The theme of the CPCO conference is Celebrating the Human Face of God. Every day ShareLife brings the face of God to those who are served by our agencies by portraying Gospel values ‘whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me.’ (Matthew 25.) ShareLife was established in 1976 by Archbishop Philip Pocock and is based on the principle of respect for life at all stages. Today the ShareLife campaign supports the work of 33 agencies and ten grant-in-aid recipients, serving over 225,000 people each year. In 2009, $13.15 million has been allocated to support the work of our agencies. ShareLife’s fundraising and administrative costs are less than 9% of budget, marking us as a leader in the charitable sector.

The work of ShareLife also reaches beyond our community through the work of the Pastoral Mission Fund and the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace. The education of the clergy and religious in the archdiocese is supported through funding provided to St. Augustine’s Seminary.

Family Services
The six Catholic Family Services agencies located across the archdiocese provide counselling to families, couples and individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their day to day lives. Their services include programs for victims of domestic violence, for children who are victims of abuse, and anger management programs for men. Families are also provided with information about natural family planning and helping women to manage their reproductive health.

Children and Youth
Six agencies support youth offering programs that include: subsidized daycare for families that are unable to afford full fees; a summer camp experience for young boys; emergency shelter for youth who call the street home; and group homes and foster care residences for young women in need of supportive housing and counselling. In addition, there are programs to help facilitate youth participation in the greater Church community.

Services for Single and Teen Parents
ShareLife supports four agencies that offer help to single mothers and their children with programs to assist them both before and after the birth of their children. Services include individual and group counselling, pre-natal and parenting classes, child care programs, and residential care.

Services for the Elderly
Programs for seniors are delivered by four agencies: supportive housing for elderly francophone individuals; long term residence for seniors; a program where volunteers provide visits to elderly, frail, isolated or disabled people; and an agency that offers a support network of programs, services and resources for the elderly, empowering them to live independently in their own homes.

People with Special Needs
Seven agencies provide services to a variety of individuals with different needs and exceptionalities, such as the recovering alcoholic or individual who has battled substance abuse issues. Adults with developmental disabilities are provided with love, care, and improved quality of life through the residence programs. A respite program for families caring for a developmentally challenged adult is available. People facing mental health issues can also access a variety of programs. Children and adults with developmental and/or physical challenges, as well as individuals who suffer from hearing impairment can receive support. Other services that are supported include programs for refugee families to assist them with participation in the economic, social and cultural life of their communities; a nursing program; and a shelter and drop-in centre for women.

We are thankful to the Dufferin-Peel Catholic principals and vice-principals for making ShareLife the recipient of the passports for charity program.