In the 1970s the local Catholic Diocese, with the help of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, initiated the Poor People's Clinic in neighboring Fayette County, one of the poorest 50 counties in the country with no resident doctor. While serving as a pastor in Memphis parishes, Bro. Jeff greatly enjoyed the opportunity to preach in support of CCHD.

The De Lasalle Christian community has been committed to the Educational Service of the Economically Poor since 1680.

Last summer, they cycled across America, Spoke-N-Word, to raise up the issue of literacy, especially for the poor, and to support our urban San Miguel Schools. Bro. Jeff feels that the Brake the Cycle bike tour may be a dramatic witness to the great things CCHD is doing around the country, and an opportunity for others to be brought into the struggle for human rights and economic equality in the human family.

Brake the Cycle Planning Committee Mark Bouchard Diocese of Louisville Eva Bunkoczy Diocese of Phoenix Fr. Mike Henning Diocese of St. Louis Steve Henry Diocese of Salina Rich Fowler Diocese of Stockton Br. Jeff Gros Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs, USCCB Maureen O'Donnell Archdiocese of San Francisco Chris Wainwright Archdiocese of Washington Mary Wright CCHD National Staff Lee Anne Adams CCHD National Staff