Oswego County Catholic Charities provides services and hope to families

commissioner, she counted on Catholic Charities to be part of the conversation and provide essential services. “The organization fills the gaps by seeking solutions through coordination with other agencies to tackle issues such as food emergencies, parent training, counseling for abused children, etc.,” she added.

By Eileen Jevis Staff writer

There are 55 dedicated, passionate employees and a dozen volunteers in Oswego County that are an integral part of the Catholic Charities family. Mary Margaret Pekow, the executive director of that location, feels fortunate to be in a leadership position while still rolling up her sleeves to provide much-needed services and support to her clients.

Originally founded in the 1930s as an adoption agency, the Oswego County Catholic Charities, located in Fulton, remains a critical human services agency that offers many valuable programs for adults, children and families.

According to Pekow, the overall poverty rate in Oswego County is 19.3 percent. While the food pantry has seen significant growth, local funding has decreased. Homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction are just a few of the issues she and her staff encounter each day. Working closely with other local agencies, they support and assist those whose basic needs are unmet.

Frances Lanigan is the former commissioner of the Department of Social Services in Oswego County. She is now a member of the board and a volunteer at Catholic Charities.

“Generational poverty is at the core of so many social problems,” Lanigan said. “Lack of reliable transportation and lack of jobs that pay a living wage are just some of the challenges we see. The saddest impact of poverty is child neglect and abuse.” Lanigan said as former

Tim Archer has worked at the Fulton location for 23 years. He has held several positions including mental health case management and adult health home care management.

Archer currently works as the community engagement coordinator.

In addition to his duties in that role, he helps supervise the food pantry and thrift store, recruits volunteers, and develops and maintains donor relationships. Archer said the job has its challenges. “We may not be able to conquer all of the obstacles we encounter in order to deliver the care that every person needs, but there is a great sense of fulfillment in our work,” he said. “It may be seeing a tear become a smile, or receiving a thank-you note for something we’ve done in the course of a day’s work. In cases where a client has passed away, we sometimes still hear from a family member who remembers the time we spent with their loved one. It is those moments that have the greatest impact on me,” said Archer.

Pekow said that the organization offers a variety of programs such as Circle of Security that offers parents the tools and education they need to enhance their parenting skills and improve overall family interactions. The Learn Through Play Program is a place for children to explore various areas of development through play, activities and interactions. Also, the Get Set Program is a recoveryfocused program designed to promote increased consumer independence and wellness.

“Our focus is on individual and family success and wellness,” said Pekow. “Our Care Management Program helps clients with coordination of services, goal setting, health care, and referrals to community and social supports.”

The mission of Catholic Charities has not changed a great deal since it was founded 100 years ago in Syracuse. Its mission is to effectively minister and respond to the problems of the day. Programs offered at the six locations throughout the Diocese touch the lives of thousands of people each month.

Lanigan encourages others to look for opportunities to make a difference in their communities. Referring to Luke 12:48, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,” inspires and motivates Lanigan in her work.

For more information on how you can help, donate, or volunteer, visit https://www.ccoswego.com/