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.