Art Bennett, founder and director of the Alpha Omega Clinics,
has been appointed by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde as the
first-ever president and chief executive officer of Arlington
diocesan Catholic Charities, the social services ministry for
the diocese that aids tens of thousands of Virginians each
year.
“Our outreach to those in need is more crucial than ever
before – we must work even harder to ensure that human
dignity is upheld among the poor and vulnerable,” Bishop
Loverde said. “Our ministry has grown significantly over the
past several years, and the creation of the position of
president will assist (Catholic Charities) in fulfilling its
mission. At the conclusion of this nationwide search, I am
confident that Mr. Bennett’s administrative leadership
experience will help guide (Catholic Charities) to serve
those in need while proclaiming our Catholic identity.”
The addition of a president and chief executive officer to
the existing organizational structure of approximately 100
full-time employees and more than 1,000 volunteers became
necessary because of the continued growth in both the request
for services and in the programs provided. Stephen Luteran
oversaw much of this expansion as executive director; he will
now serve as senior vice president.
Over the past three years, Catholic Charities opened a new
branch office in Leesburg; began St. Margaret of Cortona
Residences, a transitional housing facility for families in
Prince William County; started Christ House on Wheels, a
diocesan-wide food distribution program that serves the
outlying counties; and integrated Migration and Refugee
Services into their operations.
These changes alone caused agency budget and staff to grow by
more than 25 percent. Already existing programs have seen
increases in requests. Over the past two years, Catholic
Charities has experienced a dramatic increase in requests for
emergency assistance from families asking for help with rent,
utility bills and medical costs.
“I would first like to express my gratitude to Bishop Loverde
for this exciting opportunity,” said Bennett. “Thanks to the
leadership of Stephen Luteran, the staff and the board of
directors, our services are more extensive than ever. I look
forward to collaborating with them and the people of the
Diocese of Arlington to ensure that we answer the Lord’s call
to serve and minister to those in need.”
Bennett founded the Alpha Omega Clinics in Maryland and
Virginia and has served as director for the last eight years.
The not-for-profit clinic integrates the Catholic Faith with
counseling. Bennett previously was employed by Science
Application International Corporation as division manager and
vice president. He has been a member of the Arlington Diocese
since 1991, and is a well-known presenter and author,
published on topics ranging from communication skills to
employee-assistance programs. He will begin at Catholic
Charities July 12.
Find out more
Founded in 1947, Arlington diocesan Catholic Charities is a
fully accredited nonprofit social service agency serving 21
counties and seven independent cities in Northern Virginia.
Approximately 100 full-time staff are supported by nearly
1,000 volunteers to orchestrate the ministry of tens of
thousands people annually through a variety of programs such
as: mental-health counseling; adoption services; pregnancy
counseling and assistance; foster care; English as a Second
Language (ESL) and immigrant services; senior services;
Christ House soup kitchen and men’s shelter; food pantry and
thrift shop; emergency financial assistance for rent,
utilities and prescriptions; prison ministry; transitional
housing for families; and refugee services. Catholic
Charities helps those in need, regardless of race or creed.
For more info go to ccda.net.
