PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 21, 2009)-The Walmart Foundation has awarded a grant of $45,000 to Catholic Charities Project H.O.P.E. (Help Out of Poverty forEver), a new program to help individuals and families leave behind a life of uncertainty for a life of security, stability and satisfaction.

Catholic Charities believes Project H.O.P.E. is the only one of its kind in Arizona. The new program was launched July 1 and provides services to individuals and families in Central and Northern Arizona.

"Project H.O.P.E. was created to challenge the beliefs, attitudes and barriers surrounding poverty and to provide clients with the information, tools and support they need to take their first step on a path to financial security and stability," said Cathy Peterson, Catholic Charities divisional director for housing and family support services.

The program is comprised of three phases and draws upon the resources and expertise of Catholic Charities, partnering nonprofit organizations, government entities, business sectors, faith leaders and community volunteers.

Phase I includes a four-week financial literacy program with Arizona Saves, a nonprofit organization that Catholic Charities has partnered with to teach the basics of banking, credit card usage and credit repair.

Phase II is 13 weeks of highly interactive, group-centered modules titled, "Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting By World." It provides the framework to help participants identify and build their personal resources for increased financial literacy and stability.

The final phase includes Circles of Support, an existing community-based Catholic Charities program that helps motivated families transition from poverty to economic and social self-sufficiency. Well-trained Catholic Charities volunteer mentors offer guidance, support and coaching in the areas of job acquisition and retention, health care, housing, nutrition, clothing, childcare, budgeting and finance; and automobile acquisition, maintenance and insurance. Phase III may continue two years or more, depending on the needs of each individual or family.

Tom Egan, division director for transition and stabilization services at Catholic Charities notes, "Arizona ranks as the 16th worst state in the United States by number of residents living in poverty. More access to education, jobs and housing is essential to helping these individuals and families get ahead. Project H.O.P.E. will help guide these vulnerable people through unfamiliar concepts, teach them financial literacy, how to plan for the future and to ultimately change the communities in which they live and work."

This grant marks the first significant funding for Project H.O.P.E. and Catholic Charities is extremely grateful for Walmart Foundation?s support. The contribution to Project H.O.P.E and Catholic Charities was made possible through the Walmart Foundation?s Arizona State Giving Program (SGP). Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact within communities across the U.S.

"During these tough economic times, we know we have a responsibility to continually look for ways to increase our giving and focus our local contributions towards organizations that can do the most good," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation.

To be considered for support, organizations must submit applications through the Wal-Mart Foundation State Giving Program?s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program?s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program?s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.

To join the Walmart Foundation in making a donation to help fund this new program, please contact Ed Beardsley, Catholic Charities development director at (602) 650.4827 or EBeardsley@cc-az.org.

About Catholic Charities
Founded in 1933, Catholic Charities Community Services is one of Arizona?s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations which offers a diverse range of social services that strengthen families, protect and nurture children, and support people in crisis. Catholic Charities serves people of all ages and faiths. Last year, the charitable organization provided over 50 programs at 100 locations to nearly 200,000 people in central and northern Arizona. Catholic Charities is a member organization of Catholic Charities USA which is the largest private network of social service organizations in the United States working to support families, reduce poverty, and build communities. The organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Children and Family Services. To learn more about Catholic Charities visit: CatholicCharitiesAZ.org.

About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart ? and its domestic and international foundations ? gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

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Ed. Note: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the legal trade name of the corporation. The name "Walmart," expressed as one word and without punctuation, is a trademark of the company and is used analogously to describe the company and its stores. Use the trade name when it is necessary to identify the legal entity, such as when reporting financial results, litigation or corporate governance.