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.

• Code Blue (Warming Station) is activated when the temperature, including wind chill, is 32°F or below.
• During Code Blue, a Warming Station is opened in the Elmira Community Kitchen dining area at 160 High Street (near St. Joseph’s Hospital).
  • Individuals can get warm between 8 PM and 8 AM in the dining area.
  • Hot drinks, snacks, dinner, and breakfast are available. Lunch is served at the Elmira Community Kitchen while the shelter closes for cleaning.
• Individuals staying at the Warming Station do not need to apply for Temporary Assistance benefits, distinguishing it from a homeless shelter where they are required to comply with rules and appointments.
• The Homeless Shelter is now open 24/7, with security on-site at all times.
  • Shelter residents receive breakfast, dinner, and a snack. Lunch is served at the Elmira Community Kitchen while the shelter closes for cleaning.
  • If someone is unable to comply with the rules, they will be asked to leave.
  • If the shelter is full, overflow individuals will be housed in motels. (They are NOT sent to the Warming Station.)
• Staff will assess and contact EPD or Crisis for evaluation if someone appears under the influence or has a mental health/medical issue. Transportation to the hospital via taxi may be offered. If declined, EPD will be contacted to locate and transport them. In case of medical distress, 911 will be called immediately.
• Due to extreme cold, pets are allowed if they are on a leash, well-behaved and their owner agrees to clean up any mess they might make.
• Anyone in need of a place to get warm or overnight shelter, should come to 160 High Street to see what their options are. Staff are working with DSS to find housing options for individuals.
  • Staff work with individuals and families to make referrals to services for their unique needs.
  • Family resources and support systems are assessed as alternatives to staying in the shelter/motel. Efforts are made to develop a natural support network.
• Individuals meet with their case manager and DSS during business hours, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Samaritan Center, 380 South Main Street.
• Individuals are supplied with personal care items and linens when they arrive at the Shelter/Warming Station.
• Individuals are required to apply and comply with requirements such as substance abuse treatment, employment, housing searches, shelter/motel rules, etc.
• Transportation to required appointments including case management is given via bus tokens (cabs when necessary).
• Families are housed at local motels and not placed at the Warming Station or Homeless Shelter. Some individuals may be housed in the motels due to medical conditions or the shelter being full.
• Food is provided through the Samaritan Center Food Pantry for those in hotels. They also receive meal allowances.
• The Warming Station / Shelter is operating in partnership with the Chemung County Department of Social Services.
• The maximum number of people we have had at the Warming Station has been 15 as of January 21, 2025.
• The Shelter has 47 beds. If the Shelter is full, individuals will be placed in local motels, not the Warming Station.
• DSS Staff and Catholic Charities’ Staff are working to prevent homelessness by attending eviction court twice a week and working with landlords.
• There are more case managers now to help assist with intensive case management for individuals and families.
• No staff are on site at the Elmira Police Department since the Shelter is available 24/7.
• If any information is posted on social media regarding Catholic Charities, please contact
  Katie Rhodes to address it from the Agency’s social media account. Staff and Volunteers
  should not be posting on behalf of the Agency. You may tag Catholic Charities to answer
  the question / address the comment and then send a screenshot of the post or a link to
  the post to Katie via email or text.
• Please send community questions or concerns to Katie via email
  ([email protected]) or phone (607-317-5577 call/text).
• Donations of hats, gloves, personal hygiene items, and blankets are being accepted at our Samaritan Center (380 S Main St). Anyone donating items should use the back door, Monday – Friday, between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.
• If people are interested in helping, they can visit our website to sign up to volunteer to
  serve dinner at the Shelter as well as other volunteer opportunities with Catholic
  Charities. Visit our website, click on the Volunteer button at the top.
  • They can also see our complete list of needed donations. Visit our website, click on
  “Give Help” and then “Items Needed.”
  https://www.catholiccharitiescs.org/give-help/items-needed/
• Thank you for helping us ensure everyone has access to correct information!

Catholic Charities’ Homeless Shelter

Catholic Charities of Chemung and Schuyler will be conducting interviews with the public to measure homelessness in our community. The interviews will be focused on where individuals slept during one specific “point-in-time,” Thursday, January 23, 2025.
This Point-In-Time Study (PIT) will be conducted in a five-county region and is part of US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) funding and in partnership with CARES, Inc.

A Point-In-Time Study is a coordinated effort within a specific region to count the number of people experiencing homelessness during a specific one-day point in time. HUD requests this information to better understand and address homelessness at a national level. Because of this PIT Study, federal funds could be used to address homeless issues specifically within our region. Therefore, Catholic Charities’ funding is directly tied to the completion of this study.

Suzi Fritz, Director of Emergency Services states, “It is important to draw attention to the funding needs of our communities to ensure service availability for our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Catholic Charities’ Staff will be conducting interviews in Chemung and Schuyler Counties utilizing the help of community organizations and local food pantries. If you think you know where individuals are staying who might be homeless, please call 607-317-5759 and leave a message with the location.

In 2024, there were 1,638 distinct individuals who experienced homelessness and received services in Chemung County (331 individuals were under the age of 18). In Schuyler County, 77 individuals experiencing homelessness received services.

Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Department of Social Services, is operating the Warming Station and the Homeless Shelter at 160 High Street in Elmira, NY. Anyone in need of shelter or a place to get warm is welcome to come to the Homeless Shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Individuals can meet with staff to find out what options are available for them. Meals and coffee are provided as well as warm clothing, hats and gloves as needed. Anyone in need of the Warming Station is able to come inside without the need to complete paperwork.

For community members interested in helping, Catholic Charities is specifically in need of grocery gift cards, personal hygiene items, hats, gloves, hand/feet warmers, and bus tokens.

Donations of items may be sent to Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center (380 S Main St, Elmira, NY), Monday-Friday from 8:30 am—4:00 pm or The Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry (112 10th St, Watkins Glen, NY) Tuesday & Friday: 9 am—2 pm, Thursday: Noon—4 pm. Monetary donations may be made online at www.CatholicCharitiesCS.org (designate Homeless Services) or you may mail a check to 215 East Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901.

As the largest Catholic Charities fundraiser, the Gala raises money to support those in need in our communities. Guests enjoyed a live auction, silent auction, and raffle baskets donated by local wineries, businesses, and Catholic Charities Board Members.

The Annual Fundraising Gala raised over $53,000 to serve those in our community who turn to Catholic Charities for support. These funds will provide delicious meals at the Elmira Community Kitchen, hygiene supplies at our homeless shelter, and food at our pantries.

Katie Rhodes, Marketing and Development Director of Catholic Charities, commented, “Events like the Gala highlight how our community’s generosity helps us fulfill our mission. Together, we provide hope by empowering individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency as well as offer hope to those who are in need.”

An overview of Catholic Charities programs was shared, along with a Fund-the-Kitchen Paddle Raise which raised $16,500 specifically for the Elmira Community Kitchen.

The success of the Gala is attributed to the following community-minded individuals & businesses: Jan and Clare van de Blink, The Hilliard Corporation; Steve and Karen Hale, Hale Contracting; Scott Heffner, Chemung Canal Trust Company; Marc Stemerman, Chemung Supply Corporation; Eaton; Kirk Vieselmeyer, Elmira Structures, Inc.; Thomas Gough, Gough Holding Corporation; NYSEG; John and Lisa O’Connor, O’Connor Heating and Plumbing; Wegmans Food Markets; Kurt Bartenstein, Dr. John Carozza, Thomas Curren, and the staff at the Elmira Country Club.

If you were unable to attend the Gala, but would still like to contribute, you may donate online or mail a check to 215 East Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up online.

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, 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the US have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. 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 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, former 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.

Two local events will be held that will be an opportunity to remember those lost to domestic violence and honor those who have survived domestic violence and those currently suffering in our community.

• In Schuyler County, join us on October 10 in LaFayette Park in Watkins Glen from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
• In Chemung County, the event will be held at Wisner Park in Elmira on October 17 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 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.

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, Marketing and Development Director at Catholic Charities at 607-317-5577 or visit the event page or Facebook page.

2024 Summer Newsletter