Miller-Haraway Receives Bishop Gossman Award from Catholic Charities

RALEIGH, NC, May 23, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh, presented the Bishop F. Joseph Gossman Community Service Award to Richard "Rick" Miller-Haraway, LCSW during the Celebrate God's Gifts fundraising gala at the Hilton North Raleigh on April 28. The Board of Directors of Catholic Charities established the Gossman Award in 2011 to honor an individual who has devoted his or her life to fulfilling Catholic Social Teaching.

Miller-Haraway is regional director for Catholic Charities and has been working in the Diocese for 36 years. After earning a bachelor's degree in religion from Duke University, he set up one of the first young adult ministry programs in the country. Miller-Haraway then received a master's degree in social work from UNC-Chapel Hill and became a licensed clinical social worker.

As a tireless advocate for the poor and disenfranchised, Miller-Haraway serves as supervisor, administrator and fundraiser for the Raleigh Deanery Office of Catholic Charities, which includes Catholic Parish Outreach, the largest food pantry in Wake County, and Centro para Familias Hispanas, one of the agency's two Hispanic family centers.

Miller-Haraway also represents the Diocese and Catholic Charities in several important civic alliances and partnerships, including the Alliance of AIDS Services, NC Housing Coalition, and Wake County Domestic Violence Council. He is also an active member of the Raleigh Wake Partnership to End Homelessness, where he serves as vice chair and treasurer.

In presenting the award to Miller-Haraway, Bishop Burbidge said, "I've been truly blessed by your support and ever thankful for the many ways that you assist me in carrying out one of the most essential responsibilities in shepherding the Diocese -- the care for the poor, the week and all those in most need."

Nearly 300 people attended the Celebrate God's Gifts Gala, which raised more than $72,000 for Catholic Charities. Last year the organization served more than 56,000 individuals throughout Eastern North Carolina regardless of race, creed or religion. For more information, visit http://www.CatholicCharitiesRaleigh.org.

About Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is a private, nonprofit, social service agency serving the people of Eastern North Carolina. For over 100 years, we have continued a rich tradition of providing a wide range of services. All programs are available to individuals and families regardless of race, creed, religion, or ability to pay through seven regional offices. For more information, visit http://www.CatholicCharitiesRaleigh.org.