Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans receives $15 million to help fishing families affected

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans received a $15 million grant Wednesday from the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to oversee a consortium of 16 nonprofits that provide mental health, counseling and direct assistance to fishing families severely impacted by the BP oil spill.

The $15 million grant was the single largest ever received by Catholic Charities, said president and chief executive officer Gordon Wadge. The money was part of an original $100 million payment by BP to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation that was targeted to help Gulf Coast families.

The grant will allow Catholic Charities to serve residents in Gulf Coast communities still suffering from the effects of the oil spill, including traumatic stress, and also includes education and job training for individuals who want to change careers.

Archbishop Gregory Aymond accepted the grant “with a very humble heart and profound appreciation. Our mission and ministry is to turn this money into care, consolation and hope.”