Catholic Charities Creating Hope, Transforming Lives
Catholic Charities NEWSLETTER of Onondaga County
Creating Hope, Transforming Lives
Dear Friends, Poverty wears many different faces. Sometimes it is easily recognizable – it’s a man sitting on the street with a cardboard sign or a youngster walking to school in February without a coat. These are dire issues, and we have programs that address both situations. But, as you know, poverty is much more complex than a lack of winter clothing. Poverty is systemic. It hinders an individual’s success in a number of ways. A child born into poverty, for example, faces the simultaneous challenges of hunger, inadequate housing, lack of health care and other social issues that have the potential to impact the rest of their lives. A recent refugee struggling to make ends meet for a family must learn English while searching for a job and navigating the complicated process of achieving American citizenship. All of our clients come to us with complex back stories. There are multiple reasons they are in need and rarely is there an easy fix. We have been working with the many faces of poverty in Syracuse since 1923. We have experienced success through addressing poverty on many levels. Our Supportive Housing Services
In This Issue
WINTER 2017
work with families and individuals to keep them housed in stable conditions, providing a platform from which to build a more successful life. Our youth programs, including our Pre-K classes, lay educational and social foundations to support children who are born into poverty. Our newest programs, our social ventures, reduce poverty by increasing an individual’s ability to obtain and maintain employment. We work on many fronts to reduce poverty in our community. Every day at Catholic Charities we resolve crisis situations, help stabilize families and individuals and then build their capacity to live successful, independent lives. Our success is made possible by the involvement of our supporters. Please consider contributing and joining us in our efforts to reduce poverty in our community. You have our gratitude and appreciation.
In light of the recent Executive Orders that limit refugee resettlement activity in the U.S., we at Catholic Charities reaffirm our commitment to all refugees and immigrants who are fleeing persecution in order to start a new life.
With warm thanks,
To read up on our latest response and actions you can take, please visit www.ccocmike. wordpress.org.
Michael F. Melara Executive Director
• Chief Development Officer – p 2 • Pre-K Program Expansion – p 3 • Permanent Supportive Housing – p 4
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ONONDAGA COUNTY |
• Employee Recognition – p 4 • Volunteer Highlight – p 5 • House of Providence Dinner Honorees – p 6
1654 WEST ONONDAGA STREET
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SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13204
2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS R. Michael Campbell President Dennis Gleason Vice President Patrick Taylor Treasurer Mark Pitonzo Assistant Treasurer Deb Welch Secretary Julian Modesti, Esq. Assistant Secretary Cindy J. Bird Joseph L. Charles Dennis DePerro, Ed.D. Michael P. Dresher John Godwin Brenda Greenfield Lt. Jonathan Hamblin Reverend Joann Hicks Kathryn Lindsey Reverend Fred Mannara Ryan McDermott Michael Meath Brian Moore John Sindoni, Esq. Juanita Perez Williams
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM Michael F. Melara Executive Director Christopher Curry Chief Program Officer Candace E. Murray Chief Compliance Officer Denise Headd Chief Development Officer T. Scott Kelso Chief Financial Officer Tia R. Sales Chief Human Resources Officer Catherine Willson Executive Assistant
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2017 WINTER NEWSLETTER
CONGRATULATIONS TO
DENISE HEADD Chief Development Officer Catholic Charities of Onondaga County is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Denise Headd as Chief Development Officer. Ms. Headd joins Catholic Charities with a decade of experience in community relations and fundraising for local nonprofits. Most recently, Ms. Headd served as Director of Development for the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo where she provided leadership, strategic direction, management, and coordination for all fundraising efforts including large donor recognition events. Past positions include Director of Mission Advancement at Assumption Church where she managed community relations and fundraising efforts including a community-wide benefit concert and a wine tasting event to raise funds for the church’s efforts. Ms. Headd also served as the Director of Development for Joseph’s House for Women in Syracuse where she was responsible for all fundraising efforts including major gifts, corporate donations, and managing the annual Gala and charity golf tournament. Ms. Headd holds a Bachelors in English and Communications from Canisius College. She lives in Syracuse with her husband. n
1923 SOCIETY The 1923 Society is named for the year Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse was incorporated. It is a leadership giving society whose members make one or more unrestricted gifts totaling at least $1,000 annually. This support is vital to the programs that help us reach over 20,000 local people in need every year. HOW TO JOIN: Members donate one or more unrestricted gifts totaling at least $1,000 in one calendar year. Membership is limited to individuals, couples and/or families. Gifts may be directed to the agency as a whole or to a particular program for general unrestricted use. Gifts made to specific events (the House of Providence Dinner, Salt City Shaker, etc.) are not counted as part of this total. Payment plans can be made by contacting Mary Kay Musyt at 315-362-7579 or mkmusyt@ccoc.us. MEMBER BENEFITS: In 2017, members will receive special recognition in our annual report and regular updates on how their support is impacting our programs. An exclusive member event is also in the works – details to come! n
PRE-K EXPANSION
DIVERSITY IN CATHOLIC CHARITIES PRE-K
13
Multi-Racial
20
Caucasian
34
3.92% 6.02%
10.24%
Black/ African American 127
38.25% Asian
137
TOTAL
332
350 300
310
250
244 American Indian
200
202
Hispanic/Latino
13
Multi-Racial
20
Caucasian
34
3.92%
150 100
104
88
50
108
120
1
208
.30%
6.02%
10.24%
Black/ African American 127
38.25%
0
Asian
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
137
41.27% 2013-14
2014-15 TOTAL 332
2015-16
2016-17
SCHOOL YEAR 350
ENROLLED PRE-K STUDENTS
Many of our Pre-K programs are located in the same neighborhood, or even the same building, as our neighborhood centers. Neighborhood centers provide programming for school-age children and teens. Our suite of resources and our connections with peer organizations combine to provide support for children through middle school, high school and beyond. By sharing this journey from infancy through high school, we help children have their best chance at an adulthood not marred by poverty. n
Hispanic/Latino
41.27%
ENROLLED PRE-K STUDENTS
Our Pre-K students come from diverse backgrounds; over 70% are the children of recent refugees. For these children in particular, the Pre-K environment is an important introduction to American style schooling before they begin grade school. For all children, the Pre-K classes provide important education, socialization and structure. There are also snacks and meals which provide key nutrients for a group that too often endures food stress.
1
.30%
We are dedicated to ensuring that children born into poverty in Syracuse have the support they need to be as successful as possible. For some local children, this support begins before birth when their mothers enroll in a parenting program such as Lullaby League. Lullaby League helps young mothers prepare to care for their children. Our Refugee Services, too, works with families to ensure young ones get a good start. When children age out of programs like Lullaby League, our Pre-K programs are waiting to continue services. Currently, we serve 310 children in our Pre-K classes. That’s a 20% increase (66 more children) since last school year, making for a 350% increase since 2010 (see graph). The increase comes from a new location we opened in the Washington Square neighborhood, which, given the lack of elementary schools in the area, had been underserved. With this location, we now have six Pre-K programs across Syracuse. Three of our locations offer half-day classes and three offer full-day classes.
American Indian
300
310
250
244 200
202
208
2013-14
2014-15
150 100 50 0
88
2009-10
104
108
2010-11
2011-12
120
2012-13
2015-16
2016-17
SCHOOL YEAR
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ONONDAGA COUNTY
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EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION EVENT The 2016 Employee Recognition Event was held November 10th. Employees were recognized for their years of service and for special contributions to the agency. Congratulations to all who were honored.
PERMANENT SOLUTIONS Breakthroughs for our Permanent Supportive Housing clients can be a long time coming. Sometimes, when they arrive, they might not look like what we expect. “He turned on the radio and picked his own channel!” Shevanie White says happily about one of her clients. “I know it doesn’t sound like much, but it took weeks for him to feel like that was his radio and his home. That was progress for him.” Shevanie, who goes by Shevy, is a case worker in our Permanent Supportive Housing program. Her clients have all struggled with homelessness for at least a year (either twelve consecutive months or four episodes in a three-year period). Most are also struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse. Many of our Permanent Supportive Housing clients have lived with so much instability that they struggle with the idea of having a permanent home. Shevy and the other case workers help their clients to live independently and care for their homes. They take clients to medical appointments and go grocery shopping. Case workers assist in filling out and filing the many forms required to qualify for various types of public assistance. Over time, they work with clients to establish and pursue goals like getting their GED, reconnecting with family, and finding employment. “I think one of the most important things is that we are
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2017 WINTER NEWSLETTER
someone who is looking out for them,” says Shevy. “A lot of the people we serve don’t have family or friends. They want to know someone cares about what happens to them. Everyone wants that.” We are excited to continue expanding our Stability Services, including Permanent Supportive Housing, in 2017. Projects are underway to develop more apartments to transition people out of shelters to independent living situations. We will build up our career preparation services, including our social ventures like Project Joseph and CASS (Culinary Arts for Self-Sufficiency), which teach specific skillsets to help people gain and maintain employment. This support enables people to become stable, contributing members of their community who are, in turn, better able to lift up their families and neighborhoods. By addressing some of the major obstacles between people and success lack of education, scarce opportunities, instability, lack of employment – these programs reduce poverty in our community. n
SERVICE AWARDS The C. Walter Driscoll Award Carol Karins
Thirty Years of Service Felicia Castricone Denise Lazarski Mike Milholland
Twenty Years of Service Ying Lee Jo Orsak
Ten Years of Service Kathleen McDonnell Kathy Moser Ken Mowers
Five Years of Service Kristian Peterson Atsede Negussey Tina Snyder Ondalee Kelley Lydia Andrews Jeff Bullock
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT: SANDWICHES FOR GOOD has joined the effort, coming down to hand out sandwiches and spend time with the men. On a recent trip, they brought along a giant game of jenga to serve as an icebreaker.
Catholic Charities USA President, Sr. Donna Markham, joins our Director, Mike Melara, and volunteers serving a meal at the Men’s Shelter, November 2016.
Every first Tuesday of the month at Holy Cross Church, a group gets together and makes sandwiches. A lot of sandwiches. “We make up to 400 some days,” says Beth Schaefer, the Director of Faith in Action at Holy Cross Church, who coordinates the effort. “They come in four varieties: tuna, egg salad, chicken salad, and PB & J. All the materials are donated by our volunteers.” After the sandwiches are made, another group of volunteers bring them down to our Men’s Shelter to distribute to the residents. New volunteers are given a tour of the facilities. The church’s young adult ministry
The sandwich-making has evolved since it began a few years ago. Word spread and more people joined; most months they have about 30 people working together. A nutritionist got involved and changed up the menu a bit. They started another, smaller sandwich-making on the third Tuesday of the month. They support Mary Jo Galletta and her family in providing a few hot meals every year. The volunteers encourage each other to learn more about the experience of homelessness, including the many factors that contribute to an individual’s homelessness. The group is motivated by a desire to break down barriers between people. Over 33% of Syracuse’s population lives below the federal poverty line; these volunteers want to know the people behind the statistics. They want the men who stay at the shelter to feel that they are valued as individuals and that they are a part of the larger community. “That’s what we’re about,” says Beth. “We’re about doing good. And sometimes that’s as simple as making sandwiches.” Our volunteers are vital to our success and actively participate in many of our programs. To learn more, visit www.ccoc.us/volunteer. n
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ONONDAGA COUNTY
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32nd ANNUAL HOUSE OF PROVIDENCE DINNER Presented by
J.W. Burns & Company At the Annual House of Providence Dinner, Catholic Charities of Onondaga County honors individuals for their exceptional leadership and service to the agency and our Central New York community. The 32nd Annual House of Providence Dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 5:30 pm at the Oncenter in Downtown Syracuse. We are excited to honor three exceptional individuals this year. The Bishop’s Award will be presented to Dr. Linda LeMura, President of Le Moyne College, for her dedication to actively serving people in the community. The President’s Award will be given to Mr. Larry Bousquet, a member of Bousquet Holstein LLPC, in recognition of his contributions to the enhancement of the Diocese, Catholic Charities and the broader community. Ms. Leola Rodgers, President and CEO of the Syracuse Community Health Center,
will receive the Humanitarian Services Award which honors individuals who demonstrate a consistent dedication to improving the human condition through a life of service. We look forward to a great night celebrating truly remarkable members of the community. We hope you will join us. Our sincere thanks to Co-Chairs Joseph Charles and Patricia Callahan, and to the House of Providence Dinner Committee for all of their support. n
SAVE THE DATE Please Join Us for the
32nd Annual House of Providence Dinner
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Dr. Linda LeMura
Larry Bousquet
Leola Rodgers
President Le Moyne College
Member Bousquet Holstein LLPC
President and CEO Syracuse Community Health Center
2017 WINTER NEWSLETTER
MAY 17, 2017 Oncenter, Downtown Syracuse For tickets and sponsorship information, visit ccoc.us or call 315-362-7579
In late 2016, we were deeply saddened by the passing of Tara Causgrove. Tara was with our Refugee Services for several years, working with and advocating for refugee youth. In 2015, she returned to graduate school full-time to complete her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while continuing her advocacy on behalf of refugee children. She had recently graduated and was preparing to become
a family counselor. She passed away in December after a brief illness. Tara was a bright light working for the benefit of the most vulnerable people in both her professional and personal life. Her kindness, compassion and dedication contributed to the well-being of many in our community. She is deeply missed by her coworkers and the clients she worked with. Tara was gifted at inspiring passion in those she worked with. Through her legacy of kindness to others, she continues to do so. n
Creating Hope, Transforming Lives
Catholic MISSIONCharities of Onondaga County
Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse is dedicated to caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice. We strive to empower those served to transform their lives in the spirit of God’s love and compassion.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ONONDAGA COUNTY
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Creating Hope, Transforming Lives
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID SYRACUSE, NY PERMIT NO. 703
1654 West Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
WAYS TO GIVE
DONATE ONLINE Credit card gifts can be made on our secure site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at https://www.ccoc.us/giving/
PUT A CHECK IN THE MAIL Checks made payable to Catholic Charities of Onondaga County may be sent to: Attn: Development Department, 1654 West Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
GIVE US A CALL Gifts and pledges can be paid over the phone by credit card. Please call 315-362-7579 to make a gift. Annual pledges can also be paid through a quarterly or monthly payment program.
TRANSFER STOCK Making a gift with securities you have owned for more than one year will earn you a double tax benefit. Not only can you take a tax deduction for the full, fair-market value of the stock, you can also avoid capital gains tax on any asset appreciation. Please call 315-362-7528 for more information.
MAKE A LEGACY GIFT Include Catholic Charities of Onondaga County in your estate plan. Consult your legal counsel to explore options.
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please call us at 315-362-7579.
United Way of Central New York