Baton Rouge Agency’s Experience Helps Land Hefty Federal Contract for Case Management Operations

Alexandria, VA—Following disaster services delivered by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge (CCDBR) and others to families affected by Katrina and last year’s Gustav and Ike, Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) has been selected to provide disaster case management services nationwide. CCUSA’s first-ever federal contract is aimed at helping victims of disaster quickly access critical services and provide the ongoing support they need to recover. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Administration for Children and Families (ACF) section awarded Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) a multi-million dollar contract to provide disaster case management operations throughout the United States and all its territories. The 5-year contract calls for CCUSA to assemble case management teams nationwide and ready them to deploy within 72 hours of a declared disaster.

“We all hope and pray for zero disasters, but reality forces us to be prepared,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. “CCUSA agencies like Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge have exceptional first-hand experience—not only from Katrina, Gustav and Ike—but from their every day work in serving those most devastated and most in need. People know they can turn to Catholic Charities to get the job done.”

“We specialize in rebuilding lives  . . . lives devastated by disaster, ruined by poverty, or jeopardized by a crisis pregnancy.” said David Aguillard, CCDBR Executive Director.

The disaster case management program was piloted last year following Hurricane Gustav’s landfall in South Louisiana, with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge at ground zero. Within days after the storm, CCDBR case managers began connecting storm victims with help in the community and helping to navigate the maze of assistance readily available.

Almost 1,000 households affected by Hurricane Gustav enrolled in CCDBR’s initial case management project. Services provided range from referrals to mental health counselors, volunteer rebuild organizations, and others. Case management is expected to continue through May 19, 2010.