Category Archives: Uncategorized

June is National Homeownership Month

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Having a team in your corner makes homebuying less complicated – from repairing your credit, securing a mortgage, shopping for a house, the closing paperwork, and your first years as a new homeowner.
To date, we have helped 484 families purchase their first home in the City of Elmira.
Catholic Charities First-Time Homebuyer Program, a partnership between Catholic Charities and the City of Elmira, offers homebuyer education workshops.
Contact us to learn more about homeownership opportunities
in the City of Elmira!

In Loving Memory of Marilyn Terkoski

Memorial Marilyn Terkoski May 2023

Memorial Marilyn Terkoski May 2023

Marilyn was the first Housing Counselor hired by Catholic Charities (1995) to staff the new and exciting First Time Homebuyer Program, a collaboration between Catholic Charities and the City of Elmira.
Her efforts in those early years helped to build the effective and successful program that continues today. She taught us how to invite and encourage families and individuals to consider homeownership and how to make a successful transition from renting to owning. Marilyn celebrated every closing and she enjoyed driving around City neighborhoods pointing out all the beautifully-cared-for homes occupied by First Time Homebuyers – 484 homeowners to date!
We are deeply grateful to Marilyn and we send our condolences to her family.

Obituary of Marilyn A. Terkoski

Catholic Campaign for Human Development 2023 Small Grants Available

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Groups working to address the root causes of poverty in Chemung, Schuyler, and Tioga Counties (New York) are invited to apply for a Catholic Campaign for Human Development small grant.

Proposals are sought for projects benefiting and led by low-income people working together to bring about positive economic and/or social change in their communities. These projects should address the root causes of poverty and powerlessness and can focus on areas such as environmental justice, living wage, affordable housing, food security, racial justice, and cooperative enterprises.

Catholic Campaign for Human Development small grants average $2,000. Grant decisions are made by a local grants committee. Application materials are available here. The deadline for submission of the application is August 11, 2023. Grants are not available for individuals.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development was established by the U.S. Roman Catholic Bishops as an education-empowerment-action program to combat poverty and powerlessness in the United States. Funds for grants are generated through an annual collection in Catholic parishes across the country.

Catholic Charities’ Annual Board Meeting Elects New Members

Board Members 2023 New

“We are honored to have new members joining our board this year and for the continued support of current and renewing members,” said Jim Siconolfi, Board Chair.

Elected for their First Term:

  • Brian Baker, Director of Spiritual Care, Arnot Health;
  • Jasmine Canestaro, Assistant Vice President of Operations – Schuyler Hospital Campus Lead, Cayuga Health System;
  • Nick D’Aloisio, Marketing Communications, Corning, Inc.;
  • Elizabeth Lambert, Vice President of Campus Life/Dean of Students, Elmira College;
  • Lisa O’Connor, Marketing Director, O’Connor Plumbing and Heating.
Additionally, the Officers of the 2023 Board are:
  • Jim Siconolfi, Chair, retired from Elmira College;
  • Aimee Churchill, Vice-Chair, Attorney;
  • 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;
  • George Maloney, Retired Owner of Pal’s Sports Center;
  • Jeff Richards, Retired, Elmira Star-Gazette;
  • Gordon Schuehler, CPA at Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLP;
  • Doris Smith, Registered Nurse, and Owner of Sarah’s Majestic Gifts, LLC;
  • Thomas Tedone, retired Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, New York State

Ellen Topping, Chief Program Officer 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 welcome our new members as they join us in this important work.”

Catholic Charities Hosts Successful Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Empty Bowls Guests in Notre Dame Gym

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 $21,000 to serve those in our community who turn to Catholic Charities for support. These funds will provide food and personal hygiene items through our homeless services and our three pantries at the Samaritan Center, High Street, and Schuyler Outreach, as well as delicious meals through the Elmira Community Kitchen.

Ellen Topping, Chief Program Officer of Catholic Charities, commented, “Events like Empty Bowls remind me 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.”

An overview of Catholic Charities programs was shared, along with a presentation by the Junior Ladies of Charity from Notre Dame High School.

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. Students welcomed guests to the event, served the guests, and provided music both before and during lunch.

Catholic Charities recognizes the potters and their students who contribute handmade bowls each year: Gene Carr, Retired; Corning Community College Students and Erica Unterman; Elmira College Students and Chris Longwell; Doug Holtgrewe, Retired; Horseheads High School Students and Cynthia Cratsley; Notre Dame High School Students and Hannah Leeber.
Corporate Sponsors of the event included The Hilliard Corporation; Chemung Canal Trust Company, Person Centered Services, Visions Federal Credit Union; Cameron Manufacturing, Elmira Structures, Erway Ambulance Services, Gough Holding Corporation, Kennedy Valve, and Wegmans.

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. If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a Bags of HOPE supply drive, please contact Katie Rhodes at 607-317-5577 or send a message through the Catholic Charities’ website.

Catholic Charities Presents Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon

Empty Bowls Luncheon 2023 Social Image 1

Catholic Charities invites you to the 18th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon being held on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Notre Dame High School. As the largest fundraiser for Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services, this event is designed to raise awareness of the effects of hunger and poverty in our community. Over the last eighteen years, the Empty Bowls Luncheon has raised over $250,000 toward local poverty relief efforts.

This year’s event is generously sponsored in part by The Hilliard Corporation, Person Centered Services, and Visions Federal Credit Union.

Empty Bowls is unique in that it is a collaboration with local potters to create handmade, commemorative bowls for each attendee who donates $50 or more. Catholic Charities has also partnered with Barb & Mark McClure, owners of Barb’s Soup’s On in Elmira, to offer guests delicious homemade soup. It’s the perfect combination of excellent food, beautiful bowls, and a worthy cause.

Tickets are $50 per person for lunch and a commemorative soup bowl created by a local art student. Get your tickets today as a limited number will be sold. For more information, contact Catholic Charities at 607-734-9784, ext. 2133, or visit the event page.

The Empty Bowls Luncheon will include lunch, a brief presentation, a 50/50 raffle, and a raffle of a beautiful commemorative bowl donated by Elmira College Professor Chris Longwell.

Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services provides homeless services, utility and rental assistance, food pantries, the Elmira Community Kitchen, and prescription drug assistance in Chemung and Schuyler Counties. Anyone in need of assistance may call 607-734-9784.

Catholic Charities Conducts Unsheltered Count

PIT Study 2016 1

PIT Study 2016 1

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,” Wednesday, January 25, 2023.


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, “Since the impact of COVID-19, it has become increasingly more 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 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
607-317-5640 and leave a message with the location.

In 2022, there were 1,144 distinct individuals who experienced homelessness and received services in Chemung County (229 individuals were under the age of 18).

For community members interested in helping, Catholic Charities is specifically in need of grocery gift cards and bus tokens. Donations may be mailed in or brought to Catholic Charities’ Samaritan Center (380 S Main St, Elmira, NY), Monday-Friday from 8:30 am—4:30 pm or The Schuyler Outreach Food Pantry (112 10th St, Watkins Glen, NY) Tuesday & Friday: 9 am—2 pm, Thursday: Noon—4 pm.

Human Trafficking Prevention Training

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January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and our local Safe Harbour Programs are asking for your help recognizing human trafficking in our local community.

Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking affects individuals across the world, including here in the United States, and is commonly regarded as one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. Human trafficking affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Locally, Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau, operates the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program and the Safe Harbour Program serving anyone 10-24 years old who has run away, is at risk of running away or has been a victim of human trafficking. The local 24-hour hotline can be reached by calling or texting 607-742-9629 at any time. A website with resources and help can be found at SafeHarbourHelp.org.

In Chemung County, the Safe Harbour program is offered through a partnership between the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and Chemung County. Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. There is a concentrated effort to increase community awareness on what human trafficking looks like in our local community, how to identify potential victims, and how to prevent youth from being exploited. Call or text 607-481-3963 or email [email protected] if you have questions or concerns about any youth, up to 18 years of age.

The two Safe Harbour Programs have partnered to bring a free, in-person event to the community and local service providers during January:

  • Forum on Human Trafficking – Arnot Mall Event Center – 1/25/23 – 6:00 pm
    • Join us to hear Andy Stowers Forest & Melanie Puorto Conte from HEAL Trafficking Speakers’ Bureau as they share their expertise.
    • A panel of local experts will close out the evening with time for Q&A.
    • A light meal (subs, wraps, chips) will be available at no cost.
    • Register online by 1/20 at noon: or by calling: 607-535-2050
    • Teens welcome!

For more information, please visit the Catholic Charities website at cs-cc.org or call 607-535-2050 and speak with Sophie in Schuyler. In Chemung County, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian. If you believe you may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

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. They specialize in emergency services and housing support. They currently operate the Safe Harbour Program of Schuyler County, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau. For more information on services, please visit www.cs-cc.org or call 607-734-9784.

Speakers provided by HEAL Trafficking. HEAL Trafficking’s mission is to lead innovative and survivor-informed health solutions to eradicate human trafficking in our communities worldwide. HEAL works with hospitals, health centers and clinics, prehospital care centers, and all other physical and mental health-related venues where trafficked persons receive care. HEAL currently engages with a global network of more than 4,000 healthcare workers and other multidisciplinary professionals, including survivors of human trafficking, in 45 countries.

Andy Stowers Forest, Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration. Andy is a researcher and educator whose work focuses on the role of ideological extremism in shaping preferences for the use of force. His work most centrally focuses on assisting others who were victimized or trafficked by cults.

Melanie Puorto Conte is a professor at the Sage Graduate Schools, School of Health Sciences, Forensic Mental Health Division. She designed and teaches three graduate-level courses including Human Trafficking; Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention; and Grant Writing at Sage. She currently serves as the Schenectady County Safe Harbour Coordinator, advocating for individuals who have been trafficked. She also serves as an advocate for several trafficked young adult women who have aged out of the Safe Harbour Program.

Chemung County Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. For more information, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian Roupp.

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

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January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and our local Safe Harbour Programs are asking for your help recognizing human trafficking in our local community.

Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking affects individuals across the world, including here in the United States, and is commonly regarded as one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. Human trafficking affects every community in the United States across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11th. In recognition of this important day, and throughout the month of January, the US Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities. Blue Campaign’s largest initiative is #WearBlueDay on January 11th. To raise awareness of human trafficking, they invite the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media with their #WearBlueDay hashtag.

Locally, Catholic Charities, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau, operates the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program and the Safe Harbour Program serving anyone 10-24 years old who has run away, is at risk of running away or has been a victim of human trafficking. The local 24-hour hotline can be reached by calling or texting 607-742-9629 at any time. A website with resources and help can be found at SafeHarbourHelp.org.

In Chemung County, the Safe Harbour program is offered through a partnership between the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and Chemung County. Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. There is a concentrated effort to increase community awareness on what human trafficking looks like in our local community, how to identify potential victims, and how to prevent youth from being exploited. Call or text 607-481-3963 or email if you have questions or concerns about any youth, up to 18 years of age.

The two Safe Harbour Programs have partnered to bring free online and in-person events to the community and local service providers during January:

  1. Rapid Indicator Tool Training – Zoom – 1/19/23 – 10:00 am
  2. Forum on Human Trafficking – Arnot Mall Event Center – 1/25/23 – 6:00 pm

o    Join us to hear Andy Stowers Forest & Melanie Puorto Conte from HEAL Trafficking, Inc. as they share their expertise.
o    A panel of local experts will close out the evening with time for Q&A.
o    A light meal (subs, wraps, chips, drinks) will be available at no cost.
o    Register online or by calling: 607-535-2050
o    Teens welcome!

For more information, please visit the Catholic Charities website at cs-cc.org or call 607-535-2050 and speak with Sophie in Schuyler. In Chemung County, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian. If you believe you may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

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. They specialize in emergency services and housing support. They currently operate the Safe Harbour Program of Schuyler County, in partnership with the Schuyler County Youth Bureau. For more information on services, please visit www.cs-cc.org or call 607-734-9784.

Speakers provided by HEAL Trafficking. HEAL Trafficking’s mission is to lead innovative and survivor-informed health solutions to eradicate human trafficking in our communities worldwide. HEAL works with hospitals, health centers and clinics, prehospital care centers, and all other physical and mental health-related venues where trafficked persons receive care. HEAL currently engages with a global network of more than 4,000 healthcare workers and other multidisciplinary professionals, including survivors of human trafficking, in 45 countries.

Andy Stowers Forest, Doctoral Candidate in Public Administration. Andy is a researcher and educator whose work focuses on the role of ideological extremism in shaping preferences for the use of force. His work most centrally focuses on assisting others who were victimized or trafficked by cults.

Melanie Puorto Conte is a professor at the Sage Graduate Schools, School of Health Sciences, Forensic Mental Health Division. She designed and teaches three graduate-level courses including Human Trafficking; Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention; and Grant Writing at Sage. She currently serves as the Schenectady County Safe Harbour Coordinator, advocating for individuals who have been trafficked. She also serves as an advocate for several trafficked young adult women who have aged out of the Safe Harbour Program.

Chemung County Safe Harbour works to address human trafficking by providing education and services to youth at risk of becoming victims, or those who have been confirmed to be victims, of exploitation. For more information, call 607-737-5597 and speak with Jillian Roupp.

Local Domestic Violence Awareness Events

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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 25th 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.