Catholic Charities’ Companion Families works to link low-income and vulnerable families – families that are experiencing the lack of job skills, work opportunities and poverty – with parish companion families, thus offering support and hope to those most affected by poverty and racism. The Companion Families participants have become part of a mutually supporting, loving and faith-filled community of friends.

Covenants (commitments) are made between the participants, community families and parish families alike, to connect on a regular basis, in friendship and mutuality. Activities and opportunities for gatherings are planned and agreed upon by the linked families. The bonds that develop are ones true friendship.

Through this companioning effort, parish families can open doors, smooth paths and offer support to struggling community families. Community families can help open the eyes and hearts of parish families, helping them cross-cultural barriers, and build strong bonds of trust and respect.