(Editor's Note: Catholic Rural Social Services, a division of the Catholic Social Services, Inc., is one of the many agencies in the Archdiocese of Atlanta that benefit from the Charities Drive. This article on the work of the agency was prepared by Sister Jean Cassidy, OP, Director, Catholic Rural Social Services.)

A fundamental reason for the existence of Rural Social Services is the belief that ministerial involvement at the grassroots level with the economically poor is a necessary component and primary arena of work for social justice. Our intention is to provide the materials and resources necessary for the self-actualization of the people toward the betterment of their lives.

Current therapeutic models of involvement toward self-actualization of individuals and families do not relate adequately to the economically poor. Verbal inaccessibility due to limited educational opportunities and inexperience with "talking out" problems excludes the poor, in most cases, from conventional modes of therapy. Continual struggle to obtain basic needs such as food and shelter precedes and overshadows issues of emotional life and growth.

"Other people cause pain" is frequently the experience of the poor; its by-product is distrust in revealing oneself to "outsiders." From the standpoint of practitioners themselves, lack of familiarity with family structure, interaction patterns, roles and values of the economically poor minimize their effectiveness in dealing with presenting problems.

With this in mind, we approached our task by listening to the people, to their stated needs and by learning from them what we needed to know in order to participate in their rural life-style. We tried to join in their life-style as much as we were able and to obtain their assistance and advice. From this attitude emerged a healthy give and take of reciprocal help.

Living with the people, that is, experiencing their joys and struggles first-hand has provided us with the needed information to speak to those things which disrupt family life and militate against self-actualization of the poor: welfare legislation, poor housing, inadequate preparation for the job market, dehumanizing image of welfare recipients in a society which values productivity, low self-esteem of parents who are unable to support their families in a decent manner.

Our center is known as "The Place." It is space which the poor can call their own and where they might gain a group identity through socialization and the use of their talents. Within the complex, they have a clothing store and food pantry. All items and products are purchased with cash or in-kind payment. Our sewing room produces handmade quilts, baby clothing and more, which is sold to the public. Profits from this and the Wood Shot are returned to the emergency fund.

We learn for one another at "The Place," giving to others what we can give and receiving from others what we need. Individuals or entire families come for an hour or for an entire day to work, visit or share a meal. New courage to express needs and ideas along with the resources to activate these ideas have been the result of the encouragement and support the people offer to one another.