#United States #Alexandria #Lilly Endowment #Catholic Charities #People of Hope

Catholic Charities USA Launches Nationwide Storytelling Exhibit

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is set to unveil a compelling national storytelling exhibit titled People of Hope Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors in 2026, significantly supported by a nearly $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment. This ambitious endeavor is designed to illuminate the transformative effects of Christian service and foster greater community engagement across the nation.

The hub of this exhibit will be an immersive experience that will travel across the United States for two and a half years. It aims to showcase powerful, first-person narratives from both staff and volunteers at Catholic Charities agencies, emphasizing moments of profound service—those instances that encapsulate what it means to volunteer, connect with others in vulnerability, and witness the life-changing effects of faith in action.

Using a specially retrofitted tractor trailer, the exhibit will collect and exhibit these impactful stories, inviting visitors to not only learn but also to share their own experiences of service. To enhance the visibility of this initiative, a national advertising campaign will accompany the traveling exhibit.

Kerry Alys Robinson, the President and CEO of CCUSA, expressed deep gratitude towards the Lilly Endowment for enabling this project, stating, "We are incredibly grateful to Lilly Endowment for offering us the opportunity to shine a light on the transcendent power that springs from the simple but profound act of helping another human being in need." Ali Robinson is enthusiastic about inspiring more Americans to engage in service, emphasizing the importance of love and connection in facing human suffering and injustice.

According to a recent survey by Campos, a market research firm, only 11% of respondents reported volunteering in their communities. However, a resounding 67% indicated that they were open to volunteering, identifying foremost motivations as the desire to help others, express empathy, and foster a sense of community. This highlights an opportunity for Catholic Charities and similar organizations to engage more individuals in volunteerism and service.

Kerry emphasized the richness of generosity within humanity, encapsulated in her statement: "Generosity is humankind's birthright, and volunteer work allows us to be generous with our most valuable assets—our time and attention." During her travels to local Catholic Charities agencies, she regularly hears volunteers convey how they, too, are beneficiaries of the experiences that service brings.

Through People of Hope, CCUSA aims to not only spotlight the vast impact of Christian service but also promote the myriad case studies of active service opportunities available across various Catholic Charities agencies and others aligned with their mission. At last count, the expansive Catholic Charities network comprises 168 independent agencies that collectively served more than 16 million individuals in need, significantly aided by over 200,000 dedicated volunteers last year.

The Lilly Endowment granted funds to CCUSA and 11 other organizations in November 2024 as part of its National Storytelling Initiative, which aims to foster understanding of and engagement with Christian faith and life.

After months of preparation, Catholic Charities has shared the People of Hope project with member agency directors, revealing the initiative during their recent Spring Gathering. This summer, selected stories will be professionally recorded in Alexandria, VA, with the traveling exhibit set to begin its journey in spring 2026.

About Lilly Endowment

Founded in 1937, Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation based in Indianapolis. It supports initiatives in community development, education, and religion, with a focus on enhancing Christian life in the United States. It was established by the family's donations of Eli Lilly and Company stock.

About CCUSA

Established in 1910, CCUSA serves as an umbrella organization for 168 Catholic Charities agencies across the United States, providing crucial support services to over 16 million individuals each year, irrespective of their faith backgrounds. They work through a range of services, including food programs, affordable housing, and disaster relief, ultimately striving to support humanity as a whole.