Mother's Day is one of the most popular times to pay tribute to mothers with flowers, family gatherings and gifts, and to honor those who give so much to their families throughout the year. However, on Mother's Day many people do not think of those mothers who live in poverty and need the assistance of programs offered by support organizations, such as Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese ofChicago, to make their families' lives brighter.

The need is especially great for single mothers and their children. According to the Children's Defense Fund, 23% of children born in America are born into single-parent households and half the children in America will live in a single-parent household at some time in their lives. These families are more vulnerable to the negative impact of job loss on family health.

"We're living in extremely trying times right now," said Reverend Michael Boland, Administrator, President and CEO, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese ofChicago. "We need a strong and just society built on strong families. It is becoming more critical for organizations to step into the breach and help address this crisis with all mothers."

To address the pervasive social needs brought on by poverty, Catholic Charities operates more than 150 programs for mothers in need including counseling services, educational classes, food support and emergency assistance. For example, the New Hope Apartments Self-Sufficiency Program helps mothers recover from substance abuse and fully embrace their responsibilities as parents by providing housing and counseling.

These programs help mothers turn around their lives and get on the road to recovery. One such success story is Cathy Robinson, a recent graduate of the New Hope program inChicago and a single mother of three who overcame substance abuse and secured a meaningful job with benefits.

"I never knew what life could be. Catholic Charities helped me get my world back on track and gave me the support I needed," said Robinson. "I now have hopes and dreams for the future, both for myself and my children."

"Cathy's story is a great example of why employment is a key component in all of Catholic Charities' self-sufficiency programs, such as the New Hope Apartments Program," continued Boland. "When we can help these families restore their self-reliance, they regain the fullness of their human dignity."

Each day in the Chicago area, mothers walk through the doors of Catholic Charities and are welcomed with open arms and helped through some of the most difficult times in their lives. This Mother's Day, Catholic Charities is asking for support of its programs that help mothers living in poverty make their families' lives better.

Now in its 90th year, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is the largest private, not-for-profit social service agency in the Midwest, annually assisting 1.1 million persons in Cook and Lake counties without regard to religious, ethnic or economic background. Catholic Charities fulfills the Church's role in the mission of charity by providing compassionate, competent, professional services that strengthen and support individuals, families and communities