Contents

Mission and History
Current BREM Programs
Board Structure and Staffing
Financing
Looking toward the Future
Helping the Community to Help Itself
BREM'S PARTNERS

Introduction

This case study of the BREM Catholic Social Ministry highlights the benefits of collaboration. In 1980 four Catholic churches founded BREM to undertake projects that would support the people in their neighborhoods. Their first joint projects included an annual health fair; community gardening; providing education on weatherizing residences legal services, and voting; and rehabbing houses. Practical assistance from several organizations helped BREM get started. Today, BREM's collaborative relationships have extended to many more organizational and individual partners. Together they provide a broad array of community services and programs, described in the following pages.

The Incarnate Word Foundation offers this case study as part of its mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, which it does, not only by providing financial grants, but also by encouraging collaboration among groups and providing a forum for them to share ideas.

In 2002, the foundation published three case studies of successful, unique agencies. This BREM case study continues the series, and, like the others, is available from the Incarnate Word Foundation.

Bridget McDermott Flood
Executive Director
Incarnate Word Foundation