28 May Mission Moment: Women’s Giving Circle
This month as we take time for a Mission Moment, we would like to spotlight the Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle.
Our Giving Circle has reached its five-year mark, each year growing in impact and in members. The Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle continues to engage women from across our diocese to grow in their faith together and make a difference locally, leading with prayer and allowing the Lord to guide their grateful generosity. The Women’s Giving Circle has granted over $522,000 locally in five years.
“The people of our diocese continue to astound me with their deep faith and great generosity. Five years ago, we as a Foundation, knew we wanted to do something. Something where God would work his mercy through us to serve our community. I am so proud of our members for saying yes to being a part of our vision and our dream and for helping us to grant over $500,000 to date. The impact we have been able to make with these beautiful gifts has been tremendous. Women, children and families in need across our diocese are able to see the face of Christ through our members and it is truly a honor to serve our members and community through our giving circle.” – Amy Ponson, Executive Director
2019-2023 Distributions
$50,000 Grant from BCF for local schools
$48,500 to Individual and Family Assistance Catholic Charities
$36,000 to Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center
$35,000 to The Haven
$34,000 to Catholic Charities Disaster Relief
$30,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank Bayou Region
$28,000 to Bayou Youth Equity Foundation: Mom’s Pantry
$25,000 to Catholic Community Center
$25,000 to St. Vincent de Paul TriParish Pharmacy
$25,000 to Hi-5
$15,000 to Caritas Food Pantry, Houma, Catholic Charities
$14,000 to MacDonnell Methodist Children’s Services
$13,000 to St. Lucy’s Day Child Development Center
$12,500 to CASA of Lafourche, CASA of Terrebonne and Children’s Advocacy Center $10,000 to CASA of the 16th JDC, Inc.
$12,000 to Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center
$10,000 to Bayou Land Families Helping Families
$10,000 to Children’s Water Safety Awareness
$10,000 to Lifted by Love
$9,750 to Friends of PACT Place
$8,000 to Friends Beyond the Bell, Hope Extreme, CCHT-Good Samaritan Food Bank Raceland, Gulf Coast Social Services
$5,000 to Hope Restored, Dulac Community Center and to
$2,500 to Upside Downs
Member Benefits
• Members decide their level of involvement – voluntary attendance at meetings, site visits and speaker panels
• All members who have given a minimum gift of $250 will have equal voting rights to determine annual grant recipients
• Learn about non-profit organizations throughout the diocese and community
• Hear about projects and needs in the community, directly from the organizations
• Share ideas and opportunities with other women
• Engage in service and fellowship with like-minded women of all ages
• Opportunities to include even the youngest women in your family, to teach future generations about philanthropy
Who Should Join?
Women of any age who want to have a meaningful impact on our Catholic and local community are eligible to become a member!