Catholic Charities of South Jersey

06/22/2026

"11.7% of children lived in poverty and nearly 13,000 people experienced homelessness in New Jersey in 2024." These are just two of the eye-opening facts shared through the People of Hope Museum, a free traveling exhibit from Catholic Charities USA that visited South Jersey last week.

Housed inside a retrofitted tractor-trailer, the interactive museum highlights stories of poverty, compassion, and hope. Visitors can hear inspiring testimonies from individuals whose lives have been transformed through service, explore an audio library featuring powerful reflections, and even record their own stories of hope and outreach.

The museum made stops at Church of the Incarnation and Harrah’s Resort during the annual Catholic Media Association Conference 2026.

Among the hundreds who toured the exhibit were Bishop Joseph A. Williams, Father Jon Thomas, as well as Dr. Maria Elena Hallion and employees of Catholic Charities of South Jersey. Spending nearly an hour exploring the museum, Bishop Williams said the experience reminded him of something his grandmother often told him: “Never forget the poor.”

Read more in the latest edition of the Catholic Star Herald and here!

Staff from Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of South Jersey pose for a photo June 15 outside the People

06/20/2026

On this , meet Andreina, Xavier and their sons, who through faith, hard work and perseverance, have made a new start in South Jersey.

One son recently received a President’s Award, and the other was named Student of the Month at their elementary school.

“Our expectations for them are to be happy and free,” the mother of two said as she reflected on the journey of faith and perseverance that brought them to the Diocese of Camden and this moment. “God brought us here."

Catholic Charities USA Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Camden

Xavier, left, and Andreina, second from right, pose for a family photo with their two sons and their dog, Candy,

06/15/2026

Expressing his wish that it “opens the eyes and hearts to the needs of our brothers and sisters,” Bishop Joseph Williams blessed Catholic Charities USA's “People of Hope Museum: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors” this afternoon in Mantua, as it made its first stop in the Diocese of Camden at Church of the Incarnation - Mantua, NJ.

The free, traveling exhibition includes immersive storytelling, powerful video, and statistics that provide opportunities for visitors not only to be educated, but compelled to help our sisters and brothers.

It will continue its stay in Mantua tomorrow from noon – 4 p.m. tomorrow, and then make its way to Harrah’s in Atlantic City on Thursday and Friday of this week for the Catholic Media Association Conference.

Photos: John Kalitz

See photo gallery: https://catholicstarherald82.pixieset.com/peopleforhopemuseum/ and look for story in the Catholic Star Herald!

06/01/2026

Listen to the latest Talking Catholic podcast; learn more about the People of Hope Museum coming to South Jersey week of June 15!

This week, Talking Catholic welcomes Kevin Brennan, Vice President for Communications at Catholic Charities USA, for a conversation about the new People of Hope Museum, a traveling, interactive exhibit designed to share “faith-filled stories of neighbors helping neighbors.”

Housed in a specially outfitted tractor-trailer, the museum brings visitors into the heart of Catholic Charities’ mission through first-person stories from staff and volunteers, a digital poverty simulation, data on poverty in America, and opportunities for visitors to reflect on how they can serve their own neighbors. Kevin shares how the project came together, why Catholic Charities USA chose the format of a mobile museum, and how the exhibit is already inspiring visitors across the country to see both those in need, and those who serve them, with new eyes.

The People of Hope Museum will visit the Diocese of Camden June 15-16 at Church of the Incarnation in Mantua, before continuing to Atlantic City June 18-19 during the Catholic Media Conference. The museum is part of a two-and-a-half-year national tour that will continue through June 2028.

To learn more about the museum, check out: https://peopleofhope.us/

https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/podcast/ccusas-people-of-hope-museum

05/30/2026

Experience stories of hope in action!

Catholic Charities USA’s People of Hope Museum: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors is coming to our Diocese next month, bringing an immersive experience that shares inspiring first-person stories of compassion, service, and hope from across the country.

“The museum is the perfect way to understand what Catholic Charities does,” said Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of South Jersey.

This free traveling exhibit will be at the Church of the Incarnation (240 Main St., Mantua) and is open to all on Monday, June 15 from noon–4 p.m. and Tuesday, June 16 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Come discover how neighbors are helping neighbors—and be inspired to make a difference in your own community!



Catholic Charities USA
Church of the Incarnation - Mantua, NJ

A visitor looks at a display at the People of Hope Museum in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy Catholic Charities

05/25/2026

A simple donation can provide comfort and relief to a family in need!

During the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we remember the love and example of Our Lady, and we dedicate this Diaper Drive to supporting mothers and families in need.

Catholic Charities of South Jersey is collecting diapers of all sizes (especially sizes 3, 4, 5), to be distributed to families experiencing hardship.

📍 Drop-off information and Amazon link available here:
https://catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/diaperdrive/

Thank you for standing with our neighbors and mothers in need.


Diocese of Camden

05/22/2026

On Wednesday, our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) team was honored to participate in the 10th Annual South Jersey Regional Stand Down in Atlantic City.

The event brought together veterans and the resources they need most, from VA medical care and mental health support to benefits assistance, employment opportunities, housing resources, clothing, and food.

Catholic Charities of South Jersey is proud to assist our veterans, especially those struggling with homelessness or housing insecurity.

If you are a veteran in need of assistance, please call 856-340-9242.


Diocese of Camden

05/20/2026

We invite you to come and be part of this special experience.

- Monday, June 15 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 16 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

At Church of the Incarnation, 240 Main Street, Mantua, NJ.

Come together with others as we celebrate hope, strengthen our faith, and grow in community. Tour the interactive Museum while learning about the incredible work being done by Catholic Charities of South Jersey and communities across the United States.

Get inspired and learn more by watching the People of Hope video here:
https://youtu.be/-fQ1O_huy-k?si=6o-hGzTIZvjMKzw0

We look forward to seeing you there!


Diocese of Camden

05/18/2026

Help us care for the littlest members of our community!

In this month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, we especially hold mothers close in prayer and action through our Diaper Drive across South Jersey.

Your donation of diapers of all sizes (especially sizes 3, 4, 5), brings real comfort, real relief, and real hope to families in need.

📍 Learn more and view locations here:
https://catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/diaperdrive/

Thank you for your generosity and continued support of Catholic Charities and the families we serve every day.


Diocese of Camden

05/13/2026

Mark your calendars now to attend the Catholic Charities of South Jersey 𝟮𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 in Atlantic City!

We would love for you to join us for a joyful evening of community, fellowship, and support for the neighbors and families we serve throughout South Jersey. Celebrate with us while helping make a difference in the lives of others.

For tickets and more information, visit:
catholiccharitiessouthjersey.org/ccad/

We hope to celebrate with you there!


Diocese of Camden