures have been put into place.
Please note the following changes for our MFP on 3/27/20:
Here is the process:
Catholic Charities collaborates with St. Vincent de Paul at St. Francis Xavier to provide a monthly Mobile Food Pantry to the community. Due to the Corona Virus, proactive and preventative measures have been put into place.
Please note the following changes for our MFP on 3/27/20:
- Only vetted volunteers through the Parish or Catholic Charities are allowed to work that day.
- Roadrunner will deliver the food at 10:30 am (hopefully on time)
- All vetted volunteers will wash their hands upon entering building and wear protective gloves while sorting. We are looking for masks (not available at this time).
- We will be creating boxes of food for around 85 families.
Here is the process:
- Families with cars, drive up to our back door (facing east).
- To eliminate the need for paper handling and signatures, families will display their id through the window and we will check for their name off our master list.
- Once they are checked off the list, they will proceed around the corner. We will use our wagons to move the boxes and place them on the sidewalk. The family will get out of the car and pick up their food boxes. There should be no touching or contact with the families.
- If they are a new family (not on our master list), we will take a picture of their id and get their phone number. SVDP volunteers will fill out the needed RRFB form and contact family for delivery time. A volunteer will deliver the food box to their home leaving the food box on their sidewalk or near the front door.
3/20/20 (11:30 am)
A Message from CEO Jim Gannon to CC Employees
Co-workers:
As you know, I truly enjoy communicating with you all during normal circumstances. At this unsettling time, it is even more important to stay connected. My chief responsibility is to make decisions that assure that we act in the best interest of those we strive to assist every day, our employees and Catholic Charities as an organization. Catholic Charities is not Casa de Corazon, it is not our equipment, it is you; it is us.
I ask that in addition to keeping yourselves and your family members a priority, you strive to be as helpful as you can to our neighbors who count on each of us (while also maintaining social distancing). Whether you use the terms student, client, families, co-workers, to describe those we assist through our work at Catholic Charities, please continue to do the best you can to be helpful and reassuring to them during this difficult time.
Second to this health emergency, but equally as important, we are seeing and hearing of the economic impact associated with this virus. There is the news regarding the stock market and businesses closing during this emergency. We are also hearing about positive steps that local, state and federal governments are taking that may help each of us and I look forward to learning more about the details and timing. Keep your eyes and ears peeled as well.
Catholic Social Teachings are quite clear in that the economy and commerce’s prime duty is to benefit not just a few, but the whole of humanity. Toward that effort, I have begun to advocate that Catholic Charities and the thousands working for nonprofit human and social services agencies cannot be forgotten. I am urging our government funders to relax the restrictions of reimbursement for services. I am encouraged by the stance that CYFD is taking to address childcare centers’ fiscal needs. I hope that they will be a model that shapes the response of other agencies.
Let’s urge each other to try to remain optimistic; do not let fear paralyze you, do not let the gloom in the news stoke anxiety in your heart. If we continue to work together, we will take care of each other and we will succeed in assuring all that Catholic Charities will keep doing all we can to serve others in need.
I will do all I can to make the right decisions, listen respectfully to your concerns and treat all equitably. I ask for your prayers and thoughts that I, and those who counsel me, do so with wisdom, honesty and compassion.
Jim
A Message from CEO Jim Gannon to CC Employees
Co-workers:
As you know, I truly enjoy communicating with you all during normal circumstances. At this unsettling time, it is even more important to stay connected. My chief responsibility is to make decisions that assure that we act in the best interest of those we strive to assist every day, our employees and Catholic Charities as an organization. Catholic Charities is not Casa de Corazon, it is not our equipment, it is you; it is us.
I ask that in addition to keeping yourselves and your family members a priority, you strive to be as helpful as you can to our neighbors who count on each of us (while also maintaining social distancing). Whether you use the terms student, client, families, co-workers, to describe those we assist through our work at Catholic Charities, please continue to do the best you can to be helpful and reassuring to them during this difficult time.
Second to this health emergency, but equally as important, we are seeing and hearing of the economic impact associated with this virus. There is the news regarding the stock market and businesses closing during this emergency. We are also hearing about positive steps that local, state and federal governments are taking that may help each of us and I look forward to learning more about the details and timing. Keep your eyes and ears peeled as well.
Catholic Social Teachings are quite clear in that the economy and commerce’s prime duty is to benefit not just a few, but the whole of humanity. Toward that effort, I have begun to advocate that Catholic Charities and the thousands working for nonprofit human and social services agencies cannot be forgotten. I am urging our government funders to relax the restrictions of reimbursement for services. I am encouraged by the stance that CYFD is taking to address childcare centers’ fiscal needs. I hope that they will be a model that shapes the response of other agencies.
Let’s urge each other to try to remain optimistic; do not let fear paralyze you, do not let the gloom in the news stoke anxiety in your heart. If we continue to work together, we will take care of each other and we will succeed in assuring all that Catholic Charities will keep doing all we can to serve others in need.
I will do all I can to make the right decisions, listen respectfully to your concerns and treat all equitably. I ask for your prayers and thoughts that I, and those who counsel me, do so with wisdom, honesty and compassion.
Jim
3/17/20 (2:57 pm)
In response to COVID-19, our Catholic Charities Center for Educational Opportunity is transitioning into a remote learning model. Classes will no longer be held on site at any of our classroom locations. Students have been contacted directly by their instructors regarding an alternative remote learning environment. Currently enrolled students can contact their instructors for more information.
The Center for Educational Opportunity will be engaging in remote learning beginning Monday March 16th through Tuesday, March 31st.
This is an evolving situation. We are committed to the health and well-being of our community. The return to face-to-face classes may be delayed beyond March 31st, based on unfolding events and the recommendations of public health officials.
Please check our website for the latest updates on the status of our services. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time.
In response to COVID-19, our Catholic Charities Center for Educational Opportunity is transitioning into a remote learning model. Classes will no longer be held on site at any of our classroom locations. Students have been contacted directly by their instructors regarding an alternative remote learning environment. Currently enrolled students can contact their instructors for more information.
The Center for Educational Opportunity will be engaging in remote learning beginning Monday March 16th through Tuesday, March 31st.
This is an evolving situation. We are committed to the health and well-being of our community. The return to face-to-face classes may be delayed beyond March 31st, based on unfolding events and the recommendations of public health officials.
Please check our website for the latest updates on the status of our services. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time.
3/17/20 (9:38 am)
Addressing the Threat Posed by COVID 19: Updated Preventative and
Health Safety Measures Implemented Agency-Wide
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (March 17, 2020) Through rapidly changing circumstances and public health recommendations, Catholic Charities is continuing to serve Central New Mexico. In an attempt to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, we are adapting our methods of support service delivery. These changes reflect federal and local recommendations to practice social distancing and slow the spread of the virus. While Catholic Charities is still open and available to those who utilize our services, access to our physical location will be limited to people who have scheduled in-person appointments. All other support services will transition as much as possible to online or phone. In order to protect the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, clients, and community, we will be implementing the following measures through March 31:
We hope that these measures contribute to limiting the spread of the Coronavirus in accordance with Social Distancing recommendations. For more information about steps being taken to protect our community, call us at (505) 724-4670. We are deeply grateful for the continued cooperation and flexibility from our community in addressing this serious public health matter.
Visit our website at http://www.ccasfnm.org or check our Facebook page for the latest updates on Catholic Charities services and our ongoing response to the Coronavirus.
Addressing the Threat Posed by COVID 19: Updated Preventative and
Health Safety Measures Implemented Agency-Wide
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (March 17, 2020) Through rapidly changing circumstances and public health recommendations, Catholic Charities is continuing to serve Central New Mexico. In an attempt to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, we are adapting our methods of support service delivery. These changes reflect federal and local recommendations to practice social distancing and slow the spread of the virus. While Catholic Charities is still open and available to those who utilize our services, access to our physical location will be limited to people who have scheduled in-person appointments. All other support services will transition as much as possible to online or phone. In order to protect the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, clients, and community, we will be implementing the following measures through March 31:
- Our main office, located at Casa de Corazon on 2010 Bridge Blvd SW, will remain open to those who have scheduled necessary in-person appointments. Efforts are being made to transition meetings to an online video conferencing platform whenever possible to prevent person-to-person contact.
- Classes and events scheduled to happen inside the building have been cancelled or moved online until further notice. For more information about a specific class or volunteer shift, contact the instructor or program director directly.
- We will maintain our current schedule, with operating hours from 8 am to 5 pm every day at our Casa de Corazon office. To contact us with questions about accessing services or to get in contact with a specific department, please call (505) 724-4670.
We hope that these measures contribute to limiting the spread of the Coronavirus in accordance with Social Distancing recommendations. For more information about steps being taken to protect our community, call us at (505) 724-4670. We are deeply grateful for the continued cooperation and flexibility from our community in addressing this serious public health matter.
Visit our website at http://www.ccasfnm.org or check our Facebook page for the latest updates on Catholic Charities services and our ongoing response to the Coronavirus.
3/16/20 (4:52 pm)
In response to COVID-19, our Catholic Charities In-Kind Donation Center is temporarily closed. We are not accepting walk-in donations or scheduling any large item pickups at this time. We tentatively expect to resume operations in early April. If you have a donation that does not need to be picked up quickly, please call us back at that time. You may also leave your name, a callback number, and a brief description of your items. When our center reopens, a volunteer will return your call. Please check our website at ccasfnm.org for the latest updates on the status of our services. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time
In response to COVID-19, our Catholic Charities In-Kind Donation Center is temporarily closed. We are not accepting walk-in donations or scheduling any large item pickups at this time. We tentatively expect to resume operations in early April. If you have a donation that does not need to be picked up quickly, please call us back at that time. You may also leave your name, a callback number, and a brief description of your items. When our center reopens, a volunteer will return your call. Please check our website at ccasfnm.org for the latest updates on the status of our services. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time
3/12/20 (6:00 pm)
NEW PROCEDURE FOR FREE INITIAL CICLA SCREENING IN ALBUQUERQUE:
As of March 12, 2020, CICLA staff will conduct phone screenings on Friday afternoons, between 1-3 pm, until we are back to doing them in-person. (We are following safety guidelines to avoid large gatherings of people to prevent COVID-19). Please call the main line at (505) 724-4670 between 1 pm and 1:15 pm and your name will go on a list. The CICLA staff will try to call you back that same afternoon.
NEW PROCEDURE FOR FREE INITIAL CICLA SCREENING IN ALBUQUERQUE:
As of March 12, 2020, CICLA staff will conduct phone screenings on Friday afternoons, between 1-3 pm, until we are back to doing them in-person. (We are following safety guidelines to avoid large gatherings of people to prevent COVID-19). Please call the main line at (505) 724-4670 between 1 pm and 1:15 pm and your name will go on a list. The CICLA staff will try to call you back that same afternoon.
3/12/20 (5:52 pm)
Catholic Charities is taking proactive precautions in dealing with the Corona Virus by implementing the following in order to keep our staff, clients, students, children and volunteers safe:
Catholic Charities is taking proactive precautions in dealing with the Corona Virus by implementing the following in order to keep our staff, clients, students, children and volunteers safe:
- All persons (staff, clients, students, volunteers, visitors) will wash their hands as soon as they enter the main lobby or the Children's Learning Center.
- We will disinfect elevator buttons, stairwell railings and common areas several times a day.
- All large group meetings will be cancelled until further notice.
- Staff and students are reminded to wipe down computers, keyboards, phones and cell phones often.
- For the health and safety of our children, clients, staff and volunteers, please do not enter this building if you are sick and exhibiting the following symptoms:
- Undiagnosed, new, and/or untreated rash or skin condition until treated
- Active vomiting or diarrhea
- Shortness of Breath
- Coughing and/or Sneezing
- Fever/chills/generalized body aches
- You do not have fever, cough, or shortness of breath, but you did travel to China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea, in the last 14 days, or were in contact with a person known to have COVID-19.
- Persons visiting our offices under these circumstances should call (505) 724-4670 for instructions.
- Persons visiting our offices who do not adhere to this mandate will be directed to leave the premises.
- Volunteers should refrain from coming in if they are sick or met the criteria above regarding illness/contact.