CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA LAUNCHES NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT 45 MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN POVERTY IN ADVANCE OF THE POPE’S FIRST VISIT TO THE U.S.
Did you know that 45 million people in America are living in poverty? That’s one in seven individuals. It often takes one misfortune or one missed paycheck to change an individual or family’s life, causing them to fall below the poverty line.
Now, a new national initiative from Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) called #End45 – Raise a Hand to End Poverty in America will raise awareness about this issue. CCUSA, a national nonprofit, is launching #End45 for the 45 million people living in poverty in the U.S. and the millions of others in need or struggling to make ends meet.
The campaign encourages individuals to show support for the cause by simply taking a picture of their hand with “#End45” written on their palm and share it on their social media channels using the hashtag #End45.
Right before Pope Francis’ visit, Maureen Varnon can talk about:
- The rationale behind CCUSA’s new #End45 campaign
- How CCUSA’s mission aligns with Pope Francis’ dedication to the poor
- Poverty issues in the U.S.
- CCUSA’s commitment to raise awareness about poverty in the U.S. and long-standing mission to support those in need
Maureen Varnon, Sr. VP of Communications and Marketing, Catholic Charities USA, is an experienced communications professional with a history of running successful marketing and communications campaigns, has joined the organization as Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing. Varnon, a former Senior Vice President at the international public relations firm Porter Novelli, brings with her to CCUSA a strong track record of directing a variety of national, integrated campaigns, a passion for storytelling and extensive experience in reputation management and crisis preparedness and response. Her previous position was founder of her own agency, maureen&company LLC. She holds a degree in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and lives with her husband and three children in Fairfax, Virginia.
About Catholic Charities USA
Since 1910, Catholic Charities USA has served as a national advocate for the most vulnerable in our nation, guided by the basic belief in the inherent dignity of every human being. From the beginning, the organization has stayed true to its mission to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and other people of good will to do the same. In communities across the country, Catholic Charities USA agencies are helping individuals and families achieve their full potential.
