Catholic Charities of Steuben - 2015 Annual Report

Celebration ANNUAL REPORT 20152014 ANNUAL REPORT

Growing Community

“When we celebrate what’s right, we find the energy to fix what’s wrong.” Dewitt Jones

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love.” -Coretta Scott King

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Our Mission

Locations:

To build communities that care for all people by strengthening and enriching the quality of life for individuals, families, and children; working to reduce poverty; and advocating for social justice; which helps fulfill Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester’s commitment to build a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people.

www.catholiccharitiessteuben.org

Administrative Office 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810 (607) 776-8085 Fax (607) 776-4092 Facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesSteuben Programs Located at the Administrative Office

Turning Point: Bath Office (607) 776-4575, (800) 581-9228 Nutrition Outreach & Education (607) 776-4202, (800) 724-2841 Justice & Peace (607) 776-8085 Ext. 217 Healthy Families: Bath Office (607) 776-6621 SHAPE: Bath Office (607) 776-7853

Kinship Administrative & Program Offices

Core Values Respect Integrity Compassion Hospitality Excellence Stewardship

Catholic Charities is a funded partner of:

6251 County Route 64, Suite 102 Hornell, NY 14843 Healthy Families (607) 324-6027 Fax (607) 324-0983 SHAPE (607) 324-0909 Fax (607) 324-0983 Therapeutic Foster Care (607) 324-0909 Fax (607) 324-0073 Residential Services (607) 324-0909 Fax (607) 324-3603 Additional Program Sites Bath Community Child Day Care Center 36 E. Morris St., Bath, NY 14810 (607) 776-7387 Fax (607) 776-1220 Steuben Council on Addictions & Bath Area Hope for Youth 8 E. Morris St., Bath, NY 14810 (607) 776-6441 Fax (607) 776-6664 Healthy Families: Addison Office 13 Community Dr. # 101, Addison, NY 14801 (607) 359-2259 SHAPE: Allegany Office 1 Schuyler St. , Belmont , NY 14813 (585) 268-5616 SHAPE: Yates Office 1 Keuka Business Park, Suite 106, Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-6632 Steuben County Rural Ministry 34 W Main St, Canisteo, NY 14823 607) 698-4725 Turning Point: Corning Office 39 W. William St., Corning, NY 14830 (607) 962-0704 Fax (607) 962-0724 Turning Point: Hornell Office 20 Elm St., Suite 2, Hornell, NY 14843 (607) 324-3457 Fax (607) 324-3455

Dear Friends of Catholic Charities,

Message from the Executive Director

In 2015 we celebrated significant achievements and made important progress on various fronts.

We had three programs who celebrated milestone anniversaries; our Weider Residence for men in recovery celebrated 20 years of service, Healthy Families Steuben celebrated 20 years and our Bath Community Child Day Care Center celebrated 25 years of service. Each of these programs has staff which have been with the program since its inception. I am proud to say that the longevity of our staff and programs is a testament to the importance and quality of our services.

Throughout 2015 we focused on deepening our advocacy efforts for people in poverty through publications, presentations, petitions, and press conferences. Much of this work was done in collaboration with our faith community and other agency partners. We also participated in several new initiatives in order to position ourselves for changes in Medicaid Redesign.

It is our desire that, in the future, we will provide greater assistance to our clients in coordination of services that will help them to live healthier lives.

As you will see from our service numbers and impact information; all of our Priority Service areas met or exceeded their program outcomes and objectives. These results reflect the conscientious effort of all staff to positively impact the lives of those they serve.

We also embarked on several key initiatives regarding our most important asset - our people. In the spring of 2015 we renovated the second floor our administrative building located at 23 Liberty St., in Bath, whereby increasing efficiencies and improving work conditions. We supported the growth of our staff by increasing opportunities for training including an intensive training for development of future leaders in the organization as well as by engaging in succession planning for Key Positions.

As you can see, our accomplishments for 2015 extend well beyond financial results. They demonstrate how commitment to our clients, employees, and communities translates into concrete results that pave the way for future successes.

I am grateful to the Leadership Team and our Board of Directors for their support and dedication to our mission. They and our staff are responsible for all of these achievements. I am confident that guided by clear objectives and energized by the opportunities that lie ahead of us, we will continue to make a critical impact.

Sincerely,

Laura M. Opelt

Message From the Board Chairperson Dear Friends, This year’s theme of "Celebration" is certainly fitting. Wonderful things are happening at Catholic Charities of Steuben, and we could not be prouder! We celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Bath Community Child Day Care. Healthy Families and the Substance free Living’s Community Residence both celebrated 20 years in existence. One memorable event was the rededication of the Community Residence - renaming it the Weider House. The poor are being fed, the destitute are being cared for, real issues are being addressed, children and families are given hope. All of these accomplishments could not happen without your generosity. Staff, Board members, volunteers, and friends all came together to make this all happen.

I am so in awe of all the wonderful works taking place through Catholic Charities of Steuben. You should also be proud to know you were a part of these many accomplishments.

Our Mission is "To build communities that care for all people by strengthening and enriching the quality of life for individuals, families, and children; working to reduce poverty; and advocating for social justice; which helps fulfill Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester's commitment to build a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people." This is all being accomplished and I welcome you to celebrate these great deeds with us.

God Bless you for being a part of it.

Michael E. Gabrielli Catholic Charities, Board Chairperson

Substance Free Living programs reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and its negative consequences in the communities we serve.

Prevention Services

Summary of Services Service Provided

Steuben Council on Addictions is an information and referral based program that provides prevention education services to schools, Bath Hope Counseling communities, and organizations within Steuben County.  The Sheriff’s Department continues to support our efforts with STOP

John Southard Youth Recreation

Steuben Council Drinker Driver Program DWI funding $6,500 was awarded - marking four years .  The District Attorney’s Office provided $1,500 in funding to support Steuben Council EBP Youth 

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Individuals Served 77 1,174 188 1,130

our efforts in raising awareness on the dangers of drinking and Steuben Council AP Adults 104 driving to the youth in our county.

Partnering with Arbor Housing and Development, Inc. we have Steuben Council Adult Services 1,050 expanded programming to the Corning area. We now provide Prevention Education to all three of Arbor’s Supportive Living Program Steuben Council Youth Services 3,340 sites including Corning, Hornell and Bath.

126,347 Steuben Council now provides Prevention Education at the Addison Steuben Council Community Outreach Youth Teen Center and at the Tuscarora after school program known as Valley Advantage.

Drug Free Community received Tyrtle Beach funding for the Underage Drinking Task Force, $500.

The Social Host Law was passed and went into effect in February. Under the law, those who knowingly provide a place for children under 21 to use alcohol and/or illegal drugs face penalties including fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, and jail terms from 15 days to one year.

The Steuben County Prevention Coalition conducted the comprehensive Risk and Protective Factor Survey in 11 of the 13 school districts during the last week of October. This survey sheds significant light on the current risks and issues facing Barb McCollum providing Prevention youth in Steuben County. Issues include alcohol, drug, and tobacco usage. Plans Education at Valley Advantage. for mitigating identified issues can then take place.

The Steuben Prevention Coalition Sponsors the 2nd Annual Youth Forum On October 28, 2015, the Steuben Prevention Coalition sponsored the 2nd Annual Youth Action Forum at Haverling High School in Bath. The event brought teams of student leaders from many Steuben County Schools to gain leadership skills and strategies to use upon return to their respective schools. Teams developed strategies on how to change the culture within their districts to combat critical issues such as substance abuse, bullying, and other locally selected concerns.

Following the keynote address from Fairport Basketball Coach Scott Fitch, students attended breakout sessions addressing the following: the importance of quality communication and critical thinking, team building, networking, and conflict resolution. Presenting the sessions were community leaders including: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, District Attorney Brooks Baker, Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan, Attorney Mark Schlechter, ProAction’s Community & Partnership Coordinator Amy Rusak, Bath Middle School Principal Jennifer D’Abbracci, Haverling Educator Stacey Brzezinski, and NYS Trooper Kelly Mietlicki. The workshop was very well received by all, especially the students.

Following the event development of action plans within each school district were to take place and the teams plan to meet again in the spring to report on the progress made with their goals.

Some comments from student participants: "I loved how we split into groups and were able to listen to 4 different speakers." - Lauren Robbins, Prattsburgh Central School; “It was great to learn how to apply leadership skills to actual problems in our school that we can help fix and change.” - Olivia Snavely, Haverling High School; “I had a lot of fun; I learned how to be a good leader, communicate properly, and be positive!" - Jeremiah Cooper, Hornell High School; “I thought it was a lot of fun to step out of our comport zones and talk to other people.” MacKenna Taggart, Haverling High School; and “I enjoyed the presence of other leaders and the intriguing presenters we were able to see!” - Kenzie Travis, Haverling High School.

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Some comments from educators: “The idea of networking with other schools and getting ideas from them was key to the day.

The students had the opportunity to find out that others are having the same issues in their school regardless of the size and demographics. The kids were fired up and ready to tackle some issues.” –Principal Tom Crook, Prattsburgh Central School; “It was a pleasure seeing the student leaders become passionate about trying to provide positive changes in their schools.

Today was the first step in providing an action plan for our students to make an impact with their peers!” - Dean of Students Stephanie Gerych, Bath Area Hope for Youth has been providing prevention counseling and other substance abuse services to school aged children and their families for more than 25 years. Services focus on the prevention of substance abuse and other destructive behaviors, primarily among the “at risk” youth population.  Successfully negotiated prevention counseling contracts with all three

school districts, receiving three percent increases from all of the districts.  Received funding from the Taylor Foundation with an increase of $500 ($4,500) and Hammondsport Community Services ($2,300) to support Prevention Counseling services in the Hammondsport Schools.  The John Southard Youth Recreation Commission had a successful summer, registering a total of 157 youth who had the opportunity to participate in ten field trips. Places and activities included: Mossy Bank Park, Bowling, Crystal Cinemas, Watkins Glen State Park, Kickball, Corning Museum of Glass, Swimming at Deport Park, Minnehan’s Fun Center, Party Central, and the Summer Bash at Mossy Bank.

Additionally, JSYRC provided an Easter Egg Parade and Halloween Party in partnership with the Vernon E Wightman Parent Teacher Association.

Bath Area Hope for Youth - anecdotes from in-school counselors demonstrating the power of the program: Reflecting on the past year...I have to say that our "successes" are most often measured in small ways rather than one complete story. I will share a few of what I consider my small "successes" from the past year:  One of the students that I have counseled on and off from the time they were in 4th grade to now 10th grade moved to a new school district in the late Fall. This particular student has always struggled with stressful family situations, academics, and has been plagued with some health issues. I am pleased that this student has chosen to continue communication with me via email every month or so and is always anxious to first share about "doing better with my grades”, then about improved health in recent months, and what is happening in her family/social life. When our counseling “travels on" with a student who has moved from the area- that is success!  I would also like to share a few excerpts from some notes I have received recently from students. This note from a High School student who is requesting counseling - "I miss talking with you.” Another student, “I have noticed I am missing our casual talks, like the ones I used to have with you... I have a lot to talk about."  Another in the form of a thank you from a Junior High student- "I would like to thank you for listening, talking and helping me through rough times. You helped me become a lot happier with myself and just being a better me."

Another Counselor shared the following:  A note received from a 3rd grader I had met with only a few times, who is already hoping we can spend time together next year. He hates to write, but took time to neatly write, “You are a good counselor. I really want you again, so if I can get you I will be very happy so I can talk to you. I really loved having you this year."  A post-it note left on my office door one night from a former student who is now in the high school building, stating, “I miss you.”  A painting made by a 4th grader and proudly presented to me. It states "Thank you for being the BEST counselor ever!"  Hearing some feedback, after just three sessions with two 2nd graders who struggled with social skills, they were now teaching others about "The Golden Rule,” and getting along so much better!  One of my favorite quotes is "To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." For me a reminder that there may be many small successes with what we are saying and doing each day even though we are not aware of them and cannot measure the value at the time.

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey

Residential Services

Summary of Services The Community Residence served 74 individuals in 2015

The Supportive Living Program served 43 individuals in 2015 The Residential Program provides services to adult male individuals in recovery at an 18-bed OASAS licensed Community Residence in Bath and a 20-bed Supportive Living Program in Bath and Corning, New York.  In October the Community Residence (CR) had an unplanned NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services

(OASAS) inspection. The CR was awarded a maximum compliance, 3-year operating certificate.

 In September, the Supportive Living Program (SLP) had a scheduled regional review and received a 100% compliance

score from the Finger Lakes field office.  The CR Program achieved a 94.7% occupancy rate.  In June, the SLP was successfully restructured and downsized. Residents and staff are doing very well with the clinical upgrades.  After receiving a federal inspection in September, the CR continues to be in full contract compliance with the Veteran’s Administration in Bath.  The CR provided shelter and counseling to seven homeless Veterans last year. All veterans were successfully placed in long term housing.  This year three staff met the training criteria, studied hard to test for their credentials, passed the exams, and became NYS CASACs (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor)  According to OASAS, the CR staff far exceeds the QHP requirements for our level of care. Better than 65% of our staff are considered Qualified Health Professionals.  The preliminary 2015 OASAS report issued in the 3rd quarter of 2015 indicates both the Supported Living Program and Community Residence were on pace to exceed retention rate measurements compared to 40 other similar upstate rural programs.  Residents in our programs stayed longer and achieved more goals compared to other similar programs classified as rural/Upstate.

“Regaining my life” stories from residents of the Residential Program (names have been changed to protect privacy) First Resident: I have changed my life 100% since being in Kinship. They have made me realize a lot of stuff about myself.

It has been a wonderful experience and I am very happy with the way my life is today. Kinship has showed me how to balance my life and they left it up to me to do so; but if I were having trouble then they would step in and help. I have accomplished many things while at Kinship. I have regained control of my life and no longer let drugs control me. I also got my diploma while at Kinship, and I never thought that it was going to happen. I have so much respect for Steve especially, he has made me appreciate the life I do have and not the one I do not. I realize today that I can do whatever I want and the choice in that is to make good decisions. The good decisions are the reason I sit here today. I have had many great points in my life since being sober. It is the best decision I have ever made. I could have gone to prison and with what am I accomplishing now, I’m a much happier person today thanks to Kinship and Steuben County Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. I realize that my feelings are meant to be, and that I can change the way I feel about a situation by using acceptance. I also help set up for the Monday night meetings and I’m currently working. I love that I’m able to have a job now. I’m also going to be attending BOCES in a few months to expand my opportunities in life.

Today is the day I will say I’m happy to be alive and sober - life is amazing. Steve is there for me when I need something and for that, I’m grateful! Thank you Steve and Kinship for helping me realize that life is a struggle no matter what but today I intend to make the most out of it. Sincerely, Josh Second Resident: Since I've been in the Kinship program I have become a better person and accomplished many things. The staff at Kinship have helped me to regain my life back. They have allowed me to gain a better understanding of myself and to help others to recover from addiction and alcoholism. Since I have been in the program, I have accomplished the following, I have completed inpatient and outpatient, I have completed the Kinship in-house part of their program, and I am now in their Supportive Living program. I am currently running the Monday night AA group in Bath, I am responsible for handling the money for the group, and setting up the meeting. I also go to the schools and tell my story in hopes of helping the younger generation understand that addiction is no joke. The staff at Kinship are great people. They help us grow and learn how to live life on life's terms. It is a simple program if one works it properly. They have taught me how to be aware when something is wrong inside me, in other words, how to have feelings - something that I lost a long time ago. They have treated me like a human, which includes being trusted to go places on my own, and I have proven that not only to them, but to myself as well. I have my family back in my life, which is the most beautiful accomplishment ever.

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They take us on outings including hockey games and camping trips in the mountains, which was one of the best times I have ever had in my life. I bonded with my fellow Kinship brothers, as well as a counselor. That counselor's name is Travis. He and I became very close. I have also bonded with my supportive living counselor Steve. He is a great counselor and understands addiction. I can turn to Steve for advice at any time day or night. Steve is there for us 100% in full. He understands addiction and knows what advice to give to me to point me in the right direction when I am having a problem.

At that moment, he puts it in my hands to figure out a better way to handle the problem and find a positive outcome. The Kinship program has taught me how to make choices. I have learned that I have two choices in every situation in my life. I can make the right or wrong choice. Every choice has a consequence, right or wrong. Today I choose to make the right choices, and for that, I thank the Kinship program. I am currently 14 months clean.

Thank You, Yours Truly, William The Catholic Charities’ Kinship Community Residence celebrated 20 years of service, September 18 by dedicating its Rumsey Street home in honor of a founding father and former Executive Director Joseph Weider. By Jeffery Smith jsmith@the-leader.com Catholic Charities thanked Weider for his perseverance in building the center.

“In an attempt to recognize all the hard work and dedication Joe gave Kinship Family & Youth Services and in light of this 20th anniversary, we the Board of Catholic Charities, have decided to rededicate this program and house to Joe,” said Dan Wensel, a board member, during a surprise dedication. “This facility will be named The Weider House.”Weider was surprised by the honor.

Eric Wensel/The Leader “I really don’t know what to say,” said Weider, who helped lead the drive to open Kinship on Sept. 18, 1995. “Weider House to me means someone more Joe Weider, former executive director of Kinship than just myself. This type of work started with my grandmother, my uncle and Family & Youth Services (center) cuts the ribbon his family Christopher, Nancy and Sarah, my brother. I think it’s something in our genes. I’m honored by this wonderful with and Residential Director Kim Robards-Smith. On surprise.” the 20th anniversary of the house it was renamed Dr. Robert Anderson, former director the Weider House in recognition of the decades of Steuben County Community of work.

Services, said Weider did all the hard work to make Kinship Community Residence a reality. “If not for Joe calling (state officials) every day, people would have forgotten about us,” Anderson said. The residence, built with $547,000 in state funding, has beds for 18 available for men battling substance abuse.

Robards-Smith said referrals have increased each year since Kinship opened and it’s not uncommon to have a waiting list. The program recently reached the 3,000 referral mark, with most coming from rural-based inpatient treatment programs.

The average length of stay at Kinship is 3 to 6 months. Residents graduate after completing all goals and objectives on their service treatment plans, officials said.

Pictured: Kim Robards-Smith, Joe Weider, Laura Opelt, Representative from Congressman Tom Reed’s office presenting a certificate.

Turning Point alleviates the effects of social injustice by stabilizing families in economic crisis, and supporting them as they strive for self-sufficiency. Turning Point staff work with people experiencing financial crisis offering stabilization and education as a means to turn a corner in their lives. Offering support through a three-part continuum beginning with Basic Needs Assistance, clients avert homelessness, utility shutoff, medicine shortage and hunger. Through Support services, clients access ongoing supports that help stretch earned dollars for short-term stability. Through Development services, clients position themselves for long-term stability by setting goals, accessing opportunities, and gaining knowledge. The Faith Community, Community Organizations, Foundations, and People of good will in Steuben County are our partners in building communities that care for all people by strengthening and enriching the quality of life for individuals, families, and children; working to reduce poverty; and advocating for social justice.

Turning Point and Steuben County Rural Ministry

Summary of Services Households

Services Provided Four locations in Steuben County provide Basic Needs, Support, and Program Served Development: Corning, Bath, Hornell, and Canisteo.

Housing 285 Services to prevent 239 homelessness provided.

Basic Needs services include food, housing and utility assistance, medication, Assistance and transportation assistance. The Support of Nutrition Outreach provides Utility 363 Shut-offs prevented 363 or utility reconnects. access to SNAP benefits to supplement food in households with limited Assistance income. The Development of client knowledge and resources starts with Transportation 654 1527 Rides provided.

Financial Stability Guidance and continues through relational connection and referral to community partners. In addition to the summarized services: Provided with a 3 day Food Pantry 9143 supply of food.  482 backpacks full of school supplies were provided to K-12 students in Food Stamp application central and western Steuben County school districts. Also, students from Nutrition 380 and enrollment assistance the Canisteo area received essentials including socks and underwear from Outreach provided.

Steuben County Rural Ministry.

Prescription 155 Prescriptions  Churches and community leaders raised and/or donated funds for 69 Assistance provided. holiday food for distribution through our food pantries.

Financial 389 Financial Stability  744 households, made up of over 2000 Steuben County residents, Stability 337 Counseling and Budgeting received food for a family style Thanksgiving meal.

Guidance sessions provided.  An additional 932 households, made up of more than 2500 residents received Food at Christmastime. Project Cold Hands, Warm Heart along with Sister Susan at the Rural Ministry providing turkeys were instrumental in making this happen.  Additionally 313 children received Christmas gifts through the Rural Ministry, and 45 children through Turning Point due to the partnership with Heart to Heart.  Community Gardens continue to provide Turning Point with fresh produce. Bath Community Gardeners supplied us with 620 pounds of produce in 2015.  New educational classes are taking place at Turning Point for our clients through a partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier. Fifty-seven community members have participated.  We continue to help clients stay warm during the cold weather through the distribution of over 1,000 weatherization kits and 200 winter coats.  Donations from regional Faith Community including the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and the Presbytery of Geneva, local churches, community organizations, and individuals continue to help sustain our food pantries.

Social media opportunities make "friends” aware of specific shortages enabling individuals and groups to respond quickly.

Food drives conducted by churches, businesses, civic groups, scouting programs, and the US Postal Service help to keep our pantry shelves supplied. Peebles Department store in Hornell and A.L. Blades Construction are two businesses in western Steuben County who have provided targeted financial and/or food support to our sites.  The Dominion Transmission Foundation continued to support our Utility Assistance Program with a contribution of $5,000.  The Community Foundation of Elmira, Corning and the Finger Lakes granted our Turning Point’s Utility Assistance Program contributions through the Keuka Area Fund $4,500 and the Spring Community Grant $3,500. Another $4,000 supporting our Housing Assistance Program came through the Fall Community Grant.  We are grateful for the generosity of Fidelis Care. They granted an $11,500 contribution towards Financial and Housing Stability Support through our Turning Point Program.

Recently Turning Point had the opportunity to not only provide clothing but also dignity to a new client.

A new resident at Catholic Charities’ Weider House, a Substance Free Living residential program for men in recovery, was admitted following a previous state of homelessness. His lack of a winter coat was a major concern to the staff.

Turning Point received a phone call asking, “Do you have a man’s winter coat in a size large?”

At Turning Point in Bath, winter coats are available to anyone in need, however, men’s sizes are hard to keep in stock. A Facebook post went out to the community reminding friends that slightly used winter coats can be donated to Turning Point, and men’s sizes are especially in need. The Facebook post began to be shared by friends, and by their friends, and within 24 hours the request reached over 1,000 newsfeeds. Winter coats began arriving within hours. A hat, gloves, and a scarf rounded out the winter essentials. Sister Susan Cain’s Rural Ministry provided new socks and underwear, shirt, trousers and shoes.

Within 24 hours of the caring staff’s phone call, a man was not only beginning a journey toward substance-free living, but he was afforded the dignity of clothes and shoes that fit, and all he needed to be protected from the winter chill. While our resident finds it difficult to put into words what it means to be safe, warm, cared, and provided for; we know that our actions were, in effect, an acknowledgment of his personal dignity.

We welcome our substance free living program participants as volunteers at Turning Point.

While our staff do not know the personal identity of the individual we helped, we hope that he has the opportunity to come to our site and serve alongside our staff in the food pantry or on a special project. We won’t know him by sight, but perhaps he will take extra care to see that someone has a warm coat or whatever they need, when it is his turn to provide the care.

Social Justice & Peace The goal of the Social Justice & Peace program is to provide community education and influence public policy to ensure the needs of all people and the voice of the church are represented. Our work attempts to identify and highlight areas of social concern and seek the help of others: to rectify from a relational perspective the factors and systems that leave the most vulnerable in our community without hope. The Social Justice & Peace Program provides the thread that weaves through all of our programs so we can effectively advocate and educate for the good of all.

Steuben County Bridges Out of Poverty Builds community relationships that link people in poverty to resources that strengthen and empower them, providing the “Bridge” to move individuals and families out of poverty.

On October 26th, Catholic Charities of Steuben sponsored a poverty simulation attended by 68 community participants and 20 volunteers at Watson Homestead in Painted Post. Poverty Simulations provide the experience of living with  The financial pressures of providing for basic needs (rent, food, utilities etc.) faced by low-income families.  The difficult choices people with few resources have to make when stretching a limited income.  The barriers faced by people to becoming self-sufficient on a limited income.  The emotional stresses and frustrations created by having limited resources.

In May, together with ProAction of Steuben and Yates, Inc., we helped bring Communications Across Barriers founder, Dr. Donna M. Beegle to Steuben County. Donna M. Beegle, Ed.D. is a highly experienced National public speaker, discussion leader, trainer, and the author of “See Poverty, Be The Difference,” a resource book for professionals who work with people in poverty. Donna has worked and written articles providing insights and strategies for communicating more effectively across race, class, gender and generational barriers for 17 years. Donna’s inspiring story and work have been featured in newspapers around the nation, on local TV and on National programs such as PBS. Attendees from area schools were able to see first hand how the application of Dr. Beegle’s work would be beneficial to incorporate into a school district’s Best Practices procedure in working with students and families in poverty. Dr. Beegle will be returning to our community for further work in July 2016.

Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin By World” graduated 11 individuals who participated in a Painted Post area group bringing the total number of graduates to 39. Getting Ahead equips participants in progressing towards a more stable future by helping them to learn how the world outside of poverty works, as well as assisting them in building important community relationships to help support their future plans.

“Everyday is a Holiday, Every meal is a Banquet” - Andy Mazzella

Kinship Family & Youth helps families develop the capacities for healthy family functioning and promotes healthy child development.

Healthy Families Steuben

Summary of Services

Healthy Families offers support and education, through home visiting, to new and expectant parents living in Steuben County.

Served 234 families.

Healthy Families New York Celebrates 20 Years of Improving Outcomes for New York's Children and Families

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) kicked off its 20th Anniversary Celebration of Healthy Families New York (HFNY), an evidence-based home visiting program that makes a difference by improving birth outcomes, preventing child abuse and neglect, promoting success in school, and supporting positive parenting. Currently HFNY operates thirty-six programs throughout the state – including Healthy Families Steuben; and has enrolled nearly 35,000 families since inception, promoting success within families and positive parenting statewide.

Pictured left to right: Marlene Shiloh, Nancy Tucker, and Lisa Galatio

Completed 3,089 home visits.

62% of families had fathers engaged in some of our services.

100% of children were connected to a medical provider.

100% of primary parents were connected to a medical provider.

70% of families entered the program prenatally.

97% of children were up to date with recommended immunizations at 1 year of age.

100% were assessed for the risk of lead exposure.

74% of families were employed, or enrolled in an educational or job training program by the time their child was 1 year old.

21 families graduated from the program in 2015.

Steuben Reflections on 20 Years with Healthy Families:

Can you remember the 1st year you were hired?

Lisa Galatio - “We started out very small. We covered a small school district and within a few years we were able to expand and grow to the whole county. Back then, it was cutting edge to be strength-based and really focused around the family. Meeting the family where they are was a new way to do things.”

Marlene Shiloh - “I was a young mom myself and was excited to support families and cheer them on as parents. I enjoyed teaching them about what to expect with their child at different stages in life, supporting them to deal with stressors, and to offer them community resources to help them get through the tough times.

What are you most proud of in these 20 Years?

Lisa- “I cannot think of one specific thing, but I’d like to say it’s all of the families. We have been able to be a part of their lives. We run into people, who say “remember when you came to my house,” or the moms and dads who still thank us. We get to see the children grown… I’m proud to see how many families we have helped and what we have developed within ourselves.”

Marlene- “It was so neat to see Healthy Families expand over the past 20 years from just a few sites to what we have today. I remember going to the 1st National Conference… that was so much fun, meeting people from other states… learning new ideas… positive parenting techniques… curriculum… and hands-on activities.” There is so much that I am proud of with Healthy Families NY.”

Program stories provide the opportunity to share first hand experiences of personal, organizational, and community-wide growth. The following tells the stories of three families who have grown through their work with Healthy Families Steuben Parent Testimonials Molly, whose son is 3.5 years old. We have been with program for 4 years (before he was born.)

What did you like most about the program?

“I liked the activities, the interaction, the support. I have definitely grown to be a part of the Healthy Families family. I’m very sad to see our family support worker stop coming now that we’ve graduated from the program. I wish I could keep her! My son just loves her. She does arts and crafts with him. He gets so excited when she’s coming, he says “Miss Tammy’s coming! Miss Tammy’s coming!””

What would you say to someone considering the Healthy Families program for their family? “Go for it!”

“It’s a great resource to have and your family support worker just grows into part of the family.”

Julie What did you like most about the program?

“The curriculum that my family support worker would bring gave me lots of interesting information about what to expect and what my son should be able to do at each age. I liked the questionnaire. It asks questions like whether he can draw a line or identify different things. It showed where he was with his development. He did pretty good.”

Dawn, whose son is 4 years old, and has been with the program for 5 years. Also went through the program with her older son who is now 10.

What did you like most about the program?

“I like how they do different activities in the home and work one-on-one. They also do outings, like last month was Parents Appreciation Day. I love how they take things you don’t need anymore and give them to other parents, like clothes and high chairs.

They helped me attach my car seat properly. They do a lot for single parents like me. My kids love it when the family support worker comes to the house. I’ve already recommended the program to all my friends and family!”

Therapeutic Foster Care

Summary of Services Served 46 Youth with 5 in for short-term respite 1-2 weeks.

Therapeutic Foster Care specializes in the care of hard-to-place children and adolescents. The focus is to develop a child’s self- 61% Successful Discharge Rate - Youth attained permanency goals. esteem, positive behavioral skills, and confidence. The aim is to guide children and their families as they transition back to home, 1 child’s foster parents took custody of the child.

2 sisters were placed with their aunt. school, and community in Steuben and adjacent counties.

Growing Families Through Foster Care: Our foster parents open 12 youth were re-united with their parents, or other family members. their homes and their hearts to children and families, providing 1 child moved to a pre-adoptive foster home. love, support, supervision, encouragement, discipline, structure, and stability, while promoting permanency.

A picnic to honor our foster families was held at Hickory Hill in Bath in August.

Approximately 33 foster parents, foster care youth, and other family members attended.

A dish-to-pass lunch was served, and youth played games, swam in the pool, and participated in other campground activities.

We hosted a holiday bowling party after Christmas at the Maple City Bowling Alley in Hornell. The youth received gifts that were provided by the Heart to Heart organization.

About 36 foster parents, foster care youth, and other family members were in attendance.

Supportive Home And Parent Enrichment (SHAPE)

Summary of Services Program

Outcomes

SHAPE provides guidance, instruction, and support to families in crisis Allegany/ Improved Parenting Skills referred by DSS in Steuben, Allegany, and Yates Counties. Support is SHAPE provided through individually tailored weekly home visitation.

Steuben/ Improved Parenting Skills SHAPE SHAPE Priorities by County in 2015: Youth increase attendance at Yates/ Allegany County focused on continuing Coached Intensive school & increase school Visitation contracts. At the end of 2015, a achievement per diem person was hired to help with covering Home the visitation requests.

Based Steuben County focused on increasing the Yates/ Youth increase school attendpercentage of families who were “engaged” in PINS ance & school achievement SHAPE services. “Engaged” is defined as averaging at least 3.5 contacts per month.

Yates Improved Parenting Skills Yates County focused on increasing services to include home based Parenting parenting services to families with mandated cases in Department of Families Children Children Social Services. Kids Adventure Time numbers increased and now we Program At Home In Foster are looking at ways to restructure the day so more children are able Care to benefit.

Families experience positive growth through SHAPE services:

Allegany

5

115

24

Target

Achieved

80%

84%

85%

85%

75%

91%

75%

80%

75%

100%

Adequate Improvement 54%

99 233 36 61% SHAPE in Yates County is a little different from Allegany and Steuben. Steuben Yates 20 50 0 82% Referrals to the program come through either SPOA (Single Point of Access) or PINS (Persons In Need of Supervision). Caseloads are small Yates PINS 19 44 0 N/A so that Family Support Workers can work more intensely with the child, family and the school. The program also serves as a resource Yates 9 21 2 N/A and referral source, helping families navigate Human Services and all Parenting the various steps necessary to access the help needed. Because of the intensity, cases are usually open for a short time.

Our SHAPE story is from Yates County.

SHAPE started visits with the family in December of 2015. Mom was working long irregular hours at a convenience store, and she was doing her best to get her daughter to school, but her daughter refused to go most days. There was a breakdown in communication between the two of them, as well as a high level of disrespect. SHAPE worked with both of them to help bridge that gap in communication. As a result, the mother was able to bring up her concerns about her child having issues with anxiety. In addition, the daughter was able to open up to the SHAPE Family Support Worker about feeling anxious, especially in school, which consequently led to her poor attendance and grades. The SHAPE Family Support Worker was able to direct mom to the appropriate services that would assist with easing the anxiety. About a month later, the child began to receive clinical treatment for the anxiety while continuing to work with SHAPE on improving her attendance and grades. The relationship between the mother and daughter began to grow. Taking responsibility for her poor attendance and grades the girl began attending school on a regular basis, and her grades began to improve. At this point, she is looking forward to summer school so that she can continue to progress. She now is able to think about plans for after graduation, whereas before she could only take things one day at a time.

Bath Community Child Day Care Center

Summary of Services Service

A New York State licensed child care center providing quality care to Infant, Toddler and Preschool children children six weeks to twelve years of age in a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment; currently the only center School Age Children served serving Central Steuben County.

Scholarship-Families The Day Care Center adopted the theme of literacy throughout their

summer programming. We had a strong summer program showing, which averaged 35 to 40 school-aged children. They were all very busy. The 25th Anniversary of the Day Care was celebrated in December with a timeline of pictures down the hall and with acknowledgement at the Holiday Concert and Dinner.

Scholarship-Children

Served 54 91 15 21

25th Anniversary of the Opening of Bath Community Child Day Care.

Bath Community Child Day Care Center (BCCDC) opened its doors in May 1990 offering quality care for area preschool children. The initial goal was to serve approximately 44 children between the ages of 3 to 5.

Since then the center has grown and is currently serving fifty-one families with 145 children between 6 weeks and 12 years of age. The Center provides a vital service to working families and employers in and around the Bath area. In 1998, the Center became a program of Catholic Charities and currently operates under the Kinship Family and Youth Services Division. As a United Way partner agency, the Center receives funding to help with operating costs and with the provision of a Scholarship program that serves lower-income families. These families are not quite eligible to receive a childcare subsidy but struggle with the cost of care. The Center also receives funding from the Corning Foundation.

With the goal of providing safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate care for children while their parents are at work or school, the center focuses on several key areas. These include school readiness for children under age five, strengthening social skills, and reinforcing academic learning for children in the School Age program. Bath Community Child Day Care celebrated their Anniversary by creating a photo timeline spanning their 25-year history, and by inviting past families and staff to attend the Center’s annual holiday event in December.

Recognizing Our Volunteers Each year Catholic Charities recognizes members of the community and staff for outstanding commitment to the agency and its mission. This year’s recipients were recognized at a dinner held October 21, 2015 at the Bath Country Club.

Our highest community honor, the Friends of Catholic Charities Award, recognizes an individual who has helped Catholic Charities achieve its mission. This year’s award went to Thomas Jack of Cameron Mills, NY. Mr. Jack completed his St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry’s pastoral formation placement with Catholic Charities in 2013. During this time, he helped educate faith community about the work of Catholic Charities. He also became very involved with Steuben County Bridges Out of Poverty, serving on the Getting Ahead Committee. Working directly with Getting Ahead program graduates, he helped them to find jobs and build resources, ensuring they had the necessary supports to move out of poverty. Most recently, he took on leadership of Joseph’s Hammer a local ministry that engages volunteers who have construction experience in building ramps to make homes accessible for elderly and disabled low-income people. Executive Director Laura Opelt said, “Thomas is a very effective and compassionate volunteer. What he does and what he says comes from the heart. He lives his life as a ministry, using whatever gifts have been given him to serve God and the needs of others.”

The Works of Love Award recognizes the extraordinary efforts of an individual from the Steuben County faith community who collaborates with Catholic Charities to act on social justice issues and serve the most vulnerable in our community. The award went to Kacey Blaney of Jasper, NY. New to the area and to Catholic Charities, she took on a volunteer leadership role in the agency’s largest fundraising event the Steps to End Poverty In Steuben Walk. This event supports our Turning Point programs, which focus on lifting the most vulnerable in Steuben County out of poverty. Largely due to her efforts, the event raised more than $10,500 for programs in the Hornell area, exceeding expectations. Fundraising/Communications Director Paula Smith presented the award saying, “Kacey’s efforts truly must have been a labor of love, for as a volunteer, no motivation other than love could have carried her through the months of hard work organizing the 2015 STEPS Walk.” Pictured: Kacey Blaney &State Rep. Phil Palmesano The Robert Turissini Award for Extraordinary Service was established as a special way to honor outstanding employees. Bob Turissini’s dedicated service as the 1st Chairman of the Board guided the agency from its creation in 1997, to its respected level today. This year’s recipient was Quay Wells of Corning who has worked for Healthy Families Steuben for 9 years, offering support and education to new parents. Demonstrating her extraordinary service, she helped coordinate the making and distribution of 200 cupcakes to community partners as part of Healthy Families Steuben’s 20th Anniversary celebration. Also a member of the Steuben County Breastfeeding Coalition, she was instrumental in initiating a Baby Café in Bath, a weekly support group for nursing mothers and their families. Also, she has given time to the Addison Food Pantry; the Addison Youth Center; to Girls on the Run as a “running buddy”, and to the Innovative Approaches to Literacy initiative; helping to coordinate, plan, and implement activities for families in the Addison area. Laura Opelt said, “Quay is described as a valuable, dependable, dedicated team member who is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure quality services to program participants.

Service is provided in a caring, confident, gentle, and supportive manner. As an active team member, she shares her skills, knowledge, and passion for the program with others. She serves the agency with compassion, grace, integrity and an unfaltering commitment to positively enhance the lives of those with whom she comes into contact.” Pictured: Laura Opelt and Quay Wells The Spirit of Turning Point Award recognizes a volunteer whose contribution helps to advance the work of Turning Point. This year’s award winner went to Chloe Makarick of Hammondsport. Turning Point Bath: Site Coordinator, Tess McKinley presented the award saying, “Chloe has made a significant impact on Turning Point through her creativity, positive attitude, many talents and hard work. She came to Turning Point as an AmeriCorps volunteer and right away, we knew we had a gifted, dedicated person in our midst. She has left her mark on our office in the information, art, and displays that we see every day at Turning Point. She also left a warm feeling in our hearts with her positive attitude, kind personality, and willingness to always help out the team. While we have a “Chloe size hole” in our team, we were so fortunate to have her for the time we did.” Pictured: Tess McKinley and Chloe Makarick The Andy Mazzella Compassion Award gives special recognition to individuals within Catholic Charities or in the Steuben County community who have given selflessly of themselves to improve the human condition of others. This year’s award went to Turning Point’s Nutrition Outreach & Education Program (NOEP) Coordinator, Michelle Schaffer of Bath.

Through NOEP, Schaffer helps clients access SNAP benefits (Food Stamps). Laura Opelt presented the award saying, “Michelle is so effective at what she does because she helps people see a better future for themselves.

She finds the positive things that are going on in a person’s life and gives examples and supports to build their self-confidence, which fosters hope. She goes beyond her own job to make sure that her clients are connected to others in the community who can help. Michelle is an inspiration to those she serves as well as to those she works with, and is most deserving of the Andy Mazzella Compassion Award." Pictured: Laura Opelt and Michelle Schaffer The Golden Shoe Award recognizes the walker who raised the most funds for our annual anti-poverty walk, STEPS (Steps To End Poverty in Steuben). In 2015 walkers were able to raise $33,000 to assist families in need.

Just as importantly, the event also helps to raise awareness about poverty in Steuben County. This year’s Golden Shoe Award recipient was Betty Hess of Hornell, who single-handedly raised nearly $2,000. Laura Opelt presented the award saying, “Those of you who know Betty understand that she has great passion for helping people in need, within her community. For the six years that we have given this award, Betty has raised the most money three times, the second highest amount twice, and the third highest amount once. In total, Betty has raised more than $10,300 to help fight poverty. We are truly blessed to have Betty’s help and support for the important work we do! "Pictured: Laura Opelt and Betty Hess Continued on next page...

The William and Dorothy Belknap Award recognizes those who have promoted the work of Bath Hope for Youth in providing Substance Free Living services to youth, families, and communities. This year’s award went to the Addison Youth Center and Staff. The Addison Youth Center has collaborated many years with Steuben Council on Addictions to enhance character education for students in grades K12. Prevention Services Director, Jim Bassage presented the award, stating, “It is an honor to work with Youth Center Director Emily Hofelich-Bowler, Coordinators Phyllis Grist, Michelle Madigan, Amanda Stuart, Lynn Grabowski, and Julie Clark, and the many talented staff members. Their work with youth further encourages growth and success in life. We truly appreciate their dedication to the youth of the Addison community, the school district, and their ongoing support of the mission of Steuben Council on Addictions.” Pictured: Addison Youth Center Board President Christine Harrington, Youth Center Director Emily Hofelich-Bowler, Jim Bassage, Youth Center Coordinators Amanda Stuart and Phyllis Grist.

The Barbara Fairbanks Award recognizes those who have been strong advocates for children through their exceptional support of one of the Kinship Family & Youth programs. This year’s recipient is Milly's Corner of Hornell. Milly’s Corner is an initiative started years ago by Catholic Charities’ own Kim Robard-Smith’s mother-in-law, Milly, who began knitting and crocheting hats and booties for families with young children involved in Kinship programs. Her talents not only filled a corner at the Kinship Building in Hornell, but also a corner in the lives of the many families who received her gifts. Since Milly’s passing, the whole Smith family has stepped up to keep Milly’s Corner filled as a loving tribute to her memory.

The items given have expanded to include stuffed animals with custom crocheted apparel, blankets, purses, backpacks filled with supplies, scarves, headbands, and special treats for the holidays. Kinship Family & Youth’s Director, Lisa Galatio presented the award, saying, “These donations are made with love, arrive by the box load, and often include messages of faith. It is obvious that the Smith family keeps Kinship in their hearts throughout the year. They remember what might comfort a small foster child on their first night in a new home, what things a teenage girl might need for her very own, or what a mother might need to keep her child warm.” Pictured: Milly's son Mike Smith, his father Brad Smith, sister Kathy Nerau and Lisa Galatio

Financial Information Where the Money Came From in 2015

Where the Money Went in 2015 Justice & Peace, $14,681

Steuben Bridges Out of Poverty, $20,915

Unaudited Financial Information

Unaudited Financial Information

Nutrition Outreach and Education, $66,357

SHAPE, $811,800 Healthy Families Steuben, $779,483

Steuben Prevention Coalition, $118,763 Bath Community Child Day Care, $466,025

Substance Free Prevention & Education, $410,613 General Operations, $219,718

Substance Free Rehabilitation & Recovery, $790,157

Therapeutic Foster Care, $711,412

Basic Needs and Development, $822,280

Administration Rate is 10% KEY:

2015 Board of Directors Michael Gabrielli Chairperson

Retired Executive Corning Inc. Gary Pease Vice-Chairperson

Director, Human Resources S&T, Engineering& Legal Corning Inc. Ross Bell Treasurer

Director of Finance Technology Community Corning Inc. Patrick Monahan Secretary

Educator/Events Coordinator Benjamin Patterson Inn Corning, NY Anthony Barbaro Ex Officio

Associate Diocesan Director Catholic Charities Diocese of Rochester Mercedes Blake

Human Resources Manager Corning, Inc. Michael Blatt, CFA

Vice President /Senior Investment Officer Chemung Canal Trust Corning, NY Father Lewis Brown

Retired Priest Diocese of Rochester

Dawn Marie Castellana

Community Affairs, Corning Enterprises

Jon K. Chester

Management Consultant Corning, NY Gregory Hintz

Treasurer Mercury Corporation Pastor Tom Kuehner

Victory Highway Wesleyan Church Painted Post, NY Andy Mazzella

Retired Executive Marie Ann McCaig

Educator Notre Dame High School Elmira, NY Michael McDonald

Quality Specialist Retired Corning Inc. Christopher Quinlan

Attorney Corning, NY Emily Roe

MILR Candidate Cornell University Laura Rossman

Executive Director ProAction of Steuben/Yates, Inc. Gina Reagan

Risk Management/Corporate Compliance St. James Mercy Hospital Dr. Mark Vaughn

Technical Talent Pipeline Manager Technology Community Office of STEM Corning Inc.

The 2015 STEPS Walk Raises just over $33,000 The 7th Annual Steps To End Poverty in Steuben (STEPS) Walk was held Saturday, May 2 in Bath and Hornell; then on Saturday, May 16 in Corning. The one-mile walk has two goals, first to raise awareness about poverty in Steuben County and second to raise funds for our Turning Point programs. Each location was responsible for about one third of the amount raised.

Thank You to the 2015 Steps Walk Sponsors!

318 North Franklin Street Watkins Glen, NY 14891

Council 281

STEPS TO END POVERTY Walk—Event Photo Album…. next page

Corning STEPS Walk

Pictured: Below: Red Hat Team, Campbell-Savona School students, loosening-up before the walk, Socha Financial Team, Father Lew Brown, and walkers.

Bath STEPS Walk

Pictured Below: Veterans Administration Federal Credit Union, Bath Central School students, St. Patrick's Church-Prattsburgh, St Thomas Episcopal Church–Bath, and Father Brad & Taggert.

Hornell STEPS Walk

Pictured Above far right: Dancing before the walk, Below: Forenz Family Team, registration, and walkers.

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