OLEAN, N.Y., Feb. 6, 2010 – About 60 parish workers, clergy and volunteers from Allegany and Cattaraugus counties took part in a luncheon and volunteer training workshop Saturday at The Old Library restaurant in Olean. The annual event was held in preparation for the 2010 Appeal for Catholic Charities, which carries a goal of $10.5 million.

Fund-raising events and activities for the annual campaign are already under way. One week in particular – Appeal Week taking place March 21 through March 28 – is vital to the overall campaign as parishes across Western New York will celebrate those parishioners who have already donated, and encourage those who have not yet donated to consider what they can do. The theme of this year’s Appeal is “Whoever. Wherever. Whenever.” capturing the essence of the organization’s mission – to serve anyone in need throughout our eight-county region, empowering individuals, children and families to achieve and maintain meaningful, healthy and productive lives.

Catholic Charities serves tens of thousands of people across the eight counties of Western New York each year, and more than 3,000 people in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties alone.  Bishop Kmiec recognized that the Appeal goal of $10.5 million is an aggressive one, but he reminded attendees at today’s workshop how essential this year’s Appeal is to the Western New Yorkers in need, who depend on Catholic Charities each day.

“Our goal is $10.5 million, down slightly from a year ago, reflecting the challenges we face raising funds in the current Western New York economy while also taking into consideration the ongoing, and great necessity for the programs and services we offer,” he said.
    
Also in attendance at the event were Sister Mary McCarrick, interim diocesan director of Catholic Charities; 2010 Appeal Chair Michael “Mick” Whipple; members of the Appeal leadership team; and community volunteers, clergy and lay leaders from the 15 parishes in Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties.  Workshop attendees also heard special stories from Catholic Charities’ clients who found help when they needed it most.

The Salamanca Clubhouse offers a place where people 18 years or older with a mental health diagnosis can find friendship and encouragement. The Clubhouse provides socializing opportunities and nutritional services in a home-like setting. It also offers a variety of community-based recreational opportunities, along with outings, and trips to assist individuals in meeting their socialization needs and support continued independent living.

Wendy Garfield of Salamanca is a widow and was recently diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, chronic clinical depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Overcome with grief, she found the Salamanca Clubhouse, and credits the program for giving her a reason to wake up again.

“When my husband died, I felt like my whole life fell apart,” said Garfield. “For a long time, I asked God why he allowed me to go on living. My life seemed so useless, so pointless, and I really did not want to go on living.”

Since she started spending time at the Clubhouse, she says she has found the support she needed and her time there has kept her mentally healthier than she would have otherwise been.

“The Clubhouse has been nothing but positive for me. I can’t think of anything that could take its place. Please know that your work on the Appeal will impact many individuals with many needs,” she said. “Thank you for your hard work in keeping the Catholic Charities’ programs available for those of us who so desperately need them!”

• Click here to watch Wendy share her story.

Bill Glose of Allegany also came to Catholic Charities because he was dealing with grief issues, and found the help he needed to become more socially connected again.

“When I first went to Catholic Charities, my arthritis was so bad due to my emotional stress of losing my wife, and psychologically I was a mess because my wife and I were extremely close,” said Glose. “Matt [Wenke, counselor] helped me understand that what I was feeling was normal and that there is not a timetable for grief. He also helped me turn things around because before I didn’t care. It helped so much to have someone to talk to.”

• Click here to watch Bill share his story.

Offices in Olean, Wellsville, Salamanca and Gowanda provide individual, couples and family counseling, as well as assessment, evaluation, assistance or referral to Catholic Charities or other community programs as appropriate.

The agency offers other specialized programs, including Our Kids: Parenting Education and Awareness Program (formerly known as Co-Parenting) for separated, divorced or never married couples experiencing conflict raising their children; ProjecTruth, the character-based abstinence education program for adolescents; the Multisystemic Therapy program for adolescents and their families, and a Domestic Violence Offenders Program. Other services in Salamanca include Intensive and Supportive Case Management programs, which link children with mental health services and provide case management and advocacy.

Sister McCarrick said, “Catholic Charities is always there for whoever is in need of help …infants, children, the evicted adult and single parent, low-income families; wherever help is needed –– we are in every city in Western New York, and whenever help is needed – in a troubled marriage, with parenting skills or in a basic needs crisis.”

Appeal Chair Mick Whipple recognized and thanked the volunteers in Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties who have once again pledged their time and commitment to the Appeal.

He went on to tout the efficiency of Catholic Charities and how each donation will help. “Catholic Charities is an excellent steward of donations – fund-raising costs are very low, at about seven percent, administrative costs are just 11 percent,” said Whipple. “Share Wendy’s story – her success story – with people you come across so they know that when they donate to this organization, change happens.”

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.

The goal for the 2010 Appeal is $10.5 million and is under the patronage of Saint Damien.

For more information on the 2010 Appeal or to make a donation, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org.