Statements

Mission

The purpose of the Ladies of Charity Emergency Assistance Fund is to give emergency aid for basic necessities such as food, utilities, clothing, and rents to those that call on us.

Background

The Ladies of Charity is an organization of Catholic lay women founded by Saint Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Lyon, France in 1617. These volunteers brought aid to the poor in the French country side. But as their work continued to prosper, Vincent's zeal helped them to quickly spread into other districts. By December 8, 1617, the first association of the Ladies of Charity was canonically established. The first American Association of the Ladies of Charity was formed by Catherine Harkins on December 8, 1857 at Saint Vincent's Parish in St. Louis, Missouri. Assisted by the Daughters of Charity, the Ladies visited the poor and elderly. Word of their good works spread and other Associations soon formed. Worldwide, The Ladies of Charity has an approximate worldwide membership of 250,000. The Nashville Association of the Ladies of Charity was founded in 1910, serving the poor and elderly of Nashville for over 100 years. Ours is a volunteer organization of over 500 women dedicated to helping the needy in Nashville.

Impact

The Emergency Assistance Office distributes food, payments for utilities and rent, and clothing to needy people in Nashville. We help people referred by such agencies as Metro Action and the Department of Human Services, as well as those residing in Davidson County who call us in need without a referral. The Ladies of Charity serves nearly 10,000 women, children and men each year. The Emergency Assistance Office distributed over 2000 emergency food orders in 2016, which include milk, eggs, bread, and various meats.

Needs

1) Donations2) Nonperishable food items

Service Categories
Primary Category:	Human Services  - Emergency Assistance (Food, Clothing, Cash)
Secondary Category:	Food, Agriculture & Nutrition  - Food Banks, Food Pantries
Tertiary Category:	-

Areas Served

TN - Davidson