Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has recently launched an agency-wide Facebook page in an effort to connect more efficiently with its communities, volunteers, donors and most importantly, people needing assistance. The agency hopes that the popular social media website will help in its effort to better serve the people in its 28-county service area.

"Facebook provides us with a unique opportunity to get the word out about Catholic Charities," said Steven Roach, executive director. "It will provide our visitors and friends a comprehensive picture of what Catholic Charities does throughout the Springfield diocese. You will learn about real people who serve and also those who need our services.

"We have already posted some terrific stories about our efforts over the holidays," Roach said.

The agency's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesDioceseofSpringfield, posts items relevant to all Catholic Charities offices and facilities throughout the diocese. Frequent updates include volunteer and donation opportunities, upcoming fundraisers and event information, program and services provided by each office, success stories of clients and relevant happenings within the agency.

"When someone 'likes' our page, they aren't just getting updates in terms of figures and numbers about our agency. They're actually becoming a part of our network of friends who gets an intimate, detailed insight into our agency and what it's all about," Meredith Curtin, Facebook administrator said.

With Facebook boasting over a billion users, Catholic Charities is using the free and fast opportunity to broadcast its mission to a much larger audience of people throughout central and southern Illinois. By launching the page and giving people a more personal side of the agency, the agency hopes to gain the interest of various people, from those needing help, to those who can offer help, said Roach.

"I hope those who support Catholic Charities either as employees, board members, donors or volunteers will view this page with a sense of pride," Roach said. "The church's ongoing commitment to the poor and suffering in our midst is manifested in the daily work of Catholic Charities through services that help literally tens of thousands of people every year. I think everyone who serves with us, regardless of their faith, can be proud of that."

Catholic Charities has local offices and facilities in Alton, Beardstown, Carlinville, Decatur, Effingham, Granite City, Mattoon, Quincy and Springfield. Catholic Charities offers a wide variety of services including counseling, senior services, food pantries, health services, crisis assistance, rural outreach, resale stores and more. In addition, Catholic Charities manages the St. John's Breadline, St. Clare's Health Clinic, the St. Anne Residence and the Catholic Children's Home.

"We hope that people who check out our page, maybe even just out of curiosity, will find that it tells some compelling stories of what our agency does for the communities we serve," Curtin said. "When you 'like' our page, you get a special glimpse into the lives of our clients and how we strive everyday to make their lives better."

For more information about the Facebook page for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, contact the local Catholic Charities office or Meredith Curtin at (217) 523-9201,ext. 304. Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesDioceseOfSpringfield.