Chronicle FALL 2021
C O M M O N W E A LT H C AT H O L I C C H A R I T I E S
WELCOMING OUR NEW NEIGHBORS In the past two months CCC has welcomed over 140 Afghan refugees into our communities across Central, Eastern, and Southwestern Virginia.
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As the crisis in Afghanistan continues to unfold, CCC staff remain committed to quickly and compassionately responding to the needs of our newest neighbors and providing them with a warm welcome. “I recently had the opportunity to go with our resettlement team to help set up an apartment for a refugee family,” said Jessica Wells, CCC VP of Mission Advancement. “I walked into an empty apartment. It was clean and bright, but very bare. There was no furniture, no decorations—nothing to make it feel like a home. When I went back to visit at the end of the week, it was completely different.” In those few days, the resettlement team had jumped into action. Moving in furniture, unpacking boxes, making beds, and turning an empty space into an inviting home. “In most cases refugees arrive with very few belongings,” said CCC CEO Jay Brown. “They have left behind everything—their homes, careers, family and friends, everything familiar.”
After
Providing a warm welcome is what CCC’s refugee resettlement program is all about, not only as we respond to the current Afghan refugee crisis but every day. This welcome is especially heartfelt from our staff, many of whom are refugees and have gone through a similar process themselves. CCC staff are there to welcome and guide refugee families from day one and beyond. They help refugees locate and set up a home, learn English and local culture, enroll children in school, prepare for employment, obtain a driver’s license, sign up for insurance, and so much more. “On behalf of the CCC team and refugee families we serve, I send my sincere thanks to our community of supporters—for every phone call made, item donated, e-mail sent, and check written. However, as we continue to respond to the Afghan refugee crisis we know that the real work is just beginning. We have already begun to prepare for the arrival of more families over the coming months,” said Brown. “We know that their road will be difficult, but we are ready and waiting to welcome them home.” To learn more about CCC's resettlement efforts and how you can help visit www.cccofva.org. www.cccofva.org • CCC provides quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.
CAME FOR GROCERIES & LEFT WITH A LOT MORE Jane, a single mom of three came to CCC's St. Francis House Food Pantry in Roanoke for groceries. All four family members had contracted COVID-19 earlier in the year. Jane didn't know how she was going to feed her children. While at St. Francis House, CCC staff connected Jane with our in-house housing and financial counseling team who helped her apply for rent assistance through the Virginia Rent Relief Program (RRP). Today, the program has helped Jane apply for four months of back rent, totaling over $3,000. Now she can feed her children and is also free from the burden of worrying about eviction.
The Virginia Rent Relief Program ensures housing stability for Virginians impacted financially by the pandemic. CCC staff help guide qualifying families through the RRP application process, resulting in financial assistance to help pay rent costs. Assistance is available in the Richmond, Roanoke, Newport News, and Norton areas. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact help@cccofva.org to learn more.
GETTING FINANCES IN SHAPE WITH FINANCIAL FITNESS BOOTCAMP This November is the start of CCC’s 12-month financial fitness bootcamp course, with limited spots left for anyone interested in improving their finances! The class has room for 40 participants and will meet virtually once a month. Participants will also receive a monthly personalized one-on-one coaching session. “We are going to cover a lot of information,” said Director of Income & Asset Building Services, Denise Crews. “But it’s going to be fun too. I am a firm believer in making learning fun. In addition to engaging guest speakers, we will also have interactive projects, games, and prizes. I know that this program will have a real and lasting impact on a family’s future.” To enroll or to learn more email denise.crews@cccofva.org. 2 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
BIG PLANS AND A BRIGHT FUTURE CCC provides case management for individuals with a developmental disability diagnosis. The program encourages successful living, skill building, behavioral health, employment, and community inclusion. Luke, who is 29-years-old and living with an autism diagnosis, recently came to CCC with big plans for his future. “Luke wants to be more independent and live on his own,” said Shelby Harris, Program Supervisor for CCC’s developmental disabilities waiver program. “To reach that goal, our team is helping him complete a housing voucher application. This will give him more flexibility in where he chooses to live and will provide him with more financial stability.”
To make his dreams a reality, Luke will also need support from his caseworker in making appointments, managing his finances, and completing his daily household chores. Luke also hopes to enroll in a master’s degree program soon with support from his case worker. “We are pleased to see Luke doing so well,” said Harris. “He has such a bright future ahead of him and we are blessed to be a part of helping him achieve it.”
A FRESH START Shelly was referred to CCC's Newport News office after several months of incarceration. She arrived at CCC ready to do whatever she could to regain custody of her 13-year-old son. Shelly was enthusiastic about getting a job so that she could quickly find housing and become financially stable. CCC Employment Navigator, Karen Kohler, immediately began working to help Shelly reach her goals. Karen contacted a local hotel and set up an interview for Shelly. Together Karen and Shelly reviewed Shelly’s existing skills, practiced for the interview, and discussed important job skills and behaviors. The interview went well and Shelly was hired as a housekeeper. Before she could begin work, Shelly needed to become familiar with the local transit system so she and Karen made a schedule and planned a route to and from work. “Shelly is thankful for the help she has received,” said Karen. “I am confident that she is well on her way to reaching her goals and reuniting with her son very soon.” Chronicle • Fall 2021 | 3
A View of Their World
Through my Eyes
Through my Eyes is a collaborative project giving children enrolled in the English Language Learner program at Roanoke City Public Schools a chance to explore their feelings, observations, and community through art. During the summer, CCC provided teachers with paper and art supplies for the project. The teachers then asked their students to draw a picture of their favorite memory. “With so many diverse backgrounds, the art the students created was unique to each child and tells a special story—from their journey to America to trying fast food for the first time,” said Marnie Mills, CCC Mission Advancement Associate. The art will travel around Roanoke before returning to CCC's Roanoke offices, where it will be permanently displayed. Special thanks to Dr. Brett Rhodes with North Roanoke Dental Associates and Towers Shopping Center for making this project possible.
Richmond Foster Care Art Exhibit From October 1-29, children in CCC’s Richmond foster care program are displaying their artwork at the Spotlight Galley at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center. The artwork was created with help from CCC Foster Parent Specialist, BeBe Tran who has organized this show since 2016. The artwork can be viewed online at www.pinecampartgallery.com or at the community center located at 4901 Old Brook Road in Richmond. Proceeds from purchased artwork will go directly to the artist. 4 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
A LITTLE BOY'S BURDEN IS LIGHTENED At just six years old, Jack carried a very heavy burden. Jack’s father was incarcerated, his mother struggled with substance abuse and mental health, and his grandmother, who battled alcoholism, was physically and emotionally abusive. Jack was often left alone to care for himself and his two-year-old half-brother with significant developmental delays. Jack constantly worried about having enough food and about his mother’s safety. Jack believed that he wasn’t smart and that he was causing his mother’s struggles. For the past two years, he and his half-brother have been living with a kind and loving foster family. Today, Jack’s heavy burden has lightened. “He has made great strides in all areas of his life and is learning to be a kid again,” said Lydia Strawbridge, CCC’s Roanoke area foster care program manager. Jack’s father has also been making great progress. He was released from jail over a year ago and has been working diligently, along with his fiancé, to obtain custody of Jack. Both he and his fiancé are being mentored by Jack’s foster parents and have developed a strong connection. “He will be going home to live with his father this fall and is very excited about it,” said Lydia. “And, his foster parents will be adopting his younger brother. Having two different endings that match each brother’s unique needs is so special. It shows the positive impact that a supportive relationship between CCC, the foster family, and the birth family has for children.” Chronicle • Fall 2021 | 5
Out and About The staff at CCC have had a busy summer spreading the word about CCC's programs and services across the state.
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October 1-29 Through the Eyes of a Foster Child art exhibition, Pine Camp Gallery, Richmond
November 5-19 Through My Eyes art exhibit, Taubman Museum of Art, Roanoke 12
Radio Poder program
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Holiday Festival of Music, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond
CCC’s Guardianship and Independence for Seniors staff were joined by Nutzy, the Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot, at Autism Society Central Virginia's 2021 Resource Fair & Family Day
December 6
Holiday Festival of Music virtual event
Hundreds of runners (and walkers) participated in Roanoke Runs for Refugees 5K on September 10 at Wasena Park in support of Afghan refugees
6 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
On a bright, sunny day in September the CCC team joined other refugee serving agencies for a fundraiser at Väsen Brewery in Richmond to raise funds and awareness for our new refugee neighbors
CCC’s Housing & Financial Counselors have been presenting financial tips and information during their monthly talk show on Radio Poder. The program is also broadcast live on Facebook. Tune in to our next episode on air on November 12 or listen online at wbtk.com.
Students from Christopher Newport University volunteered their time during their 14th annual Day One of Service to organize donations and socialize with children from CCC’s Refugee Resettlement program in Newport News
The team in Norton enjoyed the beautiful fall weather and represented CCC at the Wise County Fall Fling in October
Kristen Larcher, Director of Operations for Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services, and others from the Refugee Resettlement team have been busy sharing updates on CCC’s efforts in supporting refugees during the Afghan refugee crisis this summer.
Be a part of the action! Donate today. www.cccofva.org/donate Chronicle • Fall 2021 | 7
918 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.974.6880
1601 Rolling Hills Drive Richmond, VA 23229 804.285.5900
740 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite F Newport News, VA 23606 757.247.3600
809 Oliver Hill Way Richmond, VA 23219 804.648.4177 820 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.7561
7813 Halprin Drive Norfolk, VA 23518 757.256.6272
St. Francis House Food Pantry 836 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.268.0098
507 Park Avenue SW Norton, VA 24273 276.679.1195 111 Perry Street Petersburg, VA 23803 804.733.6207
541 Luck Avenue, SW Suite 118 Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.0411
www.cccofva.org
Holiday Festival of Music Live event: November 29, 2021, 7:00 p.m. | Virtual event: December 6, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Kick off the holidays with CCC’s 30th annual Holiday Festival of Music concert featuring the Richmond Symphony and VCU choral ensemble. This year there are two great ways to enjoy the performance—from the comfort of your home virtually or live at the historic Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond. Virtual event access links are $30 per household. Live event tickets start at $55 per person and include virtual event access. Get your tickets today at www.cccofva.org/tickets