ELMIRA, NY – Catholic Charities Diocese of Rochester is joining Catholic Charities agencies across the United States to host People of Hope: Faith Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a traveling museum that amplifies the transformative impact of Christian service. The People of Hope Museum will be free and open to the public at two locations in the Diocese of Rochester in May 2026.

The mobile museum will be open:
• May 4, 2026 at St. Mary Our Mother Church, 816 West Broad Street, Horseheads, NY from 12:30pm – 4:30pm for the public.
• May 7, 2026 at St. Marianne Cope Parish at Guardian Angels Church, 2061 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 10am – 6pm for the public.

Bishop John Bonnici will open the museum and welcome guests both days at 10am.

The mobile museum celebrates the hope that Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester brings to over 100,000 people in our communities every year. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about needs in our community, and to experience compelling stories about neighbors in need and the Catholic Charities staff who bring love and hope to them.

One of the featured stories comes from our Catholic Charities Chemung/Schuyler agency, highlighting local impact within the broader national movement. LaFrance Supervisor, Lisa Appleby, shares a local Elmira story as part of the museum experience.

Housed inside a customized 53-foot tractor trailer, the People of Hope Museum is an immersive experience featuring more than 40 professionally produced video stories of Catholic Charities staff and volunteers from across the country sharing meaningful encounters with individuals and families facing hardship.

In addition to the video storytelling gallery, visitors can:
• Participate in an interactive poverty simulation, stepping into another person’s life to better understand the daily realities of living on the margins
• Visit a recording studio to share their own stories of hope, service, and faith
• Explore an audio library featuring short excerpts from seminal works on poverty, social isolation, bridge building, and community action
• Engage with national and state data illustrating the scope of need and the vital role of social service organizations

This local work reflects the shared mission of Catholic Charities agencies nationwide to honor the dignity of every person and respond to the Gospel call to serve those most in need.
The People of Hope Museum launched its national tour in March and will travel the United States for two and a half years. The initiative is made possible through a 2024 grant of nearly $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc., awarded through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life.

To learn more about the People of Hope Museum, visit www.peopleofhope.us. To explore volunteer opportunities or learn more about Catholic Charities of Chemung & Schuyler programs, visit www.CatholicCharitiesCS.org.

About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester: For more than a century, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester has supported individuals and families throughout the region by providing compassionate, dignity centered services during times of crisis and transition.

Chemung/Schuyler: Catholic Charities provides support to individuals and families in our community to help them live a more self-reliant life. The agency specializes in emergency services and housing support. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester operates six agencies serving twelve Western New York counties, from the Southern Tier to Rochester, including Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler. For more information on services, please visit CatholicCharitiesCS.org.

About People of Hope Museum: Faith Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors celebrates the power of Christian service and its transformative impact on both giver and receiver. The mobile museum offers a one of a kind opportunity for communities to experience, reflect on, and share stories of compassion, faith, and service in action.tiesCS.org or ccdor.org.

Hope is Coming: People of Hope Museum Coming to the Diocese of Rochester

Catholic Charities USA is launching an inspiring new initiative, People of Hope, a nationwide mobile storytelling exhibit debuting in spring 2026. Supported by a major grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the exhibit brings to life the real stories of volunteers, staff, and community members whose everyday acts of service reflect faith, compassion, and human connection. Through immersive audio and visual experiences, People of Hope celebrates how helping others transforms both those who serve and those they serve.

Housed inside a retrofitted tractor trailer, the exhibit invites visitors to listen to powerful, professionally recorded stories and even record their own reflections on service, hope, and transformation. Research shows many people feel called to help but aren’t sure how to begin. People of Hope bridges that gap by showing how meaningful, accessible, and fulfilling volunteering can be—and how service builds lasting relationships and stronger communities.

We’re excited that People of Hope will visit our region as part of its national tour, stopping in Chemung County on May 4, at St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads, and Rochester on May 7, at St. Marianne Cope Parish at Guardian Angels Church. This free, family friendly experience offers a chance to reflect, listen, and add your own story to a growing national tapestry of hope. Learn more about the People of Hope exhibit by visiting the People of Hope page on our website.

21st Annual Empty Bowls: Thank You for Attending!

We are thrilled to share that our 21st Annual Empty Bowls event was a tremendous success, raising over $30,000 to support the Samaritan Center. Thanks to the generosity of our community—attendees, volunteers, artists, and sponsors—this beloved event continues to make a meaningful impact by helping ensure our neighbors facing food insecurity have access to nutritious meals and vital support services. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped turn empty bowls into full hearts and stronger hope for those we serve.

If we missed you, and you wish to make a donation, please click here!

Welcome Bishop John S. Bonnici!

We would like to warmly welcome Bishop John S. Bonnici, who was installed as the 10th Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester at a special Mass on March 19th at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He succeeds Bishop Salvatore Matano, who retires after 12 years of faithful ministry. We embrace Bishop Bonnici’s vision of service rooted in love and compassion and eagerly anticipate his stewardship.

APRIL EVENTS

April 14 – Tabling at the Horseheads Library, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
April 20-24 – National Volunteer Week

Bags of HOPE: Consider organizing a Bags of HOPE drive for much-needed items (hygiene items and diapers). You can view our wishlist and purchase online as well. These items will assist those at our Homeless Shelter and those visiting the Samaritan Center.

MAY EVENTS

May 2 – Tabling at Walk a Mile, Eldridge Park, Elmira, 9:00am – Noon
May 4 – People of Hope Museum, St. Mary Our Mother Church, 816 W. Broad Street, Horseheads, NY 14845, time TBD
May 4 – Guthrie MOM Unit, 160 High Street, Elmira, 9:00am – 4:00pm
May 7 – People of Hope Museum, St. Marianne Cope Parish, 2061 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623, time TBD
May 12 – Tabling at the Horseheads Library, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
May 20 – Tabling at the Women’s Empowerment Conference, Corning Community College, 8:30am – 4:30pm
May 25 – AGENCY CLOSED, Memorial Day

ELMIRA, NY – Catholic Charities is thrilled to announce the success of the 21st Empty Bowls Luncheon, that was held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Notre Dame High School. This year’s event, the largest fundraiser for The Samaritan Center, raised over $30,000 to support local poverty relief efforts. Over the past twenty years, the Empty Bowls Luncheon has raised over $404,000, making a significant impact on our community.

Generous sponsorship from The Hilliard Corporation, Kennedy Valve, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Community Bank, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gough Holding, Stewart Advisory Services, Southern Tier Custom Fabricators, Visions Federal Credit Union, Wegmans, and other local sponsors helped make this year’s event possible. The Empty Bowls Luncheon is unique, featuring handmade, commemorative bowls created by local potters. Guests also enjoyed delicious homemade soup provided by Barb & Mark McClure, owners of Barb’s Soup’s On Cafe in Elmira.

The Empty Bowls Luncheon featured delicious soup, a brief presentation, raffles and an award presentation. The Longwell-McClure Award is named after Chris Longwell, Associate Professor of Art at Elmira College and Barb and Mark McClure, Owners of Barb’s Soup’s On. As the first recipients of the award, Catholic Charities honored Chris as an individual who had supported Catholic Charities as well as the McClure’s as a business who had supported in unique and impactful ways over the years.

Professor Longwell has been making bowls for this luncheon for the last 21 years and was instrumental in starting this fundraising event at Elmira College where it was held until 2022 when the event moved to Notre Dame. The McClures have been providing soup for this luncheon since the beginning, even providing to-go soup during the virtual Empty Bowls that was held due to COVID.

As a tribute to Professor Longwell and the McClures, Cindy Fuller and Corning Federal Credit Union were recognized for their dedication to our community.

Beautiful bowls were created and donated by the following:
• Colleen McCall Ceramics
• David Webster’s Pottery
• Elmira College Students and Chris Longwell
• Horseheads High School Students and Cynthia Cratsley
• Kettle Creek Pottery, Amy Manson
• Mary Purdy

Notre Dame students helped prepare for the event and assisted with serving throughout the luncheon. It was a wonderful combination of delicious food, beautiful bowls, a meaningful cause, and—most importantly—the generous partners who support our mission.

The Samaritan Center operates a food pantry five days a week, providing food, personal hygiene items, diapers, and wipes. Volunteers serve guests daily. If you’re interested in volunteering, please visit the Catholic Charities website to sign up. If you would like to make a donation to help Catholic Charities exceed their fundraising goal, you may visit their website.

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. The agency specializes in emergency services and housing support. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester operates agencies serving twelve Western New York counties, from the Southern Tier to Rochester, including Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler. For more information on services, please visit CatholicCharitiesCS.org or ccdor.org.

Empire State Child Credit Offers Up to $1,000 Per Child Under Age Four
Free Tax Assistance Available Through April 15 to Help Families Claim Benefits

ELMIRA, NY – Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler invites you to the 21st Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon being held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Notre Dame High School. As the largest fundraiser for the Samaritan Center, this event is designed to raise awareness of the effects of hunger and poverty in our community. Over the last twenty years, the Empty Bowls Luncheon has raised over $404,000 toward local poverty relief efforts.

This year’s event is generously sponsored in part by Gold Sponsors: The Hilliard Corporation and Kennedy Valve.

Empty Bowls stands out as a special event thanks to its collaboration with local potters, who create handmade, commemorative bowls for attendees contributing $50 or more. Catholic Charities also teams up with Barb and Mark McClure, owners of Barb’s Soups On Café in Elmira, to serve guests delicious homemade soup. It’s a wonderful blend of great food, beautiful craftsmanship, and meaningful community impact.

Tickets are $50 per person for lunch and a commemorative soup bowl created by a local art student or artisan. Get your tickets today as a limited number will be sold. For more information, contact Catholic Charities at 607-734-9784, or visit the event page at www.CatholicCharitiesCS.org.

The Empty Bowls Luncheon will include an impactful presentation, a door prize, and a raffle for a set of beautiful commemorative bowls donated by artisan Mary Purdy from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The Samaritan Center operates a food pantry five days a week. In addition to food, personal hygiene items, diapers and wipes are also available. The Samaritan Center relies on volunteers to serve guests at the food pantry every day. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the Catholic Charities website to sign up.

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. The agency specializes in emergency services and housing support. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester operates agencies serving twelve Western New York counties, from the Southern Tier to Rochester, including Catholic Charities of Chemung/Schuyler. For more information on services, please visit CatholicCharitiesCS.org or ccdor.org.

Join Us for the 21st Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon!

Empty Bowls is more than a fundraising event—it’s a powerful reminder of the hunger experienced by many in our community and a chance for all of us to take part in meaningful change. Guests share a simple meal and take home a handcrafted bowl, symbolizing the empty bowls faced by individuals and families who struggle each day.
Proceeds from this event directly support the Samaritan Center’s work, providing food and essential services to those experiencing hunger and homelessness. Tickets can be purchased for lunch only, or lunch and a commemorative bowl. Whether you attend, sponsor, or make a donation, your participation helps ensure that fewer of our neighbors face empty cupboards and difficult choices.
We invite you to join us in this effort. Together, we can fill more bowls, support more families, and strengthen our community one meal at a time.

Buy Your Tickets Here!
Sponsorship Opportunities

Coming Soon: People of Hope — A Nationwide Storytelling Experience

Catholic Charities USA is launching People of Hope, an immersive, two and a half year traveling exhibit that celebrates powerful, faith filled stories of neighbors helping neighbors. Thanks to a major Lilly Endowment grant, this retrofitted tractor trailer will tour the country beginning in 2026 — and it’s headed to Chemung County (5/4) and Rochester (5/7).

Visitors will step inside to hear moving firsthand accounts from Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, witness moments of service that transformed lives, and even record their own stories of hope.

Stay tuned for dates, details, and how you can be part of this inspiring national journey.

ADVOCACY ALERT: The Bring It Home Campaign needs your help urging New York State to fully fund mental health housing in the 2026-2027 State Budget.

Why Your Letter Matters:
• The Governor’s proposal includes only a 1.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII)—but 2.7% is needed just to keep pace with inflation.
• Without the full 2.7%, mental health housing programs face cuts that affect rising operational costs like food, utilities, insurance, transportation, and staff wages.
• We must advocate NOW to ensure these programs receive adequate funding.
How to Help:
• Click the link below.
• Enter your street address, zip code, and full name. A pre-written letter will automatically be sent to the Governor and NYS Legislators

You can send the e letter more than once—and please share the link with others!
👉 Send E Letters Here!

MARCH EVENTS
March 2 – Guthrie MOM Unit, 160 High Street, Elmira, 9:00am – 4:00pm
March 16 – Last Day to Become a Sponsor for Empty Bowls
March 19 – Last Day to Purchase Empty Bowls Tickets
March 24 – 21st Annual Empty Bowls, Notre Dame High School, 11:30am – 1:00pm

APRIL EVENTS
April 3 – AGENCY CLOSED, Good Friday
April 5 – Easter Dinner, Elmira Community Kitchen (160 High St, Elmira), time TBD
April 9 – Pasta Night Fundraiser, Glenora Wine Cellars (5435 NY-14, Dundee, NY), 5:00pm – 7:00pm
April 14 – Tabling at the Horseheads Library, 2:30pm – 4:30pm
April 20-24 – National Volunteer Week
April 22 – Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, TBD, 1:00pm – 2:30pm

Bags of HOPE: Consider organizing a Bags of HOPE drive for much-needed items (men’s hygiene, diapers, ready-to-eat foods, and non-perishable items). You can view our wishlist and purchase online as well. These items will assist those at our Homeless Shelter and those visiting the Samaritan Center.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Love is Respect.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, observed each February, shines a light on the importance of promoting healthy, respectful relationships among teens and young adults. In 2026, this awareness month encourages communities, schools, families, and peers to recognize the warning signs of dating abuse—such as controlling behaviors, emotional manipulation, or physical harm—and to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. It also emphasizes empowering teens with the knowledge and confidence to set boundaries, communicate openly, and seek help without fear or shame. By fostering education, open conversations, and support systems, Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month reminds us that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected in their relationships.

Please visit our website for resources or call/text our 24/7 Hotline at 607-742-9629.
For more information about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, please visit loveisrespect.org.

Please Welcome our New Executive Director, Terry Cahill!

After serving as the Interim Executive Director through 2025, Terry Cahill was recently appointed the Executive Director of Catholic Charities Chemung/Schuyler. Since his arrival, Terry has been a tremendous asset to our organization, our team, and the communities we serve across Chemung and Schuyler counties. Additionally, he has become a valued member of the executive team for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester. Terry brings an unwavering commitment to Catholic Charities mission, along with the insight and leadership skills developed over a career in health, human services, and education.

Catholic Charities could not ask for a better partner to guide this agency forward—both in the important work we do every day and as we plan for a vibrant future. In reflecting on his new position, Terry remarked, “The work we do matters, and I’m thankful every day for the chance to do it together with such dedicated employees and volunteers. I am deeply grateful to serve an organization that embodies Margaret Mead’s words: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.’”

Please Welcome our New Schuyler Director, Lauren Lovett!

Lauren Lovett brings a deep passion for advocacy, leadership, and community partnership to her role as Schuyler County Director. Drawing from experience across several different lenses, including direct service, supervision, and program leadership, Lauren is committed to strengthening access to resources, empowering individuals, and building responsive systems of care. With years of experience supporting survivors and families through victim services and youth programming, she is grateful for the opportunity to lead the Schuyler County programs and looks forward to continuing meaningful work alongside community partners to create safer, stronger communities.

Reflecting on her new position, Lauren stated, “Every person deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered. Leading the Schuyler County programs is an opportunity I cherish, and I’m excited for what we will continue to accomplish together.”

Empty Bowls Luncheon

We invite you to our 21st Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Notre Dame High School from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to raise funds for The Samaritan Center while raising awareness about hunger in our community.
This meaningful event includes a simple but hearty lunch of soup and bread—featuring soup from Barb’s Soup’s On Café in Elmira—along with presentations and the opportunity to make a real difference. Guests may choose to receive a commemorative hand-made soup bowl as a lasting reminder of the cause, with advance tickets required. Through shared food, conversation, and compassion, the Empty Bowls Luncheon highlights how coming together can help fill empty bowls and support neighbors in need.

Please RSVP by March 19, 2026.
Buy Your Tickets Here
Sponsorship Opportunities

March Events:

March 2 – Guthrie MOM Unit, 160 High Street, Elmira (Elmira Community Kitchen)
9:00am – 4:00pm
March 16 – Last Day to Become a Sponsor for Empty Bowls 
March 19 – Last Day to Purchase Empty Bowls Tickets
March 21 – 21st Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon, Notre Dame High School
11:30am – 1:00pm

April Events:

April 3 – AGENCY CLOSED, Good Friday
April 5 – Easter Dinner, Elmira Community Kitchen (160 High Street, Elmira)
Time TBD
April 9 – Pasta Night Fundraiser, Glenora Wine Cellars (5435 NY-14, Dundee, NY)
5:00pm – 7:00pm
April 14 – Tabling at the Horseheads Library
2:30pm – 4:30pm
April 20-24 – National Volunteer Week
April 22 – Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, TBD
1:00pm – 2:30pm

Bags of HOPE: Consider organizing a Bags of HOPE drive for much-needed warm items (coats, hats, gloves, and boots). You can view our wishlist and purchase online as well. These items will assist those at our Homeless Shelter and Warming Station during these cold months.

Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to rase awareness and take action to prevent human trafficking in our communities. This year’s theme, “Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures.” reminds us that our everyday connections play a vital role in preventing human trafficking. Strong, supportive relationships at home, at work, and in our communities help protect people from human trafficking and other forms of abuse. When individuals are supported, valued, and connected to the community, it is harder for traffickers to isolate, manipulate, or control them. Family members, friends, coworkers, and community members can notice when something doesn’t seem right and help connect people to support and resources.

Throughout January, be intentional about deepening connections with people in your daily life – check in, listen, and build trust. Together we can help create a future free from human trafficking.

How you can engage this month:
– Share information about Human Trafficking Prevention Month with your networks.
– Promote resources that support safety, stability, and well-being.
– Encourage conversations with children and youth about human trafficking, healthy relationships, safe boundaries, and finding the right balance between screen time and time with family and friends.

Stay informed throughout January by visiting the Office of Trafficking in Persons’ website for news, resources and events, or view our Safe Harbour page.

January is Poverty Awareness Month

Catholic teaching urges that we continually call on our elected officials to prioritize policies that protect the poor and most vulnerable. In 2025, the US Catholic Bishops addressed components of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act insisting that it will have ongoing and devastating consequences for the poorest people in our country. The federal bill cut funding for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) which will result in millions going hungry, while cuts to Medicaid could cause 10 million people to lose their health insurance over the next decade according to reports from the Congressional Budget Office.

One way we can stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in need is by advocating for just national policies. Challenge: Call our Congressman Nick Langworthy at (607) 377-3130 or contact him through his website and ask him to help lift vulnerable families out of poverty by strengthening food assistance and other federal safety net programs to ensure adequate funding for programs that promote the common good.

January Events:

January 28 – Fundraiser: Cheers for Charity – Lakeside Resort & 3812 Bistro
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Cheers for Charity: Join us at Lakeside Resort & 3812 Bistro in Watkins Glen, NY on January 28, 2026, for their monthly Food and Wine tasting series, held on the last Wednesday of each month at 5:30pm! This evening features a three-course tapas-style menu expertly paired with wines from a local winery, all while supporting Catholic Charities’ Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry! The cost is $45 per person, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy exceptional food and wine while giving back to the community!

February Events:

February 2 – Guthrie MOM Unit, 160 High Street, Elmira
9:00am – 4:00pm

Bags of HOPE: Consider organizing a Bags of HOPE drive for much-needed household items (cleaning supplies, pots/pans, vacuums). You can view our wishlist and purchase online as well.