A conversation with Chuck Fernandez, Catholic Charities

November 29, 2012

Greetings!

The warmest of greetings to you!

There is a story of two prisoners in a small cell with no light except what comes through one window. Hours were spent staring out that window. One saw only the bars as ugly metallic reminders of reality and grew increasingly discouraged, bitter, and hopeless. The other however, looked through the window and saw what was beyond to the stars. He saw hope and the possibilities of a new life.

We had our annual Hope Works Wonders breakfast this month - our only fundraising event of the year. The theme of the breakfast was "What if...?" "What if...?" is about the stars -- about a new future and new possibilities that inspire our work, produce passion, and move us to a better tomorrow. It's about thinking the impossible, about bold change, and a courageous vision.

In my speech at the breakfast, I gave four examples of what a courageous vision would look like for Catholic Charities. While we can focus on the bars and our economic challenges, I prefer to reach for the stars and a vision for a better tomorrow.

"What if...?"

Frankly, courage and vision are hard work. It's easier to go with the conventional flow. Moving away from that takes a whole bunch of confidence and risk. Imagine sitting at your computer late at night and on weekends, or in endless meetings thinking of ways to improve how we challenge poverty, counsel immigrants, and care for seniors. Planning what we will do in six months or six years is difficult and since it may not happen, why bother? Seeing the bars are easier than the stars.

In my brief time as Executive Director, I've realized three things about the stars and vision. First, the longer I lead, the bigger my "asks" become. I had no idea God would be laying big visions on my mind and heart, and the only way to make them a reality is by asking people to do something great for God. I must have missed that part of the job description. Second, He is not big on incrementalism. If He is giving me these big visions and asking me to charge up big hills, then making bold moves is how we will build His kingdom. Incrementalism and vision are terrible partners. Lastly, and what I am still learning about, people are actually flattered and honored to be asked to do significant things for God.

"What if" God, in all His power and love, granted us the opportunity to realize these visions? With Him and with you, all things are possible. Thank you, our wonderful supporters, for all you do for Catholic Charities with your time, talent, and treasures.

I invite you for a cup of coffee to share your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you.

With kindest regards until next month,

When we combine all our faiths and creative energies we will build better communities.

You can help us care for seniors, counsel immigrants, and challenge poverty.

MISSION MOMENT

Last month I talked about the meeting we had in Eureka about opening a homeless Day Center and the positive comments from the community. As expected, there were also negative comments from those that believe a Day Center would attract more homeless. So I traveled to Eureka and had six meetings with various business groups to answer their questions, concerns, and doubts. (See October Virtual Coffee)

The largest meeting was with the Chamber of Commerce where fifteen people attended - all influential business and government leaders. One comment made at the meeting was that homelessness is a life choice. I decided to answer that comment with a story.

Before the meeting with the Eureka Chamber, I walked the streets to meet some people who were homeless and there I learned about John. He was a devoted husband and proud father of two daughters and one son. Five years ago while driving with his family, John got into an automobile accident. His entire family was killed. John blamed himself for what happened and his life quickly spun out of control. He lost everything and ended up on the streets, homeless and with severe mental illness. When I saw John, he was filthy with ragged clothes, matted hair, and mumbling to himself. Every day, Betty Chinn, our partner in Eureka, provides John with a private space so he can talk with his wife and kids. She hears him ask how their day went, what they did today, and tells them what he had for dinner. He asks Betty for help sending birthday cards and buying gifts for his children such as Barbie dolls, GI Joe toys, and even a baseball mitt for his son who played little league baseball.

Sometimes words cannot describe just how sad a story like this is. As I told the story of John and observed the faces at the table, I didn't know who would tear-up first -- me or them. Death comes to the young and old without discrimination. Homelessness is often a matter of circumstance; I am not sure how any of us would grieve the loss of our entire family.

At the end, many in the room said, "Thank you -- I just didn't know any of this." I think we made some progress with those who doubted the benefits of a Day Center and the importance of caring for a neighbor in need. Someday, it could be us.

Catholic Charities reaches out to those most in need, offers hope through service and builds better communities.