SOCIAL POLICY

Creating a More Just and Compassionate Community

Address: 2625 Zanker Road, San Jose, CA 95134
Phone: (408) 325-5262, Fax: (408) 944-0275
Primary Contact: Elizabeth Lilly, elilly@ccsj.org

Description and Services:
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County is committed to not only providing direct service for our clients, but also advocating with them and  on their behalf for positive social change.  This commitment includes advocating for local, state, and federal policies that reduce poverty and meet the needs of children living at risk, families coping with crisis, seniors struggling to live with dignity, and immigrants striving to make for themselves a better life in a new home.  The work of articulating the social policy and building advocacy networks consists of:

• Representing the social policy needs of the direct service programs
• Convening an annual Social Policy gathering
• Collaborating with partner agencies and networks
• Participating and collaborating with the programs of Parish Social Ministry
• Leading  the Campaign to Cut Poverty.

Eligibility and Requirements:
Our advocacy work is a combination of the needs of our clients and Catholic Social Teaching.  Agency staff participate in social policy meetings to present their needs and to learn of the work on behalf of clients.  Considerations include the magnitude of the impact on vulnerable populations, the authority with which Catholic Charities can speak on each issue, and the political climate that exists in both the local and national governments. Priorities are recommended by the Social Policy Committee and approved by the Catholic Charities Board of Directors.  The annual Social Policy Agenda is available on the Catholic Charities web site and intranet.

Fees: There may be a registration fee for an event such as Lobby Day.

Hours and Availability:

• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Program hours:  Days, evenings, and weekends, by appointment

Geographic Area Served: Santa Clara County       Languages Spoken: English