Each year in October, advocates, survivors, and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM).

This fall, Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler Counties is joining the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) in their national combined campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and GiveForDV.

The goal of these two joint initiatives is to start a coordinated national conversation about domestic violence and how we can all contribute to changing the narrative on this overshadowed, but fundamental topic, building on that conversation to raise awareness, increase donations and volunteer efforts, and deepen community engagement by connecting our work nationwide.

More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. Anyone, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. This year’s campaign theme, #Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.

Catholic Charities’ First Step Victim Services Program, in its 25^th year of providing services, is asking local businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals to help “Shine the Light” on domestic violence by displaying purple ribbons, yard signs, or 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 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.

Throughout October, Catholic Charities and NNEDV will be sharing content on their social media channels to help raise awareness and educate the public on the complex dynamics of domestic violence. A Week of Action is planned for October 17-23, 2022, designed to engage advocates, partners, and the public in starting a national conversation.

There will also be an official GiveForDV Giving Day on October 19. Supporters can get involved by giving through the secure link on Catholic Charities’ social media pages.

Two local events will be held that will be an opportunity to remember those lost to domestic violence and educate ourselves on the reality in our community. Luminaries will be lit to honor those impacted by domestic violence.

• In Schuyler County, join us on October 20 at SheQuaGa Falls in Montour Falls from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
• In Chemung County, the event will be held at Wisner Park in Elmira on October 27 from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and visit the Catholic Charities’ table to pick up information on services.

Lastly, the Safe to Say Campaign, which started in 2020, is a partnership with local businesses and organizations to offer victims a safe place where it is “safe to say” what happened so that they can get the help they need. Training has been offered at multiple locations since 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. This campaign seeks to ensure places throughout the community can be ready 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.

Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at TheHotline.org or 1-(800) 799-SAFE (800) 799-7233) or our First Step Victim Services Hotline at 607-742-9629 (call or text).

For more information on October’s events, contact Katie Rhodes, Communications Coordinator at Catholic Charities at 607-317-5577 or visit the Catholic Charities’ website (cs-cc.org) or Facebook page.

We hope you can join us for one or both of these activities: • October 20 – DVAM Event at SheQuaGa Falls, Montour Falls – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. • October 27 – DVAM Event Wisner Park, Elmira – 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Gala 2022 Invitation Image

After being postponed for two years we are pleased to be able to extend an invitation to our Catholic Charities Annual Fundraiser Gala. This night of candlelight and entertainment will commence at six o’clock in the evening on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the picturesque Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel.

This elegant and charming event features live music by Nik Lite, a satellite version of the party band Nik and the Nice Guys. There will be delicious hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a three-course served dinner with dessert, a 50/50, a complimentary photo, a wine pull, a silent auction, and a very special paddle auction.

It’s an opportunity to get swept away in the magic of the evening while raising vital funds for Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler, your local partner in poverty relief.

Registrations are being taken until Tuesday, September 13th, and a limited number will be sold. There will be no registration at the door on the day of the event. Tickets are $75 per guest and can be obtained here. Please join us for this important fundraiser for Catholic Charities programs in Chemung and Schuyler Counties! Together, we can bring light to those in darkness and make a difference.

Catholic Charities works to ensure that people have food, clothing, shelter, medical services, and the ability to achieve a decent standard of living. For more information on services, please browse our website.

Catholic Charities will continue providing homeless services and sheltering as follows:

•    Samaritan Center, 380 South Main Street, Elmira NY 14904, 607-734-4898,
Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm all homeless shelter intakes, assessments, and placements for shelter housing will be completed at the Samaritan Center.

•   Elmira Police Department, 317 East Church Street, Elmira NY 14901, guests seeking emergency shelter after normal business hours, mentioned above, should be directed to the Elmira Police Department, where a Catholic Charities’ Homeless Intake Support Specialist will determine the guests’ needs and identify appropriate sheltering options.

•   The Catholic Charities emergency shelter phone number will not change, and any providers wishing to speak with a Homeless Intake Support Specialist should call 607-732-5954 during non-business hours, weekends, and holidays.

Collectively, the County and Catholic Charities will be looking to have a new shelter approved before the end of the year. The shelter being considered is a dormitory-style setting. As that is approved, we will keep you informed.

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 $17,000 to serve those in our community who turn to Catholic Charities for support. These funds will provide food and personal hygiene items through two pantries, The Samaritan Center and Schuyler Outreach, and delicious meals through the Elmira Community Kitchen.

Nancy Koons, Catholic Charities’ Executive Director, commented, “During challenges like this pandemic, I am reminded 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.”

Father Scott Kubinski, the Pastor of the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, shared the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. He encouraged each attendee to use those themes to make a difference in our local communities.

This year’s award was given to the Catholic Charities’ Staff in recognition of their hard work through the COVID-19 pandemic. The work of Catholic Charities never ceased. Staff exhibited creativity and resiliency in meeting the needs of those who required their services. Creative means of to-go meals were employed at the Elmira Community Kitchen. Pre-packed food boxes were available at the pantries. Case Managers made dozens of phone calls each day to monitor mental health and transitioned to outdoor meetings when possible. Domestic violence services and advocacy were provided virtually. School supplies and holiday meals were distributed at outdoor and drive-through events. Nancy commended the Staff for proving they can go above and beyond any barrier that stands in their way.

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.

Catholic Charities recognizes the potters and their students who contribute handmade bowls each year: Gene Carr, Retired; Corning Community College Students and Fred Herbst; Elmira College Students and Chris Longwell; Elmira High School Students and Susan Pabody; Doug Holtgrewe, Retired; Notre Dame High School Students and Hannah Leeber.

Corporate Sponsors of the event included Saratoga Eagle (formerly Seneca Beverage Corporation); Chemung Canal Trust Company; Elmira Savings Bank, Elmira Structures, The Hilliard Corporation, Wegmans; Gough Holding Corporation, Kennedy Valve, Maguire Chrysler of Watkins Glen, and Visions Federal Credit Union.

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 at www.cs-cc.org. If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a supply drive, please contact Katie Rhodes at 607-317-5577 or send a message through the website.

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.