Catholic Charities
Providing help. Creating hope.

Proving help to enable all to live
healthy and fulfilling lives

Each year for the Annual Report of Catholic Charities, I have the duty to review the events and statistics of the previous year. As I look back at 2007, I remember that the numbers are much more than statistics. Every number represents a child, a family or an individual in need who came to one of our 32 program sites here in our ten-county diocese in Southwest Florida.

In the past five years, the funds required to allow Catholic Charities to serve more than 38,000 people have nearly doubled in order to meet ever increasing needs. This year's successful annual Christmas Appeal saw more good people than ever reach into their pockets to assist in our work with the poor.

Looking at a year, 2008, that is projected to be filled with financial challenges for many, Catholic Charities will be better prepared than expected because of your generosity. Please continue to pray for our work and the people we help.

Thank you for being our supporters through your prayers, your volunteering and your contributions. The entire Catholic Charities community - those of us who work here and those we are privileged to serve - appreciates all you do to help children, families and individuals in need. 

May God bless you,

Peter Routsis-Arroyo
Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.