St. Pius X Catholic Church and its Social Justice Commission raised more than $21,000 in March for the Catherine McAuley Center through a Flash Match Campaign, offering critical support as the center grapples with deep budget cuts and staff reductions tied to federal policy changes.
The Catherine McAuley Center (CMC) lost 60% of its operating budget and was forced to lay off staff after federal officials suspended refugee resettlement and halted related funding. In response, CMC has relied heavily on community support.
St. Pius X launched the monthlong campaign this spring, ultimately raising $21,050, including a $10,000 matching grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Foundation.
“In these uncertain times, the support from community members and partners like St. Pius X has been a lifeline,” said Anne Dugger, executive director of CMC.
Cyndy Logue, a representative of the St. Pius Social Justice and Outreach Committee, said the church has a long-standing partnership with CMC.
“Their mission aligns closely with ours, as we aim to uphold our tradition of caring for those in need within the larger community through our Social Justice and Outreach Ministries,” Ms. Logue said. “In March, we seized the opportunity to maximize a matching grant, reinforcing our commitment to support CMC during this critical time.”
St. Pius joins a network of local donors and volunteers helping CMC fulfill its mission – from offering financial support and tutoring English learners to helping families settle into homes and access transportation.
“The generosity of St. Pius X and their parishioners came at a time when many families were left without the support they were promised,” Ms. Dugger said. “With fewer staff and limited resources, our team has done everything possible to fill the gaps. That’s why donations like this mean so much – they’ve allowed us to keep our doors open and our mission moving forward.”
Despite ongoing challenges, the center remains focused on serving refugee and immigrant families, adult learners, and women rebuilding their lives after homelessness.
“This is what Cedar Rapids does,” Ms. Dugger said. “When we face hardship, we show up for each other – and because of that, we’re still here.”
