Doctors Without Borders: Founded in 1971 by a group of French doctors who believed that all people have the right to medical care regardless of race, religion, creed, or politics. This private, non-profit group provides both emergency medical assistance and public witness to the plight of the populations they serve in more than 80 countries through their network of 2500 volunteer medical and civil experts.

Heifer International: Begun by an American farmer during the Spanish Civil War to end worldwide hunger by shipping livestock (cattle, water buffalo, sheep, pigs, geese, etc.) to families who are also trained to care for their animals and who promise to pass on the first-born female offspring to needy neighbors. Families in 115 countries have better health, more income and the joy of helping others. Heifer was named one of 10 "Gold Star" charities by Forbes.

Human Rights Watch: Begun in 1978 to monitor the compliance of Soviet Bloc countries with the human rights provisions of the Helsinki accords, today HRW consists of more than 150 lawyers, journalist, academics and country experts who investigate human rights abuses all over the world - currently in more than 70 countries, tracking such issues as women’s and children’s rights, the flow of arms to abusive forces, modern-day slavery, refugees, drugs, and prisons.

Oxfam International: is a confederation of 13 organizations working together with over 3,000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. With many of the causes of poverty global in nature, the 13 affiliate members of Oxfam International believe they can achieve greater impact through their collective efforts. Oxfam International seeks increased worldwide public understanding that economic and social justice are crucial to sustainable development. We strive to be a global campaigning force promoting the awareness and motivation that comes with global citizenship while seeking to shift public opinion in order to make equity the same priority as economic growth.

The National Military Family Association: is an organization with strong grassroots support balanced with professionalism that makes them a leader in the field. Not only do they help support military families – they are military families. Spouses, parents, and family members make up our staff and board positions. They speak up on behalf of military families and empower husbands, wives, and children to understand and access their benefits. This non-profit organization is rated high in meeting the needs of service members and their families with insightful recommendations, innovative programs, and grassroots efforts to better the quality of life for military families.

The National Alliance to End Homelessness: The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on federal homelessness policy. From advocating for improved federal policy to analyzing enacted and proposed legislation, the Alliance actively engages in the legislative process. The Alliance works collaboratively with public, private, and nonprofit partners to develop, analyze, and advocate for policy solutions to homelessness.

Reading Is Fundamental: (RIF) is putting books in the hands of readers, nurturing youngsters hungry for knowledge and passionate about learning. RIF is everywhere you are—thanks to countless volunteers in schools, libraries, childcare centers, Head Start programs, parks, community centers, health clinics, migrant camps, and domestic shelters. RIF's programs are as varied as the communities they serve, but each contains the power of choice for the child and a can-do spirit from the parents, teachers, and volunteers who supervise the events—from an outdoor read-in to parent training to book distributions..

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Keep America Beautiful: The Keep America Beautiful is the nation’s leading nonprofit that brings people together to build and sustain vibrant communities. With a network of more than 1,200 affiliate and participating organizations including state recycling organizations, we work with millions of volunteers to take action in their communities through programs that deliver sustainable impact. Keep America Beautiful offers solutions that create clean, beautiful public places, reduce waste and increase recycling, generate positive impact on local economies and inspire generations of environmental stewards. Through our programs and public-private partnerships, we engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community’s environment. We work to build and sustain vibrant communities that are socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound.

Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia: The mission of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. is dedicated to providing education, screening and counseling programs for Sickle Cell and other abnormal hemoglobin. Established in 1971 by Dr. Delutha H. King, Jr., and the late Dr. Nelson McGhee, Jr., the Foundation has a deep-rooted commitment to making strides in monitoring the occurrence of Sickle Cell, improving the quality of life for those with the disease and cooperating with individuals and institutions conducting research. The center provides a number of activities and services for school age patients with sickle cell disease. The activities and services include an after school homework assistance and tutorial program with transportation component; an eight-part Life Skills Series; summer specialty camps (computers, language arts, math, etc.); educational and cultural field trips; SAT/ACT preparation classes; a state of the art computer center with full internet access.

The Living Room: Living Room is a housing information, placement and financial assistance agency for low-income people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to HIV/AIDS. Living Room assists this vulnerable population in identifying, obtaining and maintaining affordable housing in a number of ways including: 1) Development of an housing plan for clients; 2) emergency assistance for late rent, mortgages and utilities; 3) emergency housing; 4) assistance clients with move-in costs and supplies; 5) advocacy for affordable housing through coalitions, lobbying and networking.

Habitat For Humanity: Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

The Sullivan Center: The Sullivan Center, founded by Sr. Marie Sullivan, O.P. is a non-profit organization located in Southwest Atlanta whose mission is to help people remain self-sufficient, by providing help in a dignified manner to families and individuals facing a stability crisis. We empower people to help themselves through financial planning, nutrition classes and employment counseling. Our primary goal is the prevention of homelessness, poverty and economic inequality.

Catholic Relief Services: Catholic Relief Services’ mission is to assist impoverished and disadvantaged people overseas, working in the spirit of Catholic social teaching to promote the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person. Although our mission is rooted in the Catholic faith, our operations serve people based solely on need, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. Within the United States, CRS engages Catholics to live their faith in solidarity with the poor and suffering people of the world.

Hapeville Pregnancy Center. Originally known as the Pregnancy Problem Center, the center was founded by Catholics Jean Hess and Fran Payton to support women in crisis pregnancies and show them the option of adoption or of seeking parenting support as alternatives to abortion. Hess, a nurse, spearheaded a campaign in 1993 to purchase the building when the owner retired, and many Catholics came forward to help. For years they had worked there rent-free because of the support of owner O.P. Rintye. The center receives about 50 calls a day, including many abortion-minded callers. In 2003 they assisted 2,943 clients, distributed 12,300 diapers, 206 child safety seats, 54 bassinets/cribs and 325 strollers, turning nobody away and providing all services for free. There’s a room for women who need to stay overnight in emergencies.

2015 Chosen Selections

The following charities received the most votes from parish members during the 2015 Lenten season. Each charity received an equal portion of our parish's Lenten Charity Financial Tithe. The tithe amount was determined by the average amount collected through the offertory during the 2013 Lenten season and by the monies returned by members in their Lenten Sacrificial Giving folders. Thank you for your participation.

International Category: Doctors Without Boarders - 41 Votes

National Category: National Military Family Association - 37 Votes

State Wide Category: The Living Room - 42 Votes

Religious Category: Hapeville Advise and Pregnancy Center - 57 Votes

Local Charity Pick: Hosea Feed the Hungry