Annual Report 2020 by Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Annual Report 2020

2020 Vision

2020 VISION

About Commonwealth Catholic Charities Mission

To provide quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.

Vision

We envision a world without poverty where people of all races and faith are treated with respect, and all are inspired to serve.

Values

Faith • Dignity • Family • Diversity • Community • Accessibility

Learn more about CCC and our values at www.cccofva.org

Our Services Petersburg Developmental Disabilities • Financial Counseling • Homeless & Supportive Housing Services Guardianship • Pregnancy Counseling

Charlottesville Adoption • Counseling • Developmental Disabilities • Pregnancy Counseling

Roanoke Adoption • Call Reassurance • Foster Care • Housing & Financial Counseling Immigration Services • Interpreter Services • Pregnancy Counseling Refugee Resettlement Services • St. Francis House Food Pantry • Workforce Development

Norton

Adoption • Counseling • Developmental Disabilities Financial Counseling • Foster Care • Pregnancy Counseling Supportive Housing • Workforce Development

Richmond Adoption • Baby Clothes Closet • Counseling • Developmental Disabilities Food Pantry • Guardianship • Housing & Financial Counseling Immigration Services • Interpreter Services • Pregnancy Counseling Refugee Resettlement • Supportive Housing and Homeless Services Workforce Development • Youth Hub

Newport News

Financial Counseling • Immigration Services Interpreter Services • Refugee Resettlement Workforce Development • Counseling

Norfolk Homeless Services

COVID-19 Response In response to COVID-19, Commonwealth Catholic Charities distributed over $1 million in emergency assistance to Virginia residents. Emergency services included food, rent and utility assistance, baby supplies, and emergency housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Clients in the Newport News Refugee Resettlement program made and donated masks to CCC to help keep clients and staff safe during the pandemic. 6

St. Francis House food pantry clients accessed needed food items through curbside pick-up.

At the beginning of the pandemic CCC’s Housing Resource Center helped move people out of tents and into hotels and shelters.

Emergency Assistance Since March

578 care packages for homeless clients

3,206 in-person client visits

Direct Financial Assistance

6,438 bags of food distributed

25,475 people served

50 refugee families resettled into new homes

68 vulnerable seniors regularly contacted by phone

243 individuals moved from the streets into safe shelter & housing

Supplies & Services

$1,457,435

252 individuals & families assisted with rent & utilities

125 bags of fresh produce delivered to isolated seniors

3,473 mental health counseling sessions 7

Students Display Artwork

Mending Walls Project

This summer, youth receiving services from CCC’s Refugee Resettlement program in Newport News displayed their artwork in a virtual art show. Students from Eastern Virginia Medical School organized the event and donated all of the art supplies to the program.

In the fall, CCC partnered with Mending Walls RVA to create a collaborative mural on an exterior wall of the Housing Resource Center and Youth Hub. The mural is one of many throughout the city created to raise awareness for racial equity, hope, and community. It features portraits of three community members and their hopes for the future. Local officials including Richmond mayor, Levar Stoney, joined together to celebrate the mural’s completion and the ideals it represents.

“This was a really clever and creative way to engage students and help them process their feelings during social distancing,” said Kristen Larcher, resettlement and immigration services program manager.

Coffee for a Cause Our foster care team in Richmond partnered with local coffee shops, Stir Crazy Café and Rostov’s Coffee & Tea, to spread awareness of the need for foster parents.

Community Collaborations 8

At a Glance | Clients Impacted in 2020 Income & Asset Building Services

23,475

Resettlement & Immigration Services

13,569

Supportive Housing & Homeless Services

2,958

Children’s Services

1,686 Behavioral Health & Disability Services

4,270

TOTAL LIVES IMPACTED

45,958

Children’s Services

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS expectant mothers

Andy and John, two brothers, ages 14 and nine, spent more than four years in foster care. Before being placed in foster care, they lived in several unhealthy situations, often without water, electricity, and bedding. They witnessed years of domestic violence and substance abuse in their home and, at times, were not enrolled in school. For several years the boys were moved into and out of the homes of different foster families who all struggled with their behavior. Andy and John were eventually placed with a loving foster family through CCC’s Foster Care program in Norton. In January 2020, the family asked to begin the adoption process to make Andy and John officially part of the family. Although Andy and John were excited, they were also nervous from their previous experiences and feared that the adoption wouldn’t take place.

255

received critical support through pregnancy counseling

children in

173

foster care were provided with a safe place to call home

infants and children found forever families through adoption

CCC’s adoption specialist worked with the family and the children to reassure and support them through the long process. Finally, in May, the adoption was finalized and today both boys make good grades and are active in community and school sports leagues. Because of the dedication of CCC’s foster care and adoption staff, Andy and John now have a life filled with love, hope, and stability. 10

77 children and

parents received critical post-

adoption support for navigating new family dynamics

This summer, Hunter, a teen assisted by CCC’s foster care program in Norton, was adopted by his foster parents, Barbara and JJ. “Hunter was so excited to find his forever home. I just loved how he was so excited. It made my heart smile.” Cassandra Collins CCC Foster Care Clinical Supervisor Adoption • Baby Clothes Closet • Cabrini Children’s Shelter • Foster Care • Post-Adoption • Pregnancy Counseling 11

Resettlement & Immigration Services

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS interpretation appointments

4,835

provided for individuals and families

Joe is a 32-year-old father and husband. He and his family came to the United States as refugees from Afghanistan in October 2019. CCC’s Refugee Resettlement team in Newport News helped the family find and set-up their home, become accustomed to life in the United States, and secured Joe a job at Target. Although Joe enjoyed the work, he wanted to pursue the career in computers that he had left behind in his home country. He spoke to CCC’s employment team, Fellicia Fisher and Adaynna Walker, who helped him register for computer classes to sharpen and hone his existing skills. After only one month of school, Joe was offered a job as a helpdesk operator. In his new position, Joe will earn more money to support his family and is pleased to once again be doing the work that he loves. “This would not have been possible without all [of CCC’s] help and support,” said Joe.

495

refugee and immigrant children were guided through the public school system with help from school liaisons

people received legal assistance through immigration services

236

866

refugees restarting their lives in the united states found jobs through ccc’s employment services

adults & children fleeing persecution and war were able to restart their lives through refugee resettlement

249

refugees and immigrants improved their english skills through esl classes

CCC REFUGEE CLIENTS ARE FROM: Sudan • Eritrea Democratic Republic of the Congo Ivory Coast • Burundi • North Korea Burma • Afghanistan • Pakistan • Syria

“Throughout the pandemic, CCC’s interpreters have been crucial in connecting individuals with health, school, and social services and helping them navigate the pandemic by sharing information on safety and health regulations.” Judith Gallegos Interpreter Services Program Supervisor Immigration Services • Interpreter Services • Refugee Resettlement • Employment Services • English Classes • School & Medical Liaisons

Behavioral Health & Disability Services CCC’s Call Reassurance program serves seniors who are lonely or isolated, who have limited mobility and limited to no social support systems. For these individuals, 2020 was an especially difficult year. “Seniors who already struggle with loneliness and isolation found themselves even more isolated,” said Case Worker, Diane Hargraves. “Quarantining because of COVID-19 has resulted in even fewer activities and visitors, and increased loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression.”

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

638

individuals participated in group therapy

people engaged

395

in affordable individual and family therapy

individuals with

During the pandemic the volunteer calls have been more important than ever. Volunteers transitioned away from coming to CCC’s office and began making calls from their own homes. They also increased the average call time, generously volunteering for longer hours to provide connection to those who need it the most.

developmental

“For the clients, having someone to listen to their worries and concerns lightens the load,” said Hargraves. “Reminiscing and sharing stories provides validation and meaning and sharing lighter moments in conversation provides respite from being alone.”

131

One client remarked, “It is good to hear people’s voices and know someone cares enough to call. You do a wonderful service.”

disabilities received case management

126

and access to services

at-risk adults received guardianship services to help manage finances

seniors received phone calls and visits to avoid social isolation

medical care

“Travis completed the 24-week Healthy Relationship program last December. Even though he finished the classes, he has continued coming to more group sessions. In all my years I’ve never had anyone continue to attend and participate like this man. It is extraordinary to see his dedication to growth and to becoming a better husband and father.” Aaron Zatcoff Counselor Mental Health Counseling • Developmental Disability Waiver • Guardianship • Independence for Seniors

Income & Asset-building Services

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS individuals received

6,194

groceries from roanoke’s st.

For years Anna was in an abusive relationship and feared for her life and the lives of her five children. Finally, she fled her home state and had to start over with absolutely nothing. Anna learned about CCC’s Workforce Development program in Roanoke and reached out for help. “When I met Anna she was unsure of her future,” said CCC Employment Navigator, Nadiyah Thomas-Mitchell. “With our first conversation, I felt her passion for wanting more out of life for herself and her children.” Anna and Nadiyah worked together to create a list of realistic and attainable goals and, one-by-one, she started checking them off. They started by finding Anna a good job and then enrolled her in CCC’s Workplace Excellence program. This 10-hour program teaches skills for thriving in the workplace such handling difficult situations and working as a team. “Anna has overcome so many setbacks, roadblocks, and disappointments. Nonetheless, she continues to push through,” said Nadiyah. “I am honored to work with such an awesome individual who has proven that life’s setbacks are not permanent.” 16

francis house food pantry

individuals were

1,303

given critical food supplies at richmond’s dibert food pantry

adults benefited from housing counseling,

avoided eviction, and learned to budget

280

people received budgeting and credit

clients received job

repair resources

skills training and/or job placement

498

The St. Francis Food Pantry moved to 826 Campbell Avenue and began serving clients from the new location January 6, 2020.

Expansion of Services Through a Department of Social Services partnership, CCC’s Workforce Development program expanded beyond Richmond into three additional locations in 2020—Newport News, Roanoke, and Norton. The program helps individuals with career readiness, job placement and retention, coaching, and assessments. Debt Management • Dibert Food Pantry • Housing & Financial Counseling St. Francis House Food Pantry • Workforce Development 17

Supportive Housing & Homeless Services

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS individuals were diverted from

1,766

homelessness and connected with resources

Right after he turned 19, J.J. became homeless because of domestic violence. He turned to CCC’s Youth Hub for assistance. The staff helped him find an apartment of his own and connected him with community resources like food, clothes, and financial assistance.

Hopewell CCC managed and operated an Inclement Weather Shelter in partnership with the City of Hopewell during the 2019-2020 winter season.

842

individuals experiencing homelessness were connected to area resources

176

clients with hiv/aids

Since finding his own place, J.J. has continued working with the Hub staff through on-site career and workforce services with the goal of completing his GED.

received housing support

youth had a safe space to access resources through the youth hub

clients transitioned from having no home to becoming stably housed

“J.J. is a familiar face around the Hub,” said Program Coordinator, Anh Lien Rodgers. “We are incredibly proud of him and his accomplishments.” 18

Third graders from Patrick Copeland Elementary School helped spruce up the space for clients.

clients with disabilities received long-term

housing support

(photo credit: Richmond Times Dispatch)

“I wake up smiling every morning because of how life has turned out. I’m just blessed. I’m too blessed to be stressed. I’m trying to be somebody so I can pay it forward and help other people.” Mark Williford Norfolk Supportive Housing Client Housing Resource Center • Youth Hub • Street Outreach • Supportive Housing Services

Volunteers Change Lives

Current Estimated National Value of Each Volunteer Hour

We are so grateful to each of our 170 volunteers who provided nearly 12,000 volunteer hours of service. Because of their efforts, CCC saved over $320,000 in costs and our clients benefited immeasurably.

27.20

For many volunteers, how they volunteered changed in 2020. Virtual volunteering by phone and computer made distance and location less constricting. Two volunteers who experienced this hybrid mix of virtual and in-person are Murod Khikmatov and Alyssa Perkins who both volunteered with the Refugee Resettlement program.

The Hours CCC Volunteers Gave This Year

11,800 Total Value

VOLUNTEERS

Ways You Can Help

Alyssa Perkins

320,960

Murod Khikmatov

Alyssa Perkins

Murod Khikmatov

Alyssa’s volunteer experience began this summer.

Murod, a student at Rutgers University in New Jersey, was drawn to CCC’s commitment to refugees.

“The mix of virtual and in person has worked out very well for my situation,” she said. Alyssa is mentoring a young woman, Asmaan, from Afghanistan. Asmaan and her husband arrived in the United States in November 2019 and just welcomed a new baby. Among other things, Alyssa is helping Asmaan with her college application process so that she can enroll in classes to become a nurse. “My most rewarding moment of volunteering is seeing that changes are actually being made. When Asmaan expresses her gratitude for the work we are accomplishing or for the friendship that we have developed, I can tell that our time spent together is really beneficial. It has definitely taught me a lot and I made a new life-long friend.”

“As a refugee from Uzbekistan, I saw firsthand how mentorship and community involvement could have substantial benefits on integration into the host community, which sets up refugees on the road to success.” CCC School Liaison, Nathaniel Boorom, virtually connected Murod with two brothers who had recently arrived from Afghanistan. “Although the brothers lived a significant distance away from me, we still created a strong connection. Slowly, I am trying to introduce varied topics in politics, culture, and society here in the U.S.” The brothers have made great progress in learning English and developing skills that will help them enter the workforce and earn a living.

“Our most recent project has been joining a GED course with the eventual goal of attending community college and one day entry into a four-year institution.” “It has been my pleasure to have been part of my students’ experience as they start their academic careers and adjust to their lives in the U.S. As a refugee, I had a tough time fully acclimating to my new home, and my two students will go through many similar challenges. However, I know that with the help of CCC as well as mentorship, they will succeed.”

Learn how you can become a volunteer too! www.cccofva.org/volunteer

Ways You Can Help Leave a Lasting Legacy

You can make a lasting impact on CCC services by making a planned gift or bequest. For more information and next steps on how to make a transformative gift of a lifetime visit www.cccofva.org/ plannedgiving.

Double Your Donation

Your gift can change a life. Your company’s matching gift can change another. Many employers match gifts made to CCC by their employees, retirees, and/or employee spouses. Taking advantage of your company’s matching gift program is an easy way to double or even triple your gift in one easy step! Visit www.cccofva.org/matching-gifts to see if your company has a matching gift program.

Did you know that $.88 of every dollar donated goes directly to client services?

Feel Good Every Month

Donate to CCC every month and become a member of the Sustainer Circle. Set-up a recurring donation online, mail in a check every month, or give us a call to discuss additional options. When you donate to CCC every month you’re making a difference in the lives of others all year long!

For more information on planned giving or marketable security donations please contact Jessica Wells at 804.256.2011 or jessica.wells@cccofva.org.

18,299 Bags & Boxes of Food Donated to Dibert Food Pantry

2,444 Total individuals impacted by our food pantries

21,838

DONATIONS

Bags & Boxes of Food Donated to St. Francis House Food Pantry

St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church donated diapers and wipes to clients in our refugee resettlement program in Newport News.

Generous donors purchased items from our Amazon wishlist to help an elderly guardianship client who lost all of his belongings.

Girl Scout Troop 256 in Norfolk donated 140 boxes of cookies to CCC’s foster families this summer.

A thoughtful donation of facemasks and hand sanitizer from Delegate Sam Rasoul and Hands on Blue Ridge to help keep our clients in Roanoke safe during the pandemic. 23

2020 Board of Directors Commonwealth Catholic Charities Rev. Shay W. Auerbach, S.J. Colleen Berry Joseph Boisineau Gerald Brittle Damien Cabezas Francis H. (Chip) Casola Sharon M. Dajon James J. DePasquale Randal (Randy) J. Gatzke Daniel Hand

Patrick F. Heinen Mary Margaret Kastelberg Michael Kelleher Tulinh Le Nikola (Nick) Lucas Charles (Chuck) G.Marlowe Kathleen M. McCauley Michael Metzger Monica B. Molony Kathleen (Kathy) Mortensen

Commonwealth Human Services Foundation Carey Bliley Robert C. Courain, Jr. Evan Lamont Curbeam John G. Dane Lloyd C. Dunnavant Jeffrey M. Gill Ellen Gortler Michael T. Hadank Louise Hartz Scott Horchler, Treasurer

Mallory McCune Kathleen (Kathy) Mortensen, Chair J. Kevin Muldowney, Secretary Samuel Patterson, III Brenda Poggendorf John Puccinelli, Vice Chair Cliona Mary Robb Christine N. Thomas Dianne Thompson

Kelly J. Mortensen Francis Nelson, Jr. Sean M. Prince Cliona Mary Robb, Chair Ernesto V. Sampson Susan Schneider, Treasurer Paul Sinclair, Vice Chair Kelly Stuart David Whitehead, Secretary Jay Brown

CCC Housing Corporation Rosann Bocciarelli Joseph Boisineau, Vice Chair James P. Carreras Jim DePasquale, Secretary Scott Horchler, Treasurer Ronald A. Reger Paul Sinclair, Chair Lucia Anna (Pia) Trigiani Jay Brown

Our Team CCC’s success is no doubt a result of the hard work and dedication of our 166-person team. This talented group brings a variety of skills, backgrounds, and experience to their roles. Lunchtime self-care In the spring, as staff transitioned to working from home because of the pandemic, the Counseling department facilitated twice-weekly meetings to help staff connect and interact with each other while also learning self-care techniques and exercises.

Languages spoken by CCC staff:

Anti-Racism committee This summer the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) was formed to develop actionable steps for CCC to take to enhance the agency’s resources, policies, and practices around equity, diversity and inclusion. Twenty-five employees from all regions of the state led this effort.

In June, CCC joined Bishop Knestout in denouncing violence and racism and issued the following statement: We join His Excellency, Bishop Knestout, in prayer to the Holy Spirit following the murder of George Floyd and the outpouring of sorrow and anger seen across the Diocese. The complete disregard for human life and dignity that is inherent in racist violence is incompatible with the values of our Catholic faith and the values of our organization. Racism and prejudice tear apart the fabric of our communities, even if so many of our systems and institutions are stained by them. We reject violence as a just response to violence. However, we stand in solidarity with every person who peacefully confronts institutional racism and prejudice.

19!

Arabic Bulgarian Dari Farsi French German Hassaniya Hawaiian Hindi Nepali Pashto Polish Russian Samoan American Sign Language Spanish Tamil Urdu Vietnamese

“Strengthen us Holy Spirit to defend all that is holy.” – St. Augustine (Photo Credit: Michael Mickle/CNS, via The Catholic Virginian)

Financials

Fiscal Year (October 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020)

Revenues

2020

Percent of Total

Goverment grants

$7,660,628

51%

Program fees

$4,826,872

32%

Private and corporate foundations

$732,736

Individuals and special events

$984,382

Faith communities (including Catholic Diocese of Richmond)

$278,130

$81,986

0.5%

Investments and other revenues

$317,647

In-kind donations

$240,077

1.5%

$15,122,458

100%

2020

Percent of Total

United Way

Total Revenue

Expenses Children’s Services

$5,978,873

40%

Refugee and Immigration Services

$1,696,814

11%

Supportive Housing and Homeless Services

$3,447,428

23%

$634,913

Income and Asset-building Services

$1,335,439

Management/General

$1,546,479

10%

$448,128

Behavioral Health and Disability Services

Development Total Expenses

$15,088,074

100%

A real estate sale in 2020 resulted in $1,141,221 (not reflected in the revenue numbers above). These funds were used to acquire a new space for the Richmond-based homeless services at 809 Oliver Hill Way. 26

The information presented in this report has been extracted and condensed from the Combined Financial Statements for Commonwealth Catholic Charities, which were audited by Independent Auditors and published separately. For more information on our finances, please contact us at john.montoro@cccofva.org or 804.545.5913.

Change defined 2020. We changed the way we live, work, and share our lives. We mourned the heartbreaking loss of friends, colleagues, and loved ones. We felt disruption of our connections to community, routine, and stability. Despite all of the change, heartbreak, and disruption, 2020 was also a year of courage, compassion, and hope. Commonwealth Catholic Charities adjusted quickly to the pandemic, maintaining an unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable. Our staff met the moment with courage—seeking out individuals sleeping outdoors, entering hospitals to check on newborn babies entrusted to our care, and delivering nutritious food to older, isolated adults. Our supporters reached out with compassion, ensuring that we had the tools, supplies, and resources necessary to meet the needs of our neighbors. And through every challenge, we were sustained by hope; hope for a community where every individual has access to food, clothing, and housing; where every child is safe, nurtured, and cared for; where every senior is valued; where refugees and migrants are welcomed; and where every home is a place of security, healing, and peace. This year, CCC impacted the lives of nearly 46,000 individuals across the Diocese of Richmond; reimagining services to protect our clients and our staff including curbside food pantry services, educational webinars, virtual check-ins, and telehealth counseling. Through all of this year’s challenges the urgency of our mission has never been greater. With the continued support of partners like you, we will continue to meet the needs of our neighbors. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, when writing about the impact of COVID-19 said, “This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities... and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of.” May we look to the future with renewed compassion, continued hope, and the courage to dream of better and brighter futures for the people and communities we serve.

Most Rev. Barry C. Knestout, D.D. Bishop of Richmond

Jason “Jay” Brown Chief Executive Officer

CHARLOTTESVILLE 918 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.974.6880 NEWPORT NEWS 740 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606 757.247.3600 NORFOLK 7813 Halprin Drive Norfolk, VA 23518 757.256.6272 NORTON 507 Park Avenue Norton, VA 24273 276.679.1195

PETERSBURG 111 Perry Street Petersburg, VA 23803 Guardianship: 804.733.6207 DD Waiver: 804.733.7037 RICHMOND 1601 Rolling Hills Drive Richmond, VA 23229 804.285.5900 Pregnancy Counseling Hotline: 804.615.7007 Housing Resource Center 809 Oliver Hill Way Richmond, VA 23219 804.648.4177

ROANOKE 541 Luck Avenue, SW, Suite 118 Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.0411 820 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.7561 St. Francis House Food Pantry 836 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.268.0044 www.cccofva.org