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FREDONIA, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2012 – A total of 45 parish and community volunteers, clergy and lay leaders from 14 local parishes, and staff of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, gathered today for a volunteer training workshop and luncheon to kick off the 2012 Appeal for Catholic Charities in Chautauqua County.
The event was held at the White Inn in Fredonia in preparation for the 88th annual campaign, which carries a goal of $10.6 million this year.
Appeal Week 2012 will take place March 25 through April 1 to celebrate the support of Western New Yorkers who have made a contribution to the Appeal, and to encourage those who have not already donated to do so. Although Appeal Week marks the strongest push for donations, volunteers will work to achieve the final goal throughout the coming months until the conclusion of Catholic Charities’ fiscal year on June 30.
Last year, Catholic Charities provided assistance to more than 3,000 people in Chautauqua County through its programs and services. Catholic Charities’ 70-plus programs rely on the funds raised during the Appeal. During Appeal 2011, Chautauqua County donors contributed $396,000.
At the luncheon, Bishop Kmiec said the theme of this year’s drive is “Protect. Strengthen. Empower.”
“The theme articulates how our many programs, services and activities benefit the community, and those who turn to us for help,” said Bishop Kmiec. “The theme also magnifies the link between the generosity of our donors and the results of our efforts.”
Bishop Kmiec was joined by Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, who further explained the programs that protect, strengthen and empower individuals and the mission behind the theme, depicted by former clients in this year’s poster images.
“Catholic Charities protects children like Curtis from hunger through basic need programs like our food pantries,” said Sister Mary. “We offer nutrition assistance and education to strengthen young families like Stephanie, Bryan and their young son who struggled in today’s challenging economy. We empower and educate teens and adults like Khameela through our GED and job readiness programs.”
“When any of us give from our heart, we become a refuge to those who are poor and in distress, and we provide shelter and much-needed relief. Through this response, we empower the people Catholic Charities serves to live healthy, meaningful and productive lives. This is our mission, and when the Appeal is supported, our mission is achievable.”
Reflecting on the importance of donations to the Appeal, Bishop Kmiec recalled the words of Blessed John Paul II, the patron of Appeal 2012, who said serving the mission of the Church by means of charity is the commitment and responsibility of everyone.
“I am convinced Christian charity, in its fullest expression, is the answer to many of the challenges we face as a region, nation, and global society,” said Bishop Kmiec. “As followers of Christ we are all challenged to serve those who are poor and most vulnerable in our community, and we are all asked to support the work of Catholic Charities here in Chautauqua County and throughout the diocese.”
Bishop Kmiec and Joan Gula (center) and Rita Cieslewicsz (right), volunteers from Blessed Mary Angela Parish in Dunkirk enjoy lunch.
David Nasca, president and chief executive officer of Evans Bancorp, Inc., and chairperson of the 2012 Appeal, commented on the difficult economic conditions of the region and emphasized the increased need for donations.
“The economy remains stalled and this has impacted thousands of our neighbors. However, we will not accept these challenges as an excuse,” said Nasca. “Through the hard work of our staff and volunteers, we are well positioned to attain our goal. Together, we will overcome these difficult economic times because it is critical we succeed. We are committed to continuing to provide for the more than 140,000 people Catholic Charities of Buffalo served last year.”
Other members of the 2012 Appeal leadership team include Stephen Ulrich, vice chair and parish and large gifts chair, Anthony Delmonte, Jr., corporate gifts chair, and Beth Mattimore, community division chair.
Maria Perez-Cruz, the new district director of services for Chautauqua County who moved into the position in October 2011, has been with Catholic Charities for 28 years, most recently serving as a therapist in Chautauqua County.
Perez-Cruz introduced Betty Meyer, who has served as secretary for the Catholic Charities Dunkirk office since October 2011. Meyer talked about her experience with Catholic Charities during a very difficult relationship with one of her sons, who was in his early adult years at the time.
“I was suffering from great anxiety and depression over our relationship which affected me to the point of constant tears and physical illness from stress and worry. All of that put a strain on our family,” Meyer explained. “Through Catholic Charities, I connected with a counselor. She guided me through a very difficult time and helped me to recognize and practice the tough love needed. Counseling brought me clarity, a different attitude and a better way of dealing with my feelings.”
She added, “I sincerely believe that through that counseling experience I gained a better understanding of myself and my role as a parent. Even when the situation feels like you are having your heart torn from your chest, you can get through it. Because I was better able to deal with the situation, my family did as well. I am grateful for my counseling experience with Catholic Charities. I believe that, in part, my positive experience with Catholic Charities was a big factor in my choice to apply for a recent employment opportunity with the agency.”
Catholic Charities provides the following services in Chautauqua County: basic assistance, counseling for individuals, children and families, Domestic Violence Offenders program, Our Kids: Parent Education and Awareness program, Chautauqua County Outreach to the Elderly, and out of the Dunkirk office, the Telephone Assurance Program.
In Chautauqua County, services are provided at 560 West Third St. in Jamestown, and the Dunkirk office’s new location at 425 Main St. The Dunkirk office, which was relocated at the start of this year, is a first-floor space with convenient parking behind the building. Previously, the office was located on Central Avenue in the city. The contact number for the Dunkirk office is
(716) 366-3533 and the number for the Jamestown office is (716) 484-9188.
Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive direct human service provider serving all eight counties of Western New York, with 70 programs and 61 locations. Founded in 1923, Catholic Charities also provides, without regard to religious affiliation, comprehensive counseling services for children and families, anti-domestic violence programming and emergency services, among other social and mental health services.
For more information on the 2012 Appeal or to make a donation, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org. Check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo.
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