Spring Chronicle 2022

Chronicle SPRING 2022

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

Spotlight on Raissa Before Raissa was born, her parents fled from Rwanda to the safety of a refugee camp in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Raissa was born in the refugee camp. Both of her parents died while she was still very young.

When Raissa was 10, she and her siblings were approved to move to the United States. Raissa's siblings, who were in their early twenties, were resettled as adults and Raissa entered CCC's unaccompanied refugee minor foster care program.

Raissa had two wonderful foster parents, Paul and Katy. Paul passed away in 2015 but Raissa continued to live with Katy for two more years until she moved in with her sister, a day they had both looked forward to.

Now 19 and attending Roanoke Catholic High School, Raissa is thriving. She is active in school, participating in track and field, various clubs, and cheerleading. Last year, she was named homecoming queen.

Raissa is still deciding what to study in college but has considered becoming a lawyer to represent refugees and children.

This spring, Raissa received a car that had been donated to CCC. The car will help her get to school and keep her connected to her family when she goes to college in the fall.

“My number one goal is to become successful and make something of myself. I want to make a difference in the world and use my story and experiences to help inspire others,” said Raissa. “No matter where you come from you can make something out of yourself.”

www.cccofva.org • CCC provides quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.

Patricia is a very positive person.

A Positive Spirit

“Patricia’s outlook, drive and positivity are her major strengths,” said her case worker, Christina. “She is always an advocate for herself and wants to help others.”

“We’re finding assistive technology and devices that have voice or motion control.”

Throughout everything she has faced, Patricia’s optimism hasn’t wavered.

“She just takes life one day at a time.”

For over four years, Patricia has been in CCC’s waiver program for adults with developmental disabilities. Recently, Patricia contracted an infection and, to save her life, doctors were forced to amputate her arms and legs.

“She has to deal with a lot of pain and healing,” said Christina. “Before the surgery, she was working full time so this has been a drastic change in her life. But she is handling it extremely well.”

Patricia’s number one goal is to become independent again.

“Since her release from the hospital I have been helping obtain and submit the necessary legal and financial documents that will allow Patricia to remain as independent as possible,” said Christina.

New Car for Norton Thanks to a recent United States Department of Agriculture grant, the Norton foster care team has acquired a new vehicle.

“We are so excited,” said Cassandra Collins, director of operations for the Norton office. “Our case workers often travel up to an hour and a half to visit the children and families we are working with. This new car is such a blessing.”

CCC’s foster care program in Norton is the largest in the area and currently serves 45 children.

2 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

A Bright Future

Sayyid, his parents, and three siblings arrived in the United States from Afghanistan in 2017.

At the time, he was 14-years-old.

CCC assisted Sayyid’s family as they navigated life in the United States and helped to enroll the children in school. Sayyid especially enjoys school and has big plans following graduation, hoping to one day start his own business.

To help him reach his goals, a CCC community volunteer is mentoring him.

Together, they explore ideas and research ways to start a business. Sayyid also received a laptop and subscription to online training programs.

Sayyid has become involved in the community by volunteering in neighborhood clean-up projects and as an interpreter for CCC. While he continues to build the framework for his long-term dreams, Sayyid is also planning for his immediate future. His biggest goal right now is to become a U.S. citizen and join the military.

“Sayyid is outgoing, quick to take on new adventures, and loves America,” said case worker Fawzia. “I know that he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Every Campus a Refuge CCC has partnered with Old Dominion University to assist refugee families with housing and support services.

In March, ODU became the first college campus in Virginia to participate in the Every Campus A Refuge project.

"For many years ODU has been a wonderful partner and important ally for refugees," said Kristen Larcher, CCC director of operations in the Hampton Roads area.

In April, CCC's Felicia Fisher (left) and Kristen Larcher (middle) joined a panel discussion about refugee resettlement at ODU along with the State Refugee Coordinator for Virginia.

"It has been wonderful to work with them and to welcome a family escaping violence in Syria and help to get them established in their new home."

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An Environment of Equity & Inclusion CCC is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment for both staff and clients. A new grant is helping support those efforts.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Clients have shared that staff are knowledgeable, efficient, and cares about them.

“The goal of the grant is to get feedback directly from clients about their experiences. We are asking specific questions about racial and cultural inclusion and if clients feel they have been treated respectfully,” said Abigail Roberson, quality assurance specialist.

“The project is important because it gives us the opportunity to talk with clients directly and candidly about their perspectives,” said Roberson. “We want to ensure that we are providing the highest possible quality care to all our clients, and we need client feedback to make sure that is happening.”

Client interviews began in March and will continue through June. Clients who participate in these interviews are compensated for their time.

Funds from the grant will also go towards the purchase of supplies and training resources that will be available to all staff to further the commitment to equity and inclusion.

“This is a different approach to client feedback,” said COO, Anita Wallen. “We often ask for feedback from clients on services, but it is also important to know if we are ensuring services are accessible and equitable for all. It’s also nice to be able to offer some compensation in return for their time and their honesty.”

The project is fully funded by a grant from Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. RMHF is committed to its mission of fostering an equitable and healthy Richmond Region.

The Key to a New Van Thanks to the generosity of donors and sponsors in the Roanoke Valley during GIVE Roanoke a community-wide day of giving, CCC’s St. Francis House is one step closer to purchasing a new van.

“Our community is the key to everything we do,” said Marnie Mills, mission advancement associate. “We are incredibly blessed by such overwhelming support from donors and sponsors who gave $9,665 during GIVE Roanoke."

CCC's old van (pictured), from 1988, is no longer able to keep up with the demands of the food pantry which will provide nutritious groceries to over 12,000 adults and children this year.

Thank you to everyone who participated during GIVE Roanoke.

If you missed GIVE Roanoke but would still like to help meet our $15,000 goal for the van, please visit www.cccofva.org/giveroanoke.

Thank you to sponsors, North Roanoke Dental Associates, Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico, P1 Technologies, Webster Marine Center, Valley Wealth Group, Oakey's, and Farmburguesa.

4 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Kids in the Kitchen In the kitchen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richmond, a group of youth in CCC’s foster care program met in January for their first in-person gathering since the pandemic began. They were learning how to cook empanadas, chicken alfredo, rice, and chili.

“They were so excited about the class,” said case worker Antoinette Coates. “The food tasted great, and they were so excited to take plates and extra ingredients home and keep practicing.”

The cooking class is offered as part of CCC’s Independent Living program. Through the program, youth who turn 18 can remain in foster care until they are 21. The program requires that they are enrolled in school, have full or part-time jobs, and remain in weekly contact with their case worker. They can live on their own or remain with their foster family and rent a room with them. They can also attend classes provided by CCC to gain the skills they need to be on their own. Younger youth, aged 14-17, are required to attend as well so that they too can start to practice important life skills. There are currently 42 youth participating in the classes.

“I assist them with making sure they know and are able to pay their bills, learn life skills, and know how to be independent,” said Coates.

“I love how eager they are to get together and learn skills that will help prepare them to be successful, independent individuals.”

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Diana Martin “Diana was someone who was always ready to jump in and help, whether it was having a baby shower for expectant mothers, providing holiday gifts, opening a clothes closet, and even offering sewing classes,” said Betsy Hale in CCC’s refugee resettlement program. “She was a lovely and generous person who always put others before herself. We all miss her so.”

Farewells

With great sadness, CCC said a final farewell to two very special people this winter; long-time refugee resettlement volunteer, Diana Martin, and board member and volunteer, Gerald Brittle.

Gerald Brittle “Gerald was a dedicated volunteer with CCC for well over a decade and served on our board since 2006,” said Jay Brown.

“Gerald was unwaveringly dedicated to our ministry, particularly our programs providing for the basic needs of our neighbors. I remember that whenever he attended a meeting at our offices, he would arrive with a bag of groceries for families at our food pantry. Gerald’s dedication and generous spirit are deeply missed.”

6 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Home at Last When Tyrell first became homeless seven years ago, he connected with CCC’s Housing Resource Center for assistance. Tyrell visited staff nearly every day. Together they worked on small interim goals like applying for Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), getting a phone, and locating his birth certificate and other identification.

Welcome new board members We are pleased to welcome our newest board member and look forward to serving our neighbors throughout Virginia together.

CCC Board of Directors

For many years, Tyrell has struggled with mental health. He also experienced significant trauma as a child and young adult, growing up in a household that was often chaotic, where physical abuse and substance abuse were common.

“Tyrell’s history and mental health make him distrustful of shelters and service providers,” said Anna, CCC homeless transition specialist. “Progressively addressing small items, sometimes just providing a hot meal or a handshake were key in creating a safe place for long-term goal planning.”

Nazia Shafi

William Parkhurst

Tony Pham

Human Services Foundation

With each visit, trust and rapport were built and the team slowly worked towards Tyrell’s number one goal of being accepted into permanent supportive housing, a program which provides long-term rental subsidy for individuals with disabilities.

This spring, Tyrell finally moved into an apartment of his own, near the Housing Resource Center so that he can still drop in to say hello, check for mail, and grab the occasional snack.

“Move-in day was by far the happiest I’ve ever seen him,” said Anna. “It was a very special moment for us both.”

Courtney Friedlein

Housing Corporation Patrice Shelton

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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

507 Park Avenue SW Norton, VA 24273 276.679.1195

820 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.7561

111 Perry Street Petersburg, VA 23803 804.733.6207

St. Francis House Food Pantry 836 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.268.0098

www.cccofva.org

541 Luck Avenue, SW Suite 118 Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.0411

Don't bee bothered by your old vehicle, donate it to CCC!

Give us a buzz!

Contact Marnie Mills to learn more. marnie.mills@cccofva.org