Domestic violence affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds. In Chemung and Schuyler Counties, Catholic Charities’ First Step Victim Services Program assists innocent victims of crime, with a strong focus on victims of domestic violence. In 2022, First Step served almost 200 individuals with over 4,100 services. First Step’s local 24-hour hotline can be reached by calling or texting 607-742-9629 at any time.

At the Pioneers game on July 14, attendees are encouraged to wear purple, the color of domestic violence awareness. There will be purple shirts for sale, as well as a jersey raffle and 50/50. All proceeds will help First Step continue to provide needed services to victims in our community. Call 607-734-2690 for your tickets. The game starts at 6:35 pm with gates opening at 5:35 pm. There will be a photo booth station and giveaways for the whole family.

For more information on First Step, please visit their page on the Catholic Charities website or call 607-535-2050 and speak with an Advocate.

Memorial Marilyn Terkoski May 2023

Marilyn was the first Housing Counselor hired by Catholic Charities (1995) to staff the new and exciting First Time Homebuyer Program, a collaboration between Catholic Charities and the City of Elmira.
Her efforts in those early years helped to build the effective and successful program that continues today. She taught us how to invite and encourage families and individuals to consider homeownership and how to make a successful transition from renting to owning. Marilyn celebrated every closing and she enjoyed driving around City neighborhoods pointing out all the beautifully-cared-for homes occupied by First Time Homebuyers – 484 homeowners to date!
We are deeply grateful to Marilyn and we send our condolences to her family.

Obituary of Marilyn A. Terkoski

Groups working to address the root causes of poverty in Chemung, Schuyler, and Tioga Counties (New York) are invited to apply for a Catholic Campaign for Human Development small grant.

Proposals are sought for projects benefiting and led by low-income people working together to bring about positive economic and/or social change in their communities. These projects should address the root causes of poverty and powerlessness and can focus on areas such as environmental justice, living wage, affordable housing, food security, racial justice, and cooperative enterprises.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development small grants average $2,000. Grant decisions are made by a local grants committee. Application materials are available here. The deadline for submission of the application is August 11, 2023. Grants are not available for individuals.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development was established by the U.S. Roman Catholic Bishops as an education-empowerment-action program to combat poverty and powerlessness in the United States. Funds for grants are generated through an annual collection in Catholic parishes across the country.

“We are honored to have new members joining our board this year and for the continued support of current and renewing members,” said Jim Siconolfi, Board Chair.

Elected for their First Term:

• Brian Baker, Director of Spiritual Care, Arnot Health;
• Jasmine Canestaro, Assistant Vice President of Operations – Schuyler Hospital Campus Lead, Cayuga Health System;
• Nick D’Aloisio, Marketing Communications, Corning, Inc.;
• Elizabeth Lambert, Vice President of Campus Life/Dean of Students, Elmira College;
• Lisa O’Connor, Marketing Director, O’Connor Plumbing and Heating.

• Jim Siconolfi, Chair, retired from Elmira College;
• Aimee Churchill, Vice-Chair, Attorney;
• Bruce Boughton, Treasurer, Branch Manager for Chemung Canal Trust Company;
• Jeffry Sobkowski, Secretary, retired from Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield.

• Ron Allison, Retired, Chemung Canal Trust Company;
• Carol Brady, Coordinator for the Notre Dame Athletic Association;
• George Maloney, Retired Owner of Pal’s Sports Center;
• Jeff Richards, Retired, Elmira Star-Gazette;
• Gordon Schuehler, CPA at Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLP;
• Doris Smith, Registered Nurse, and Owner of Sarah’s Majestic Gifts, LLC;
• Thomas Tedone, retired Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, New York State

Ellen Topping, Chief Program Officer 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 welcome our new members as they join us in this important work.”

As the largest fundraiser specifically for Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services, this event raises awareness of the effects of poverty and hunger in our communities. Attendees experience a simple lunch of soup and bread in solidarity with those living in poverty. Empty Bowls is unique in the collaboration with local potters to create handmade, commemorative bowls for attendees. There is also a partnership with Barb & Mark McClure, owners of Barb’s Soup’s On in Elmira, to offer guests delicious homemade soup. It was the perfect combination of excellent food, beautiful bowls, and a worthy cause.

The Empty Bowls Campaign was able to raise over $21,000 to serve those in our community who turn to Catholic Charities for support. These funds will provide food and personal hygiene items through our homeless services and our three pantries at the Samaritan Center, High Street, and Schuyler Outreach, as well as delicious meals through the Elmira Community Kitchen.

Ellen Topping, Chief Program Officer of Catholic Charities, commented, “Events like Empty Bowls remind me of how we continue to accomplish our mission with the generosity of our community. Together, we offer hope by empowering individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency and bring comfort to those who are alone and in need.”

An overview of Catholic Charities programs was shared, along with a presentation by the Junior Ladies of Charity from Notre Dame High School.

Special thanks goes out to Notre Dame High School which hosted the event this year. The support of their Staff and Students was greatly appreciated. Students welcomed guests to the event, served the guests, and provided music both before and during lunch.

Catholic Charities recognizes the potters and their students who contribute handmade bowls each year: Gene Carr, Retired; Corning Community College Students and Erica Unterman; Elmira College Students and Chris Longwell; Doug Holtgrewe, Retired; Horseheads High School Students and Cynthia Cratsley; Notre Dame High School Students and Hannah Leeber.
Corporate Sponsors of the event included The Hilliard Corporation; Chemung Canal Trust Company, Person Centered Services, Visions Federal Credit Union; Cameron Manufacturing, Elmira Structures, Erway Ambulance Services, Gough Holding Corporation, Kennedy Valve, and Wegmans.

Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services provides homeless services, rental assistance, food pantries, free meals, and prescription drug assistance in Chemung and Schuyler Counties. Anyone in need of assistance may call 607-734-9784.
To make a donation to support these services, visit Catholic Charities’ website. If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a Bags of HOPE supply drive, please contact Katie Rhodes at 607-317-5577 or send a message through the Catholic Charities’ website.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and our local Safe Harbour Programs are asking for your help recognizing human trafficking in our local community.

Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking affects individuals across the world, including here in the United States, and is commonly regarded as one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. Human trafficking affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Locally, Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau, operates the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program and the Safe Harbour Program serving anyone 10-24 years old who has run away, is at risk of running away or has been a victim of human trafficking. The local 24-hour hotline can be reached by calling or texting 607-742-9629 at any time. A website with resources and help can be found at SafeHarbourHelp.org.

In Chemung County, the Safe Harbour program is offered through a partnership between the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and Chemung County. Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. There is a concentrated effort to increase community awareness on what human trafficking looks like in our local community, how to identify potential victims, and how to prevent youth from being exploited. Call or text 607-481-3963 or email SafeHarbour@ChemungCountyNY.gov if you have questions or concerns about any youth, up to 18 years of age.

The two Safe Harbour Programs have partnered to bring a free, in-person event to the community and local service providers during January:

• Forum on Human Trafficking – Arnot Mall Event Center – 1/25/23 – 6:00 pm
  • Join us to hear Andy Stowers Forest & Melanie Puorto Conte from HEAL Trafficking Speakers’ Bureau as they share their expertise.
  • A panel of local experts will close out the evening with time for Q&A.
  • A light meal (subs, wraps, chips) will be available at no cost.
  • Register online by 1/20 at noon: or by calling: 607-535-2050
  • Teens welcome!

For more information, please visit the Catholic Charities website at cs-cc.org or call 607-535-2050 and speak with Sophie in Schuyler. In Chemung County, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian. If you believe you may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

About Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler:
Catholic Charities provides support to individuals and families in our community to help them live a more self-reliant life. They specialize in emergency services and housing support. They currently operate the Safe Harbour Program of Schuyler County, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau. For more information on services, please visit www.cs-cc.org or call 607-734-9784.

Speakers provided by HEAL Trafficking. HEAL Trafficking’s mission is to lead innovative and survivor-informed health solutions to eradicate human trafficking in our communities worldwide. HEAL works with hospitals, health centers and clinics, prehospital care centers, and all other physical and mental health-related venues where trafficked persons receive care. HEAL currently engages with a global network of more than 4,000 healthcare workers and other multidisciplinary professionals, including survivors of human trafficking, in 45 countries.

Andy Stowers Forest, Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration. Andy is a researcher and educator whose work focuses on the role of ideological extremism in shaping preferences for the use of force. His work most centrally focuses on assisting others who were victimized or trafficked by cults.

Melanie Puorto Conte is a professor at the Sage Graduate Schools, School of Health Sciences, Forensic Mental Health Division. She designed and teaches three graduate-level courses including Human Trafficking; Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention; and Grant Writing at Sage. She currently serves as the Schenectady County Safe Harbour Coordinator, advocating for individuals who have been trafficked. She also serves as an advocate for several trafficked young adult women who have aged out of the Safe Harbour Program.

Chemung County Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. For more information, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian Roupp.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and our local Safe Harbour Programs are asking for your help recognizing human trafficking in our local community.

Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking affects individuals across the world, including here in the United States, and is commonly regarded as one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. Human trafficking affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11th. In recognition of this important day, and throughout the month of January, the US Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities. Blue Campaign’s largest initiative is #WearBlueDay on January 11th. To raise awareness of human trafficking, they invite the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media with their #WearBlueDay hashtag.

Locally, Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau, operates the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program and the Safe Harbour Program serving anyone 10-24 years old who has run away, is at risk of running away or has been a victim of human trafficking. The local 24-hour hotline can be reached by calling or texting 607-742-9629 at any time. A website with resources and help can be found at SafeHarbourHelp.org.

In Chemung County, the Safe Harbour program is offered through a partnership between the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and Chemung County. Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. There is a concentrated effort to increase community awareness on what human trafficking looks like in our local community, how to identify potential victims, and how to prevent youth from being exploited. Call or text 607-481-3963 or email if you have questions or concerns about any youth, up to 18 years of age.

The two Safe Harbour Programs have partnered to bring free online and in-person events to the community and local service providers during January:

1. Rapid Indicator Tool Training – Zoom – 1/19/23 – 10:00 am
2. Forum on Human Trafficking – Arnot Mall Event Center – 1/25/23 – 6:00 pm

o    Join us to hear Andy Stowers Forest & Melanie Puorto Conte from HEAL Trafficking, Inc. as they share their expertise.
o    A panel of local experts will close out the evening with time for Q&A.
o    A light meal (subs, wraps, chips, drinks) will be available at no cost.
o    Register online or by calling: 607-535-2050
o    Teens welcome!

For more information, please visit the Catholic Charities website at cs-cc.org or call 607-535-2050 and speak with Sophie in Schuyler. In Chemung County, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian. If you believe you may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

About Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler:
Catholic Charities provides support to individuals and families in our community to help them live a more self-reliant life. They specialize in emergency services and housing support. They currently operate the Safe Harbour Program of Schuyler County, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau. For more information on services, please visit www.cs-cc.org or call 607-734-9784.

Speakers provided by HEAL Trafficking. HEAL Trafficking’s mission is to lead innovative and survivor-informed health solutions to eradicate human trafficking in our communities worldwide. HEAL works with hospitals, health centers and clinics, prehospital care centers, and all other physical and mental health-related venues where trafficked persons receive care. HEAL currently engages with a global network of more than 4,000 healthcare workers and other multidisciplinary professionals, including survivors of human trafficking, in 45 countries.

Andy Stowers Forest, Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration. Andy is a researcher and educator whose work focuses on the role of ideological extremism in shaping preferences for the use of force. His work most centrally focuses on assisting others who were victimized or trafficked by cults.

Melanie Puorto Conte is a professor at the Sage Graduate Schools, School of Health Sciences, Forensic Mental Health Division. She designed and teaches three graduate-level courses including Human Trafficking; Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention; and Grant Writing at Sage. She currently serves as the Schenectady County Safe Harbour Coordinator, advocating for individuals who have been trafficked. She also serves as an advocate for several trafficked young adult women who have aged out of the Safe Harbour Program.

Chemung County Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. For more information, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian Roupp.