The Archdiocesan Charities Drive for 1976 is designed to provide funding for the people-helping programs of the Church in North Georgia. Among the agencies which receive funds is the Office of Urban Affairs, one of the five social service units of Catholic Social Service, Inc.

The office is primarily concerned with varying social justice issues, attempting to educate, raise consciousness and motivate people to action and involvement with concerns such as hunger, housing, penal reform, the problems of the elderly, justice education and legislation which will effect a better quality of life for people. This office actively works in conjunction with city and community groups also organized to meet human needs and effect change.

Sister Janet Valente, director of the office, spoke of its function in the way: “In 1971 the Synod of Bishops unequivocally stated that “the work for justice is a constitutive element in preaching the Gospel.” This office stands for the archdiocesan commitment to this phase of the Gospel’s proclamation. Social justice, in terms of Christian teaching is central to the command to love. It is the mediation of this love to the social, economic, political and educational systems and human structures through which, in which, the human person is called to grow and develop. We are called as Christians then to work to effect the kind of environment and societal conditions that will maximize our God-given freedom and support the precious dignity that is ours as His children.”

In the past five years the office has implemented “Operation Eyeopener,” a poverty program designed in 1976 by our pastoral council to stimulate activity in the areas of day care, housing, adequate wages for domestic workers and food programs. Many archdiocesan workshops and parish presentations have been made, with one of the most successful programs being the annual “Day at the Legislature.” This day, co-sponsored by the Institute of Government at the University of Georgia, is an interesting and motivating introduction to our Georgia Assembly and the dynamics of the legislative process.

The office works in conjunction with many of the other archdiocesan offices, particularly the religious education unit and the Office of Catholic Education. Much time has been spent with education personnel to develop an understanding of Catholic education as essentially education to peace and justice. This June the office hopes to co-sponsor with Georgia State University a Peace and Justice Institute open to public and private schools.

The needs of the elderly have been of prime focus. For almost two years the office has successfully sponsored “Project Rehab,” a program designed to enable elderly to maintain their homes and the code standards required for safe and secure living. An interdenominational, multi-varied network of 300 volunteers has been recruited and organized into a free labor network that contributes time and talent, mostly on weekends; five CETA workers are under the supervision of a full time contractor. Funding for these projects comes from foundations, businesses as well as community development grants.

Commenting on the funding provided by the Archdiocesan Charities Drive, Sister Janet noted “without the continuing support so generously given us each year, such critical areas of need could not be addressed. The office would be severely hampered in its efforts to work for a more just and humane life and to respond to the call for justice issued by Christ to His Church.”