Bishop's Charitable Assistance Fund Raises $185,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2024

Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund Raises $185,000
Dismas Home of NH Founder Julie Ann McCarthy Brown
Honored at Summer Reception

MANCHESTER, NH – The 2024 Bishop’s Summer Reception to benefit the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund (BCAF) was recently held at the Currier Museum of Art. Attended by nearly 300 guests, the reception capped a campaign that raised more than $185,000. Now in its 39th year, the BCAF has raised and distributed more than $7.8 million to assist organizations that improve the quality of life and provide basic essentials for individuals and families in New Hampshire.

The Most Reverend Peter A. Libasci, D.D., Bishop of Manchester, the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire, thanked all those who donated to the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund, along with the volunteer members of the campaign committee and the BCAF Board of Directors. “Bishop Gendron established the BCAF nearly 40 years ago to help the many nonprofit organizations that were requesting assistance from the Catholic Church,” he said. “It is remarkable to consider the impact these efforts have had on the countless individuals served.”

Sean and Elizabeth Feren of Manchester co-chaired the 2024 campaign. “We thank each one of you who have made this fundraising success possible,” Ms. Feren said. “Because you care, there will be thousands of people in our state who will see that others care and that there is hope for a better life.”

The event also featured the presentation of the 10th annual Vita et Caritas Award to Julie Ann McCarthy Brown, founder and board chair of Dismas Home of New Hampshire. Given in memory of the late Ruthie Ford, the award recognizes a volunteer who demonstrates exceptional service to a non-profit organization assisting women, children and/or families.

McCarthy Brown and her late husband were connected to the Kairos program and worked with men, but then decided to find a way to help women who have been justice-involved with substance use disorder.

“For the last 10 years, Julie has been dedicated to giving women an opportunity to change their lives. She is willing to do whatever is needed to move the mission forward,” Bishop Libasci said during the award presentation. “This includes helping with fundraising, planning, building relationships with potential community partners and donors and bringing her certified therapy dog to visit with residents. She leads with a model of kindness and respect and will go to any length to help a resident who needs a lift or a nudge.”

The 2024 BCAF Reception was sponsored by many organizations, including lead sponsors Porter & Curtis, LLC, Catholic Medical Center, M&T Bank, Morgan Stanley and St. Mary’s Bank.

More information about campaign supporters and the BCAF are available at www.catholicnh.org/bcaf.

# # #

About the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund

The Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund is a not-for-profit organization within the Catholic Church in New Hampshire. The Fund enables the Bishop of Manchester, through a volunteer board of directors, to make grants to not-for-profit organizations, without regard to religious affiliation, for projects that help people in New Hampshire meet their basic needs. The Bishop’s Summer Reception, begun in 1985, accepts donations that serve as the sole source of support for the Fund. For more information about the Bishop’s Charitable Assistance Fund, visit www.catholicnh.org/bcaf.

About Dismas Home of New Hampshire

Dismas Home of NH is a resident treatment and re-entry program for justice-involved women with substance use disorder and trauma-induced mental health challenges. The organization gives residents the time, space, and tools to live a healthy successful life in the community. Residents (women 18-60) can stay at Dismas Home for up to one year. The program also teaches them how to reunite with their children and families and gives them the foundation to live a healthy life free of substance use. Visit dismashomenh.org for details.