ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D, an internationally-known author and lecturer known for her deep insights into breaking the cycle of poverty, will deliver the opening keynote address on Sunday, October 5, at the Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) 2014 Annual Gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, the organization announced today.  

The author of over a dozen books, her "Bridges Out of Poverty" model has been adopted by a number of Catholic Charities agencies serving those in need in communities across the country, and her accessible, engaging style has been welcomed at conferences across the nation and around the world.

"Dr. Payne's work has been instrumental in informing the approaches of many of our member agencies," said Fr. Larry Snyder, president of CCUSA. "Her insights and understandings will undoubtedly leave our annual gathering attendees informed and inspired, and we are excited to have her join us."

Dr. Payne, who holds a Ph.D in educational policy and policy studies from Loyola University in Illinois, has 30 years of experience in public schools as a high school department head, principal, and central office administrator of staff development. Her foundational work, A Framework for Understanding Poverty, has sold over 1.5 million copies since its original publication in 1996.

The CCUSA Annual Gathering is the preeminent national event offering Catholic Charities leaders, staff, volunteers, and partners to strategize about reducing poverty in America and celebrate a common purpose and shared identity. Additional information about the Annual Gathering can be found at http://2014AnnualGathering.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

About Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is leading a national movement to end poverty in America. In communities across the country, Catholic Charities member agencies are helping individuals and families in poverty achieve their full potential. Together we are dedicated to creating a life of opportunity and self-sufficiency for each of the 46 million of our brothers and sisters who live in poverty. CCUSA was founded in 1910 on the campus of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. as the National Conference of Catholic Charities. For more than 100 years, CCUSA has guided and supported the vast network of Catholic Charities agencies nationwide in a common mission to serve, advocate, and convene. For additional information, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA