Stories From The Field
Introducing Savings-Led Microfinance
Read this clear, non-technical explanation of how and why CRS microfinance starts with savings, rather than loans, to build financial independence. »»
From Indian Red-Light District to Green Thumb
Girls and young women find refuge from Mumbai's brothels and embrace a new life with the support of CRS and partner Prerana. »»
Madagascar Moms Learn Nutritious Lessons
Facing grim decisions about how to feed their children, two mothers turn to CRS and SALOHI for healthy solutions. »»
Early Child Nutrition Safety Net
CRS and partner SALOHI weigh babies and train moms to keep kids healthy in their critical first 5 years. »»
Jobs and Justice Meet at the Border
Seasonal migrant workers from Mexico and U.S. farm owners benefit from a program that smooths the way for labor recruitment and placement. »»
Farmers to Migrant Labor: Be My Guest—Workers
A CRS migrant worker program partners understaffed farmers with eager laborers, making it a winner on both sides of the border. »»
Your First Evangelist?
Chances are you know someone whose name could be added to an often-overlooked group of Church heroes. »»
Excerpts From Pacem in Terris
"The dignity of the human person involves the right to take an active part in public affairs and to contribute one's part to the common good." »»
St. François de Sales Hospital Rises Anew
Destroyed in the 2010 Haiti earthquake, a new state-of-the-art facility is born. »»
Pacem in Terris at 50
Pope John XXIII's encyclical envisioned nations working together for the peaceful benefit of all peoples. »»
Every Day Is World Water Day
Water is essential to survival, yet nearly a billion people worldwide cannot access it. With your help, CRS is changing that. »»
Bringing Sanitation to Bolivia's Highlands
Eco-friendly latrines, potable water pumps and proper hand-washing techniques bring water and sanitation solutions to Bolivia's diverse La Paz region. »»
Welcome, Your Holiness
CRS welcomes Pope Francis by drawing from the long papal heritage of caring for people less fortunate. »»
Eco-Friendly Latrines in Bolivia's Highlands
CRS and local partners introduce waterless latrines to meet the water and sanitation needs of people living in two extremely different environments. »»
Double Blessings in Burkina
By providing improved nutrition, a Burkina Faso clinic helps moms enjoy the blessings of two babies. »»
Celebrating Women's Work Around the World
PHOTO GALLERY: CRS celebrates women's work overseas. These women farm, vote, provide health care—and raise families. »»
Nurturing Self-Sufficiency in Afghan Women
Afghan women learn new skills to improve their lives and future. »»
Faith and Fellowship Aid Japan's Tsunami Survivors
In Japan, the local Church is helping survivors of the 2011 tsunami—and Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster—rebuild their lives. »»
Thank You, Holy Father
Pope Benedict XVI's encyclicals have inspired millions, including CRS staff members, who carry out the Church's mission of service. »»
Looking Back: Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park
As Catholic Relief Services says goodbye to Pope Benedict XVI, we look back at his April 2008 visit to Nationals Park. »»
Rebuilding A Haiti Hospital: Fact Sheet
St. François de Sales Hospital, destroyed by the Haiti earthquake, will return as a state-of-the-art teaching facility serving poor people. »»
A Crucial Moment for Afghan Women
On International Women's Day, it's important to remember how opportunities for women in Afghanistan help everyone. »»
Streams of Living Water
From your Lenten observance flow blessings that change lives in profound ways. »»
Mali Crisis: A Young Mom's Story
Djélika Haïdara was pregnant with her first son when she fled fighting in Timbuktu, Mali. Your generosity is helping keep her family alive. »»
Early Marriage Foe Fights Back
A lone headmistress rallies teachers and parents to improve futures one child at a time. »»
Seed Fairs Grow Hope in Postcyclone Madagascar
Catholic Relief Services seed fairs help farmers recover from devastating Cyclone Giovanna. »»
Mali: Defending Dignity of the Displaced
Meet some Malian families who escaped violence in the troubled north; CRS is helping them get their lives back on track. »»
Achievements in Haiti
Thanks to your support, in the 3 years since the January 2010 earthquake, Catholic Relief Services has helped put Haitians back on track. »»
Haiti: Getting Back to Business
Three years after the catastrophic earthquake, CRS' partnership with Outreach to Haiti is still going strong. »»
A Church for the Future in Haiti
Before and after the devastating quake destroyed much of the capital city, one thing has been constant in Haitian life: the Catholic Church. »»
World Day of Peace
Pope Benedict XVI's World Day of Peace message calls on Catholics to embrace peace. Here's how you answer his call. »»
Blessings for a New Year
You will be encouraged by your support of the poorest people in the world during the Year of Faith. »»
Syrian Refugees Brace for Brutal Winter
Hundreds of thousands of families have fled Syria for neighboring countries. As harsh winter approaches, CRS is providing life-saving assistance. »»
Philippines Typhoon: Deadly Mudslide Strands Families
With help from USAID and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, CRS is responding with survival kits for families who lost everything. »»
Mali: A Warm Welcome Amid Turmoil
Your support is helping CRS provide a lifeline for Malian families escaping violence in the troubled north. »»
Brazil: Knowing Rights Strengthens Farm Workers
CRS is engaged in the eradication of slavery in Brazil, which is also a priority of the local Church and its Pastoral Land Commission. »»
Ecuador: Mission Helps Farmer Recover Losses
In Ecuador, Catholic Relief Services helps Colombian refugees through local partners such as the Scalabriniana Mission. »»
Bolivia: Improved Crops Mean Improved Lives
The project is training farmers in organic production techniques and the use of environmentally friendly products aimed at reducing pesticide use. »»
Chile: Post-Quake Shelter Helps Poncho Weaver Carry On
With the support of CRS, the local Caritas carried out an assessment which resulted in the reconstruction of ten homes in Rinconada de Doñihue. »»
Peru: Woman Learns How to Be A Fearless Leader
Catholic Relief Services works with indigenous communities through local partners in Peru to teach people their rights and mitigate conflicts. »»
Thank You for the Gifts You Give Each Day
Take a moment to review some of the powerful good your support has accomplished among your poorest brothers and sisters throughout the world. »»
Keyhole Gardens Raise Crops and Nutrition
Mealtimes in some of the poorest, most remote regions of Afghanistan are now nutritious and—and delicious—thanks to keyhole gardens introduced by CRS. »»
East Timorese Seek—And Find—Peace
Emerging from a violent past, East Timor holds peaceful elections with support from CRS and the local Church. »»
A Recipe for Surviving Malawi Drought
With the right ingredients, mothers in drought-ravaged Malawi, can keep their children well-nourished. »»
Microfinance: Savings to Lend
Thanks to a CRS microfinance model based on personal savings, 1 million members are increasing their financial security. »»
A Feast of Grateful Souls
In this Year of Faith, as we approach Our Lord's throne in gratitude, we find that even more blessings await us. »»
Keyhole Garden Grows Nutrition, Prosperity
A simple gardening idea allows families a safe and easy way to increase their food supply and make extra money selling surplus produce. »»
Farmers Save Rainforest and Reap Rewards
No-till agriculture is helping Congolese farmers protect the world's second largest rainforest—and increase harvests. »»
The New Evangelization and CRS
The Gospel motivates the Church's work to uphold the sacredness and dignity of all human life and to embody Catholic social and moral teaching. »»
Year of Faith: Celebrate the Love
Proclaiming the Gospel through justice and charity brings live to those who receive and to those who give. »»
Remember Your Locavores!
For folks who are forced to eat local, the expertise and care you deliver helps ensure their harvests are plentiful. »»
Keyhole Gardens Unlock Healthy Diets
A simple farming innovation sprouts revolutionary benefits year-round for the people of Lesotho. »»
'You Have One Teacher'
You're a teacher. You improve lives. You save lives. You really do change the world. You teach hope. »»
A Passion for Helping Sparks a Global Network
Through CRS, Jerry Zurek and Sue Toton found a way to witness to the Gospel message of human life and dignity. »»
Healthy Bodies, Crops Despite Malawi Drought
Through health and educational projects, a CRS-led consortium helps poor farmers improve their lives and their harvests. »»
Syrian Refugees Find Help in Camps
Your support is helping CRS and partner Caritas deliver desperately needed food and other supplies to families forced to flee their homes. »»
Sahel Food Crisis: A Sister's Compassion
Faith and food help the Sisters of Annunciation of Bobo fend off fear and malnutrition among children and their moms in Burkina Faso. »»
Humanitarian Crisis Grows for Syrian Refugees
Families pouring out of Syria by the hundreds of thousands are in urgent need of medical care, food and assistance. »»
The Disaster That Wasn't
Your generosity matches the intensity of major disasters, but you may not even be aware of how you give life behind the scenes. »»
The Disaster That Wasn't
Your generosity matches the intensity of major disasters, but you may not even be aware of how you give life behind the scenes. »»
Sahel Food Crisis: A Refugee's Story
A widow who escaped conflict in her Mali homeland describes the transition from a well-to-do family life, to one of hunger and poverty. »»
Zimbabwe Farmers Fight Poverty With Water
An irrigation canal and modern business practices are freeing farmers from the daily struggle of providing for their families. »»
Coffee Stimulates Improved Lives in Philippines
Coffee farmer Jocel Gamboa plans to share with her community the CRS-supported training she received that dramatically improved life for her family. »»
Early Education Strengthens Lesotho Children
CRS and the Good Shepherd Sisters in Lesotho help children ages 2 to 5 boost their physical, cognitive, social, spiritual and emotional development. »»
South Sudanese Mark Independence Anniversary
Our South Sudanese colleagues share their thoughts on a year of independence and what it means to them. »»
Philippines: Healthier Harvests, Healthier Farmers
Filippino farmers use natural farming techniques to produce more with without the harmful chemicals. »»
Microfinance: Lessons in Savings and in Life
In the Dominican Republic, a financial program builds savings and confidence for women in poverty. »»
Cool Catholic Kids and Independence
Through CRS, you (and your kids!) help people help themselves, to gain independence as families and nations. »»
Sahel Food Crisis: Burkina Faso Refugee Camp
Amid deepening hunger worries, Malian refugees are pouring into Burkina Faso, where the Church—through CRS—is meeting their most critical needs. »»
Pumping Up Food Production in Dry Madagascar
Treadle pumps and drought-resistant seeds are helping farmers extend their fields and feed their families and communities. »»
Praying for Peaceful Elections in East Timor
After decades of violent upheaval, the Timorese turn to God and the Church to help nurture the peace that has finally come to their young nation. »»
How Do You 'Love One Another'?
Most likely, in more ways than you know, including your support of new uses for barcodes, financial independence and chemistry class. »»
East Timor: Planting for Children
When men in East Timor plant candlenut trees, they expect the next generation to benefit from this cash crop that helps families survive lean times. »»
Good Chemistry: Learning to Be a Servant of God
What is CRS' Global Solidarity Schools Initiative? 'It's life changing,' says one high school sophomore. »»
Microfinance: Saving Money, Changing Lives
Zimbabwe's Masakhane savings and lending group members earn dividends of financial stability, independence and respect. »»
Smart Aid: High-Tech Poverty Fighters
At the crossroads of compassion and expertise, you meet people like Sandra Basgall , who, at age 70 and living in Africa, is excited about…barcodes? »»
Helping Gaza College Grads Get Jobs
Helping Gaza college graduates find jobs is one way CRS is bringing hope to thousands of young people. »»
Microfinance in Mexico: Women Bank On It
Through the microfinance program Bancomunidad, women traditionally not served by financial institutions learn business skills and gain independence. »»
World Malaria Day Is April 25
Where malaria remains a killer disease, CRS works with the Church and many other partners to bring treatment and prevention to the most vulnerable. »»
Moved by Compassion, Respond With Expertise
When your faith and compassion compel you to reach out to your poorest neighbors overseas, you deliver innovation, expertise and excellence. »»
A Mother's Courage, a Daughter's Calling
Agatha opposed her family so that her only daughter could become a nun who now cares for and comforts some of East Timor's most isolated people. »»
Mexican Women Empowered By New Business Skills
Microfinance groups in Mexico help women start their own businesses while instilling leadership lessons for everyday life. »»
In Haiti, a Jewel Rises From the Rubble
The Haiti quake nearly destroyed St. François de Sales Hospital in Port-a-Prince. A new state-of-the-art facility will serve Haitians for generations. »»
Jobs in Gaza: Helping Grads Connect With Work
For college graduates in Gaza, finding a job is next to impossible. A CRS-run paid internship program is helping many get started in their careers. »»
111 Days of Prayer
Catholic Relief Services and the local Catholic church in East Timor are leading a campaign of prayer for peaceful national elections. »»
Extending God's Healing Touch
Your support of CRS delivers the promise of abundant life by bringing health care to many of the poorest, most remote corners of the world. »»
When Did We See You Sick?
Your support of CRS continues the Church's 2,000-year history of extending healing hands to the world's neediest brothers and sisters. »»
Iraqi Refugees Get Health Care in Syria
Doctors working with CRS and the Chaldean Catholic Church add a measure of essential stability to lives shredded by war. »»
Lessons in Faith and Third-Grader Compassion
Nebraska teacher Barbara Gilman and her third-grade students make their faith tangible and tasty while exploring CRS Operation Rice Bowl during Lent. »»
Red Alert: Loyola Students Raise HIV Awareness
The millennium generation applies energy and networking prowess to the fight against HIV and AIDS. »»
The Power of the Pump
See how many aspects of people's lives are improved when they have access to a clean water source. »»
Sahel Crisis: Helping Refugees in Niger
CRS is bringing much needed water, sanitation and hygiene services to thousands of refugees from Mali who have fled to neighboring Niger. »»
'We're Not Going to Let Them Live That Way'
An Operation Rice Bowl family looks to its history and Catholic roots to shape its Lenten observance. »»
When Did We See You Thirsty?
When you give the gift of water through Catholic Relief Services, you quench a thirst for many vital needs. »»
Beyond the Tap
Water came to Las Tablas, Nicaragua, and brought a bucketful of benefits as villagers gave up long treks for water. »»
Quenching A Thirst for Better Lives
Your support of CRS water projects improves every aspect of life for people all over the world. »»
