Silver jubilee marked by Montgomery Charities

During its quarter-century of operation, Catholic Charities of Montgomery County has grown from three people working in a one-room office to a $1.6 million-a-year organization with more than 40 staff members who meet the diverse needs of people in the region with a broad array of programs.

Looking back on the past 25 years, John Coppola, a former executive director who worked at the agency for 15 years, noted that the presence of Catholic Charities in Montgomery County is as vital and mission-centered as ever.

Compared to years ago, he said, "problems may look different on the surface; but, underneath, it is still about people in pain and Catholic Charities helping to heal that pain."

First steps

"Under Sister Serena Branson's leadership, we had the opportunity to assess local needs and act accordingly," said Mr. Connors, referring to the executive director of diocesan Catholic Charities at the time. "We began by talking with school districts, the local youth bureau, family courts and others."

The initial funding for services came from state and local agencies aiding youth and people suffering from addiction.

From the beginning, the agency has had a very strong commitment to working with the poor and with people who would not otherwise have received services.

Growing

Today, Catholic Charities of Montgomery County provides services for victims of domestic violence, programs to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, support groups and respite for families facing challenges, professional counseling, mediation services, a drug court program, and emergency support to people in crisis.

The agency serves all those in need, with special attention to Hispanic people, who compose approximately 30 percent of the population in Amsterdam (where the agency is based).

To respond effectively to the needs of the region, "one-third of our staff members are bi-lingual and bi-cultural, and those staff are involved in all programs," said Al Turo, the current executive director of the agency.

Helping youth

Especially notable are the agency's partnerships with local schools. A critical area of growth in the early years was in the local school districts.

"We offered substance abuse services, and individual and family counseling, focusing on the fifth through twelfth grades," said Mr. Connors.

Currently, the agency provides substance abuse prevention services in every school district in the county as well as the two Catholic schools. In addition, counseling services and peer mediation programs are available in many schools.

More to do

"In these uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever to sustain and constantly improve the services provided through Catholic Charities of Montgomery County," said Sister Maureen Joyce, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese. "We will continue our commitment to provide services that reflect the Gospel message of mercy and justice."

(For more information on Catholic Charities of Montgomery County, call 842-4202.)

(11-15-01) [[In-content Ad]]