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 Freddy Hernandez feels a sense of solidarity with families hit hardest during the economic downturn of 2009.

Recently, he explained that solidarity is a central principle in the Catholic Social Doctrine and a cornerstone for Freddy’s faith life. Solidarity “teaches that we are called first of all to be one family” an...d is especially important during an economic downturn because “work affects our well being. If we see one fallen, we should pick them up. If we are a family, then we need to care for others. We need to live a compassionate life.”

Solidarity, one family, caring for others.

Freddy put these ideas into action during an economic listening forum in February 2009. At this meeting, community members came together as one family to share in what Freddy called sacred listening: “Through listening in a sacred way we can identify with others who are struggling. This exercise leads one from helplessness to hope.”

Solidarity means that we are not in it alone. It means that the people who have lost all they have, those who are barely hanging on, and those with some to give are able to come together and share their stories in a mutually edifying way.

Pain sharing can be healing when it is done in community. Sharing “in the suffering of the most vulnerable people.”

Freddy lives out his values as a member of OCCCO.
 
 
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“One Sunday afternoon I picked up my church newspaper and read an article that changed my life. It was an article about ordinary people taking responsibility, making a difference in their community. These people were volunteer leaders with OCCCO. I was so impressed that I quickly made a call to ...OCCCO and asked how I could get involved. To make a long story short, I have been working with OCCCO since 1993, including two years on staff as a community organizer.

“I have helped bring in much needed resources to my community, such as a community center, Community Oriented Policing practices, and after-school programs to many neighborhoods. But what I most proud of is the change I have made in me. I no longer feel like a shy boy without a voice or opinion. I believe that someone has to take responsibility for the problems in the community, and that a united community can meet even the most difficult challenges.

“And this is what OCCCO does. It makes believers out of non-believers. It is an organization that takes an inside-out approach to supporting families and communities in need of resources, leaders and believers. Without OCCCO I don’t think I would have made such a life-long commitment to my community.

“I believe OCCCO has and will continue to make a difference and I invite you to join us.”

- Miguel H. -