Special Needs Fund Update

Loretto’s Special Needs Fund is one component of Loretto’s Mission, as inspired and directed by our Loretto Constitutions: “As we stand with Mary at the Foot of the Cross, we strive to bring the healing Spirit if God into our world and we commit to improving the conditions of those who suffer from injustice, oppression and deprivation of dignity. In this way, we participate in the church’s mission of proclaiming the transforming love of God.” – IATW #33

“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” – John 17:18

The Special Needs Committee of five, sisters and co-members, reviews emergency needs requests submitted throughout the year. Twice yearly we receive and review grant applications from organizations working for long-term social change. Emergency needs recipients may receive up to $1,200 per family/individual. Long-term grants may receive up to $7,500.

During 2025, 21 emergency fund requests were provided to individuals and families and 18 groups were granted long-term social change grants. Some of the emergency funds were for food, rent, utilities, a car payment, a medical emergency that prevented full employment, home repairs and vermin extermination for a family of 12, including elderly grandparents and 10 children, and funds for tornado victims. Other requests granted including living expenses for a Venezuelan family, rent for a wife and children to move away from a domestic violence situation and rent for a family without sufficient salaries due to medical needs of two young sons.

Among the 18 grants awarded were:

1. Pakistan: Severe flood devastation to families who lost their fragile shelter, possessions and livestock; in cooperation with several religious congregations in the diocese.
2. Still Point Theatre in Chicago: Whose mission is to use the tools of theater-making to inspire compassion, raise social justice issues and reduce the stigmas associated with incarceration and disability. The original productions provide an avenue for those populations to learn the skills to tell their story.
3. Colorado Immigrant Justice Fund: Provides legal education and resources for immigrants seeking refugee/asylum status. Their goal is to assist immigrants to obtain freedom, independence and a pathway to become contributing members of society in the United States.
4. Centro Santa Catalina in El Paso: A nonprofit supporting women’s employment opportunities in Juárez, Mexico. The Solidarity Gift Shop markets and sells products from the Hope and Faith Women’s Co-Op, aiming to foster solidarity between the two countries. Each week the women artisans learn business management, sewing, art production and customer service from the shop staff. The women from Juárez obtain economic benefits for their families as well as being able to tell their stories as they participate in marketing their products in Catholic parishes.
5. West End Women’s Collaborative (WEWC) in Louisville creates and sustains peaceful artistic spaces in the West End. Through art, history and nature WEWC inspires neighbors to preserve Black legacy, resist displacement and cultivate joy across generations.