Connecticut Foodshare, which receives funds from the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, distributes food to many local food banks and pantries. It also helps people directly through its Mobile Pantry, which stops in numerous locations in the Archdiocese of Hartford. (Photo by Tina Poet)
Story by Shelley Wolf
Every year, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal collects funds from generous Catholic donors to support its various offices, ministries and works of mercy in the Archdiocese of Hartford. A portion of the money collected goes to the Vicariate Outreach Program. But what exactly is it?
The Vicariate Outreach Program was created in 1997 as a way for the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal to redirect some funds back into local communities – where its donors live – to help their neighbors in need. Parishes nominate local organizations and charities that they know are making a difference in the lives of the people in their communities.
Appeal funds then go to charitable agencies located in cities and suburbs within the Northern Vicariate, the Western Vicariate and the Southern Vicariate. “Vicariates” are geographic regions within the local Catholic Church that encompass parishes for the purposes of administration.
Since its inception, the Appeal’s Vicariate Outreach Program has provided nearly $20 million to assist local charities in communities. In 2023 alone, the program directed nearly $900,000 to 153 community ministries and charities that help to support Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who simply need help with the basic necessities of life.
What types of charities and agencies are funded by the Vicariate Outreach Program?
Food Banks: Food banks enable the working poor to stretch their grocery budget by obtaining free items. Just a few of the agencies addressing food insecurity are Simsbury Food Closet, Enfield Loaves and Fishes, Wethersfield Food Bank, Washington-Warren Food Bank and Cheshire Community Food Pantry.
Soup Kitchens: Soup kitchens allow anyone who is hungry to visit a warm dining room, where they can enjoy a hot meal in the company of others. Meriden Soup Kitchen, Community Soup Kitchen in New Haven and Friendship Soup Kitchen in East Hartford are offering warm food and hospitality in their respective cities.
Shelters: Some shelters provide a continuum of services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Services range from emergency shelter to supportive housing options. South Park Inn Homeless Shelter in Hartford, Columbus House in New Haven, Beth-El Shelter in Milford and the Friendship Service Center in New Britain are all recipients of checks from the Vicariate Outreach Program.
Fuel Assistance: High heating bills can break many family budgets. However, the Middlebury Emergency Fuel Bank, Emergency Fuel Bank in Collinsville and the Plymouth Fuel Bank all assist families and individuals in making it through the cold winter months.
Behavioral Health: Behavioral health counseling helps those with mental health issues and/or struggles with addictions. Three agencies offering hope to those in need include Greenwoods Counseling Services in Litchfield, McCall Center for Behavioral Health in Torrington and Wellmore in Waterbury.
Youth Programs: Young people need love, support, direction and hope for the future. The Police Activities League of Hartford, of New Britain, of Torrington and of New Haven offer sports programs and other engaging activities under the guidance of caring adults.
The Vicariate Outreach Program also hands out checks to organizations that work in faith-based pregnancy care, thrift shops and other social goods.
To see a complete list of the charitable agencies in your local area that are benefiting from the Vicariate Outreach Program, or to make a donation to the 2024 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, visit https://archdioceseofhartford.org/appeal.
