FREDONIA, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2010 – About 70 parish workers, clergy and volunteers from Chautauqua County took part in a luncheon and volunteer training workshop on Saturday in Fredonia at The White Inn. 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 which will take 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 for Appeal 2010 is “Whoever. Whenever. Wherever.” capturing the very 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. Catholic Charities helped more than 6,600 people from Chautauqua County alone in 2009; through such programs as emergency assistance and advocacy, Our Kids: Parent Education and Awareness Program, Domestic Violence Offenders Program, ProjecTruth, Complex Trauma Group, Outreach to the Aging and Telephone Assurance Program (TAP).

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 dollars, 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.

Offices in Jamestown and Dunkirk 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 also offers specialized programs in the area, including Our Kids: Parenting Education and Awareness Program for separated, divorced or never married couples experiencing conflict raising their children, and through The Telephone Assurance Program (TAP) which is a free volunteer service that provides regular telephone calls to homebound elderly and disabled persons to check on their well-being and encourages socialization.
    
Those in attendance heard Amy Rogers and Lucinda Dulmus talk about their experience with Catholic Charities.
    
Amy Rogers received counseling at the Dunkirk office recently. She explained that, although she had always given to the Catholic Charities Appeal, it takes on even more meaning now that she has benefitted from the organization’s services.
    
“Issues arose in my life and although I had great family and friends, I did not know where to turn. Having Catholic Charities there in my time of need was truly God-sent,” Amy said. “They listen without judgment and offer suggestions without demanding. They helped me to smile and laugh at a difficult time in my life when I had nowhere to turn and I thank God for that gift.”

• Watch Amy share her story.
  

Lucinda Dulmus, also a counseling client, credited Catholic Charities for moving her from being a dysfunctional individual to a functional individual and from “not living to living.” Lucinda was a victim of domestic violence and suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, and now is struggling with health issues that prevent her from continuing her long-time career as a nurse’s aide.

“When I first started counseling I really didn’t know who I was,” she said. “Now I am able to educate my family on why dysfunctional families don’t work, and I am in a good relationship. This is all because of the counseling I have received at Catholic Charities.”

She added, “Catholic Charities also helped me when my children were young and I didn’t have any food. They also made sure my kids had something for Christmas.”

Today, Lucinda said, as she works toward a social work degree because she wants to be able to be there for others, “It doesn’t matter what the challenge is; every day is a new day.”   

• Watch Lucinda share her story.
  

Also in attendance at the event were Sister Mary McCarrick, interim diocesan director of Catholic Charities; 2010 Appeal Chair Michael “Mick” Whipple; Anthony Raffa, Chautauqua County Diocesan Appeal Parish Coordinator; members of the Appeal leadership team; and community volunteers, clergy and lay leaders from the 13 parishes in Chautauqua County.

Sister McCarrick said, “Catholic Charities is always there for whoever is in need of help … infants, children, the evicted adult and single parent and 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 Chautauqua County 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 the stories you heard today – the success stories – 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.