Catholic Charities of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

SACRAMENTO, CA – Earlier this summer the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities San Bernardino/ Riverside, Ken F. Sawa, was elected President of Catholic Charities of California (CCC). Catholic Charities of California represents the twelve regional Catholic Charities organizations throughout the state of California.

Founded in 1986, CCC provides strong leadership and support to enhance the work of local organizations to reduce poverty, promote self- sufficiency, and strengthen communities across the state. CCC supports and furthers the work of local organizations in many ways.

“Our Catholic values, teachings, and traditions provide the foundation for the work we do at the local, state, and federal levels,” said Shannon M. Lahey, Lobbyist and Executive Director for CCC. “We are a strong and united voice for the poor and vulnerable people we serve. Together, we are committed to finding, promoting, and implementing solutions at the state and local levels that reduce poverty and human suffering.”

“I am honored to be elected president of this fine organization,” said CEO of Catholic Charities Ken F. Sawa. “Together we will work to give the most vulnerable of our communities a voice. I also look forward to our organization to provide training, technical assistance, research, and leadership to member organizations in developing model programs.”

One of the model programs that Mr. Sawa has championed is the “Poverty Simulation,” an educational role-playing event where participants are made aware of the existing and multiple challenges and obstacles that low-income families face from day-to-day and month-to-month.

Mr. Sawa will be serving a two year term as President.