May 10, 2023 at 10:19 a.m.
HERE TO HELP
Catholic Charities has expanded its reach to those in need in Westerlo.
The non-profit announced the opening of its newly renovated and expanded Hilltowns Community Resource Center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 3 at the center’s new location, just off Route 143. The new building, which was donated by Hannay Reels, and came to life with support from Broadview Federal Credit Union, CDPHP and Nigro Retail Properties, will provide a central location for the center’s range of social services.
“It’s literally a dream come true for Catholic Charities,” said Jenn Hyde, executive director of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. “You have provided a place where people can go to connect with others, to get assistance with basic needs, to get the food that is needed just to help them make ends meet at the end of the month, to get assistance with their utilities, to access support services, to access the Internet.”
The day includes brief remarks from Hyde and Sister Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ, CEO of Catholic Charities. Other speakers included Elaine Hannay Gruener, COO of Hannay Reels, Inc.; Kathy Lanni, chief community officer of Broadview Federal Credit Union; Brian O’Grady, president of Health Plan Markets, CDPHP; and Matt Kryzak, Westerlo town supervisor.
The Hilltowns Community Resource Center, a program of Catholic Charities Tri-County Services, will help provide individuals and families of low socio-economic levels with food, clothing, supplies and emergency assistance to fulfill basic needs and improve quality of life.
The new center, located in the town of Westerlo, serves the communities of Berne, Knox, Westerlo and Rensselaerville. The Catholic Charities district serves an average of over 261 individuals per month in the Hilltowns. In 2021, Catholic Charities provided services to 862 households and 2,456 individuals across the Hilltowns. In 2022, that number increased by over 27 percent, with 975 households and 3,135 individuals receiving support in those communities. The organization anticipates the need will remain high as the cost of living continues to burden residents.
”If you grew up in the Hilltowns, you know everything’s 45 minutes away, doctors, grocery stores, life, civilization,” Gruener said. “If you don’t have transportation or you don’t have gas money or you don’t have all those things, this is it. This is what people rely on and depend on. And thank God they’re here.”
Sister Betsy added: “This wouldn’t have happened truly without the people who are gathered in this room to make it happen. This center is a testament to community, to our community saying we care, we are here, we will help and we will make a difference. Our blessings and thanks to all of you, from all of us at Catholic Charities for all you do every day to make a little difference and a big difference.”
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is one of the largest, private social services organizations in the region. Serving 14 counties around the Capital District. Last year, an estimated 100,000 people turned to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany for assistance. Through the generous support of donors and the community, Catholic Charities is able to assist the poor and vulnerable with housing, food, emergency assistance, disabilities services, senior services and much more.
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