Catholic Charities improves county

Visitors to Catholic Charities of Schoharie County in Cobleskill would not likely use the word "powerful" to describe the agency at first glance.

It is housed in a former home that still has a very cozy atmosphere, from its decor to the warm greetings by the staff. But for 25 years, the agency has made a powerful difference in the community, serving more than 1,000 people this year in a county with a population of 31,500.

It accomplished this with a modest budget and dedicated staff, and by working imaginatively with other organizations.

Beginnings

Catholic Charities of Schoharie County began in 1976 when Sister Serena Branson, then executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, asked four Daughters of Charity to assess needs in the southwestern portion of the Diocese.

After they reported back, Catholic Charities started an agency to meet the primary needs identified (including home health care and youth services) in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties. A separate agency dedicated to meeting the needs in Schoharie County was split off from this tri-county effort two years later.

Rose Marie Joyce, a member of the first board of directors for the agency, noted that one of the most significant challenges in 1978 was "trying to build an identity so people would come to us for help."

She observed that the agency is now well known as a provider because its leadership and services are "so well respected."

Many facets

Today, the agency provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, programs to support runaway and homeless youth, advocacy on behalf of crime victims, emergency assistance to people facing financial crises, a community service restitution program, food buying and pantry programs, and counseling services.

The agency's collaborators include faith communities of many denominations, local businesses and fellow human service agencies.

Sister Maureen Joyce, executive director of diocesan Catholic Charities, said, "The agency has a real ability to bring people together and be very inclusive," which she called a characteristic of the Schoharie County community.

Working as one

That cooperative spirit was evident recently, when local food pantries noticed a tremendous increase in demand. Through Catholic Charities' ecumenical social ministry program, that need was raised in the program's newsletter, faith communities and the local press; and people throughout the county responded with increased food donations.

Catholic Charities of Schoharie County also collaborates with peer agencies. While human service providers in some communities often compete for the same grant or donor support, Tom Mayer, executive director of Catholic Charities of Schoharie County, said there is "not a sense of competition among service providers" in the region. "We work together to serve the people." For example, he described the Child At Risk Response Team, a group organized by Catholic Charities to bring together agencies that deal with issues associated with child sexual abuse, including prevention, education, prosecution of perpetrators, and treatment of victims and offenders.

"At that meeting, things came up -- like the hospital needs a digital camera to record information and collect evidence," said Mr. Mayer. "The District Attorney responded, 'I'll see what I can do' and gets it. People really work together. It is really marvelous."

Community support

Mr. Mayer also noted the partnership with local businesses to support the agency's work.

For example, the agency had more than 100 sponsors for its annual golf fundraiser. Their involvement, he noted, "shows their level of caring."

Mr. Mayer noted that the struggle to sustain funding for services is a constant concern. His optimism and commitment were evident, however, when he said: "We have a wonderful, caring staff. If we can keep them and keep up what we are doing, I'll be very happy."

(11/13/03) [[In-content Ad]]