Following their Annual Meeting, Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for 2022.
“We are honored to have some new members joining our board this year and for the continued support of current and renewing Members. Catholic Charities does so much good work for people in our community, helping those in need to live a just life.” said Greg Stewart, Board Chair.

Elected for their First Term:
Thomas Tedone, retired Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, New York State

Returning Member for a New Term:
Marie Finnerty, retired from Horseheads School District

Additionally, the Officers of the 2022 Board are:
Gregory Stewart, Chair, Owner of Stewart Agency, Inc. and Stewart Advisory Services;
Jim Siconolfi, Vice-Chair, retired from Elmira College;
Bruce Boughton, Treasurer, Branch Manager for Chemung Canal Trust Company;
Jeffry Sobkowski, Secretary, retired from Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The following members were elected to continue their terms on the Board:
Ron Allison, Retired, Chemung Canal Trust Company
Carol Brady, Coordinator for the Notre Dame Athletic Association;
Aimee Churchill, Attorney;
Rev. Dr. Betsey Crimmins, Retired, First Presbyterian Church;
George Maloney, Retired Owner of Pal’s Sports Center;
Jeff Richards, Retired, Elmira Star-Gazette;
Jeffrey Schmidt, Patent Attorney at Corning Incorporated;
Gordon Schuehler, CPA at Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLP;
Dawn Siglin, Mortgage Sales Manager, Elmira Savings Bank;
Doris Smith, Registered Nurse, and Owner of Sarah’s Majestic Gifts, LLC;
Clare van den Blink, Chief Information Officer, The Hilliard Corporation; and Mary Vosburgh, NE Regional Nurse Manager, Corning Incorporated.

Nancy Koons, Executive Director of Catholic Charities stated, “We are thrilled to welcome our new Board Members on this ongoing journey of working to reduce poverty, promote wellness and self-sufficiency, and advocate for those in need. We continue to be grateful for the support of our Board Members, particularly as we navigated our way through recent challenges brought about by the pandemic. We welcome our new members as they join us in this important work.”

Thanks to the generosity of the community, we were able to distribute 400 Thanksgiving Turkeys and 500 Christmas Food Baskets this holiday season at our Samaritan Center and Schuyler Outreach Food Pantries.

Thank you for your donations!

If you would like to get involved in 2022, please read more here.

Photos from our Samaritan Center event courtesy of Board Member, Jeff Richards.

More than 2,000 years ago, a carpenter and his expectant wife set out from Nazareth on the perilous journey across the Galilean highlands to the city of Bethlehem. For days, they navigated nearly one hundred miles of arduous terrain. When they finally arrived in Bethlehem, weathered and weary, they learned there was no room at the inn. Yet shelter of a stable was offered, and from these humble beginnings, our Savior was born.

Little is written of that journey in Scripture. The Gospels are sparse in detail, written originally for an audience that would’ve empathized with how grueling this trip would be for anyone, let alone a woman expecting imminent childbirth. And with the context of hindsight, we often overlook a key component of the innkeeper’s generosity: he had no idea to whom he was giving respite. For the innkeeper, the Holy Family were just a few more weary travelers among the masses.

This act of compassion was offered to these strangers not because of who they were, but because they desperately needed the help. He could’ve easily told them, “move along, we’re full”, but instead he extended a hand in service.

It is this same spirit of generosity that resides at the heart of our mission. Through our services, Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties provides relief to those suffering from hunger, homelessness, poverty, and those requiring advocacy. Working within our communities, we provide services to people of all faiths and are blessed with generous support from donors of all faiths. Through its programs and services, our agency continues to meet critical needs in our community.

Click here to read some highlights of 2021.

These services carry on in the compassionate tradition of charity exemplified by that innkeeper in Bethlehem so long ago.

I am very proud of what we have accomplished this year, thanks to the generosity of our community. I am proud, too, of all our staff, especially our heroic front-line workers, for embodying God’s call to compassion for those in need. The birth of our Savior brought to this world the hope of God’s promise fulfilled. It is in this spirit of His mercy that we strive to meet the needs of others.

For many of us, this year has been another challenging one. Like those travelers from Galilee, we’re navigating our way through unfamiliar terrain as best we can, a step at a time. It is my hope that those persisting through difficult times will find kindness at the end of the road, and that we will all do our part to see one another through.

Our Christmas Appeal has raised $32,606 to date, providing critical services like food, shelter, and personal care products to those in need. It’s not too late to join us in 2021! Click here to donate now. Your support is appreciated.

In Christ’s Peace,
Nancy Koons
Executive Director

Catholic Charities, The Salvation Army Safehouse, the City of Elmira Police Department’s Victim Services Program, the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office, and The Net are partnering together to host a virtual training event via Zoom. The free training will be held on October 22 from 10 am – 11:30 am.

“Bail & Discovery Reforms” will be moderated by the Pace Women’s Justice Center. This training will feature a panel of local law enforcement, domestic violence survivors, and victim services professionals. Learn how these reforms have impacted survivors and the agencies that work with them. Visit Catholic Charities’ website (cs-cc.org) and click on the Events tab to register.

The Shine the Light Committee, comprised of victim service providers and concerned community members, is also challenging local businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals to help “Shine the Light” on domestic violence by displaying purple ribbons or using purple lights wherever they can during the month of October.

Ashley Kerrick, Schuyler County Director, explains the campaign, “Purple ribbons have become a way to show support for victims of domestic violence throughout our communities. It also shows our dedication to ending domestic violence and that it will not be tolerated in our community.”

“Shine the Light on Domestic Violence” yard signs are also available and can be picked up from the Catholic Charities offices during regular business hours (Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm). Please call 607-734-9784 to arrange pick up.

Lastly, the Safe to Say Campaign , which started in 2020, is a partnership with local businesses and organizations to offer a place where it’s safe for victims to go to say what has happened so that they can get help concerning relationships and domestic violence. Trainings were offered at multiple locations in 2020. The idea originated with the realization that many victims of domestic violence have no one to talk to and/or no one who knows what resources are available to help them. If something were to come up in conversation at a hair salon, for example, would the stylist know where to refer? This campaign seeks to ensure that they would and provides them with the right resources. If your business or location is interested in becoming a Safe to Say location, please sign up under the Events tab at cs-cc.org.

For more information, contact Katie Rhodes, Communications Coordinator at Catholic Charities at 607.734.9784, ext. 2133 or visit the Catholic Charities’ website (cs-cc.org) or Facebook page.

Karen Wheeler 2021

Catholic Charities Housing Counselor has successfully completed the certification examination administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Effective June 22, 2021, Karen Wheeler is a Certified HUD Housing Counselor ensuring that Catholic Charities can continue providing housing counseling to those in Chemung, Schuyler, Tompkins, and Tioga Counties.

Counselors must demonstrate competency in each of the following areas of housing counseling: (1) financial management; (2) property maintenance; (3) responsibilities of homeownership and tenancy; (4) fair housing laws and requirements; (5) housing affordability; and (6) avoidance of, and responses to, rental and mortgage delinquency and avoidance of eviction and mortgage default.

HUD-certified counselors also help to protect consumers from fraudulent operators who prey upon those experiencing mortgage difficulties. Even legitimate for-profit housing counselors can charge consumers hundreds of dollars for services that are provided free or at low-cost by HUD-approved counselors.

Independent research shows that consumers working with a HUD housing counseling agency, such as Catholic Charities, have better credit, more savings, and fewer foreclosures than similar non-counseled consumers.

Anyone in need of housing counseling may call Catholic Charities at 607-734-9784 and ask to speak with Karen.

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. More information about HUD and its programs is available on at www.hud.gov.

Shelter w new roof 2019

Effective immediately, Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler is temporarily suspending overnight stays at its College Ave Homeless Shelter due to staffing shortages. They will continue their collaborative effort with Chemung County to ensure shelter is provided through local motels.

Providing shelter for those experiencing homelessness continues to be a priority for Catholic Charities. Nancy Koons, Executive Director, stated, “As entities across the country are dealing with staffing shortages, we at Catholic Charities are also unfortunately short-staffed. Many of our incredible staff have been working an extraordinary amount of additional hours, stepping up to fill in scheduling gaps. However, we have to be good stewards of our valuable staffing resources and realize this cannot be a long-term solution. We are doing our due diligence to hire qualified staff and train them for these critical roles.”

Anyone in need of shelter may call Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center at 607-734-4898 or come to the Samaritan Center at 380 S Main Street in Elmira between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. For emergency shelter needs after-hours, they may still go to 605 College Avenue in Elmira or call 607-732-5954.

If you are interested in employment at Catholic Charities, please click here for a list of employment opportunities.

Motel-friendly foods such as single-serve soup/cereal, fruit cups, granola bars, and breakfast sandwiches are needed. Personal care items are also greatly appreciated. Donations may be dropped off at the Samaritan Center during regular business hours. You may click “Give Help” to see a wish list of needed items.

Catholic Charities’ Housing Counseling Department will host a First Time Homebuyer Workshop online. Registration is necessary for the Zoom Workshop to be held on February 16, 18, and 22.