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Catholic Charities receives Governor's Award

GREEN BAY -- The budget counseling program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay was among those receiving the 2007 Governor's Financial Literacy Awards during ceremonies in Madison on Tuesday, March 27th. The awards recognize excellence in promoting financial literacy among Wisconsin citizens.

Catholic Charities received the award for implementing a budget counseling program for residents of shelters and transitional living programs. The program is part of a collaborative partnership with other agencies in the area, to provide those residents with housing opportunities, instructions for nutritional food preparation, and financial literacy.

"The mission of Catholic Charities is to follow the mission of Jesus by reaching out to assist those who are less fortunate," said Karen Johnston, director of Catholic Charities. "Through our budget counseling program, we have helped the residents develop a new awareness and understanding of their financial situations. With this awareness and understanding, they can begin to achieve financial responsibility."

The 25 winners of the Governor's Financial Literacy Awards were selected by Governor Doyle's Council on Financial Literacy based on nominations received from the Council's Awards Committee. The evaluation of nominees was based on four criteria: innovative implementation, demonstrated measurable results, collaboration with partners and scope-either statewide or having the potential to be statewide or focused to need-based groups.

"Congratulations to each of these outstanding individuals and organizations," said Governor Jim Doyle. "Their hard work to promote financial education has made Wisconsin the recognized national leader when it comes to financial literacy. I thank the award winners for their work and I thank the Council for recognizing them," added Governor Doyle.

Catholic Charities has offices in Green Bay, Appleton, Manitowoc and Marinette. In addition to budget counseling, Catholic Charities offers debt management and a variety of educational workshops on finances.