Dear Editor:
Over the past year, 4,259 neighbors of all ages throughout Cattaraugus and Allegany counties were served by the eight programs Catholic Charities offers here. We provided basic emergency assistance, including support for food and housing resources. Our food pantries in Franklinville and Wellsville helped nearly 1,600. Our licensed counselors worked with 500 clients of all ages. We worked with more than 60 domestic violence offenders for systemic social change in a coordinated community response. In Olean and Wellsville Catholic grade schools, our In-School Social Work Program provided comprehensive character development. We also assisted dozens of families with parenting programs, multisystemic therapy and health home care management. The Kinship Caregiver Program supports relative caregivers and their families in both counties through support groups and case management.
We will continue to be at the forefront providing basic assistance and crucial programs, which serve as a beacon of HOPE for our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet, or who are facing new challenges with their mental health and well-being. However, we can’t continue to be that beacon without your generous support.
Appeal 2021, benefiting Catholic Charities’ programs and services, recently launched with a goal of $10 million to address the critical need for the tens of thousands through not only these two counties, but all eight counties of Western New York.
If you or someone you know needs assistance (even if you have never needed it before) in Cattaraugus or Allegany County, call us at 716-372-0101. We have offices in Olean, Wellsville and Franklinville.
It is a challenging time for all of us, but thanks to our generous supporters, these crucial Catholic Charities programs continue now when they are needed most. If you can help, please visit ccwny.org/donation. Appeal 2021 runs through June 30.
Anne Miles
Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties District Director, Catholic Charities
