FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patricia Cole

pcole@catholiccharitiesusa.org
703-236-6218

Catholic Charities USA Director Bestowed Spirit Award by National VOAD

Award Recognizes Outstanding Service, Professionalism and Passion in Disaster Response
Alexandria, Va. (May 19, 2015) Catholic Charities USAs (CCUSA) Disaster Response Operations
Director Katie Oldaker received the Spirit Award from the National Voluntary Organizations Active
in Disaster (VOAD) during their annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Awarded annually, the Spirit Award recognizes the outstanding service, professionalism and passion
of an individual who is involved with the VOAD movement. In her role as Director of Disaster
Response Operations at CCUSA, Katie manages numerous events each year, and has traveled to
communities nationwide struck by disaster to provide relief and recovery. Additionally, Katie serves
as a National VOAD representative for CCUSA, holding leadership positions on both the Disaster
Health and Disaster Case Management Committees.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Katie coordinated relief efforts in Mississippi, her
nomination read. No matter how far Katie has gone, or how much she has on her plate, her
endless commitment and support of National VOAD and the VOAD movement shines through.
Katie also represents CCUSA on the Homeland Security Advisory Council Faith Based Advisory
Committee group.
Were incredibly proud of Katies accomplishments and ongoing work in the world of disaster
relief and recovery, said Senior Vice President of Disaster Operations Maria Vorel. Her passion,
dedication and enthusiasm consistently demonstrate Catholic Charities USAs compassionate hand
lifting the most vulnerable out of devastation.
In communities before, during and after disasters, the Catholic Charities network is known for
rolling up its sleeves and buckling down for the hard work of helping rebuild their lives after an
adverse event strikes. Since 2005, CCUSAs Disaster Operations has assisted with the delivery of
compassionate care and support to more than 3 million individuals affected by a disasters,
responded to nearly 500 disaster events comprised of 25 different types of disasters, and trained
more than 500 Catholic Charities staff in Disaster Operations.
About Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide.
Catholic Charities USAs members provide help and create hope to more than 9 million people a
year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. To learn more about CCUSA, please
visit our website at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
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