Annual Report 2021 by Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Annual Report 2021

A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERSHIP Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Reflecting on 2021, we affirm our focus on the words of Pope Francis, “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.” This year, the global pandemic continued to dominate many aspects of daily life, but together, we learned to navigate our new reality. At Commonwealth Catholic Charities we respond to communities’ needs with high-quality and life-sustaining services. Guided by the words of Pope Francis and committed to our core values of faith and service, CCC dreamed big and responded with action. •

We launched Seton Housing in May; a life affirming, long-term, holistic approach to ending the cycle of homelessness and poverty for new and expectant mothers.

•

We immediately jumped into action as the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan intensified and refugees arrived in Virginia; over just a few months we have assisted hundreds of families to rebuild their lives in the United States.

•

We joined a coalition of providers to execute the Virginia Rent Relief Program—assisting over 150 individuals and families to remain in their homes.

•

We stepped up at the request of the community this fall to take over operations of the region’s non-congregate shelter program. CCC’s involvement ensured that families experiencing homelessness and at high risk of contracting COVID-19 were provided with safety and a roof over their heads throughout the fall and winter.

Each of these extraordinary new efforts was achieved while ensuring that our core services continued, supporting thousands of individuals through dozens of diverse and innovative programs offered across the Diocese of Richmond. 2021 was a year that brought many new challenges but, together, we met them. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support—by partnering with us, volunteering or generously donating, you are making our mission of changing lives and transforming communities possible. With your help, we will continue to meet the needs of our neighbors in the months ahead. Looking forward, may we remember the guidance of Pope Francis, “our lives are a gift and we grow by giving of ourselves, not preserving ourselves but losing ourselves in service.” We are humbled by your commitment to grow with us as we serve the most vulnerable members of our communities.

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

Jason “Jay” Brown Chief Executive Officer

225 STAFF

PROGRAMS

LOCATIONS

MISSION

The mission of Commonwealth Catholic Charities is to provide quality, compassionate human “ OUR LIVES ARE A GIFT AND WE GROW BY GIVING OF service to all people, especially the most OURSELVES, NOT PRESERVING vulnerable, regardless of faith. OURSELVES BUT LOSING OURSELVES IN SERVICE.“

- Pope Francis -

OUR SERVICES Petersburg

Financial Coaching • Guardianship • Housing & Shelter Pregnancy Counseling • Waiver Services

Charlottesville Adoption • Counseling • Pregnancy Counseling • Waiver Services

Roanoke

Adoption • Baby Clothes & Diapers • Financial Coaching Food Pantry • Foster Care • Immigration & Citizenship Interpreter Services • Job Skills & Placement Refugee Resettlement • Rent & Utilities • Senior Services

Norton

Adoption • Counseling Financial Coaching • Foster Care Job Skills & Placement • Pregnancy Counseling Rent & Utilities • Supportive Housing

Richmond Adoption • Baby Clothes & Diapers • Counseling • Food Pantry Financial Coaching • Guardianship • Housing & Shelter • Immigration & Citizenship Interpreter Services • Job Skills & Development • Pregnancy Counseling Refugee Resettlement • Rent & Utilities • Waiver Services • Youth Hub

Newport News Financial Coaching • Immigration & Citizenship • Interpreter Services Job Skills & Placement • Refugee Resettlement

Norfolk Housing & Shelter

RESPONSE TO AFGHAN REFUGEE CRISIS CCC staff were present at Fort Lee during the response to the crisis in Afghanistan in July and August. At Fort Lee staff welcomed refugee families who had assisted U.S. military in Afghanistan. CCC staff provided childcare and translation services on base and left Fort Lee in mid-August to begin assisting clients with rebuilding their lives in the United States.

“Commonwealth Catholic Charities is proud to support these brave men and women who have worked side-by-side with our soldiers and diplomats, risking their lives and contributing so much,” said CCC CEO Jay Brown. “It is a privilege to be part of the effort to provide them with a warm, hospitable welcome as they reestablish lives here in the United States.”

531

459.25

$43,950

Afghan evacuees resettled from August - December 2021

hours spent assisting Afghan parents and children at Fort Lee

in household items and volunteer time donated to Afghan families

parishes orgaized donation drives

Community members, including a U.S. military veteran who was injured during combat in Afghanistan, donated items to newly-arrived families.

NOTABLE NEWS Seton Housing

COA Accreditation

In May, CCC launched Seton Housing, a service offered under CCC’s Pregnancy Counseling program. This service consists of housing units across the Diocese where expectant mothers can live independently. Based on a nationally-recognized housing model the units are subleased to mothers at no cost or at a heavily subsidized rate. The program also includes case worker support, job skills training, baby supplies, groceries, and access to additional resources.

In March, CCC received a four-year national accreditation by the Council on Accreditation (COA). COA holds human service providers to the highest standard through an objective, independent, and reliable validation of an agency’s performance. The accreditation comes after a thorough,18-month evaluation of CCC’s programs, services, and administrative departments.

“We are investing in the lives of mothers and their children,” said CCC CEO Jay Brown. “Seton Housing is designed to provide the support that women need to make life-affirming decisions and to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. It is about having a long-term impact that transforms families’ situations from crisis and fear to stability and confidence.”

“This is a tremendous achievement,” said CCC CEO Jay Brown. “I am extremely grateful to each member of our team for ensuring that those we serve are provided with the highest quality care and support.”

In 2021 CCC’s Seton Housing assisted 16 moms and children through the program.

As a top human service provider, CCC has successfully held a COA accreditation since 1997. CCC is one of only 27 COA-accredited organizations in the Commonwealth. “The organization is very mission driven and staff are knowledgeable in their roles,” said COA Lead Reviewer, Connie Mitchell. “This is a rigorous process that ran smoothly and showed the best that Commonwealth Catholic Charities had to offer.”

Pictured is Kyrsten and her daughter, Avianna in their home made possible through Seton Housing.

AT A GLANCE

4,392 2,272 19,938 13,710 1,727

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Children & Parents

Food & Finance

Refugees & Immigrants

Housing & Shelter

FINANCIALS

Fiscal Year (October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2021)

Revenues

2021

Percent of Total

Government Grants

$9,947,622

56%

Program Fees

$4,225,410

24%

Private and Corporate Foundations

$480,557

Individuals and Special Events

$894,633

Faith Communities (including Catholic Diocese of Richmond)

$232,504

United Way

$168,183

$1,506,857

$369,054

Investments and Other Revenues* In-kind Donations Total Revenue

$17,824,820

100%

Expenses 2021

Percent of Total

Children & Parents

$6,938,073

39.7%

Refugees & Immigrants

$2,688,119

15.4%

Housing & Shelter

$3,453,878

19.8%

Mental Health & Wellbeing

$1,804,143

10.3%

Food & Finance

$1,898,332

10.9%

$32,361

0.2%

$641,009

3.7%

$17,455,915

100%

Management & General Mission Advancement Total Expenses

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 brooke.jennings@cccofva.org or 804.545.5039. *includes $1,477,400 forgiveness of PPP loan

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION Through my Eyes Art Show Over the summer, CCC partnered with Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) on a special project. CCC provided students enrolled in the RCPS’ English Language Learner program with art supplies, then teachers helped students explore their feelings, observations, and community through art. The art was featured at the Taubman Museum and is also traveling to different locations throughout Roanoke to increase awareness about refugees’ journeys. All proceeds of the art show directly support CCC refugee resettlement services.

Rent Relief Program In response to the economic impact of the ongoing pandemic, CCC partnered with Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and 12 statewide nonprofits to provide rental assistance. CCC alone continues to assist over 150 individuals and families with rent relief to avoid eviction.

Food for the Roanoke Valley Roanoke restaurant, Farmburguesa, donated 500 hot meals to CCC’s St. Francis House Food Pantry. The food was distributed at St. Francis House and also delivered to local seniors.

Top: CCC’s Melissa Owens handing out hot food at St. Francis House. Middle: Denise Crews (far left), with Michelle Jones of HOME, visited Virginia This Morning on CBS to talk about the Rent Relief Program. Bottom: A student drawing from Through my Eyes exhibit.

PARTNERS IN ACTION

Bags & boxes of food donated to St. Francis House Food Pantry

6,294 Bags & boxes of food donated to Dibert Food Pantry

Our Lady of Hope Health Center in Richmond collected and donated summer supplies for CCC’s senior clients.

1,851

CCC’s Foster Care program in Norton received a generous grant from Speedway Children’s Charities.

12,520

raised from donated vehicle auctions

3 Lizna Odhwani donated hundreds of homemade bagged lunches to our Housing Resource Center this year.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha Newport News area chapters gave big during their Global Impact Day!

donated vehicles provided to CCC clients

For more information about donating vehicles and goods contact Marnie Mills at marnie.mills@cccofva.org.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING Evidence-based practices to holistically address clients’ health and wellness while focusing on building healthier communities.

3,726

5,133

Adults & children impacted by group, individual, and family counseling programs

Group & individual counseling sessions facilitated

376

Lives positively affected Seniors enjoyed by Waiver services & companionship and Guardianship avoided social isolation

Guardianship  Mental Health Counseling  Senior Services  Waiver Services

Sharon, who is 60 and lives alone, has experienced a lot of pain in her

life. Sharon has very little family support and is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She was also physically abused by her husband. This year, Sharon began attending individual counseling, group counseling, and mentoring because she was craving connections and was experiencing loneliness, depression, and anxiety. CCC’s Norton office provides free counseling to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and to children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Through counseling, she is learning that her past doesn’t define her and that she is valued. “Although she also suffers from several medical issues, Sharon remains positive and helps her niece and her niece’s children whenever she can,” said her counselor. “Sharon wanted support and community. At CCC she found that and I am so happy to play a small role in her progress and healing.”

Andrew had a difficult beginning in life, experiencing homelessness with his mother and father who both struggled with substance abuse. At the age of nine, Andrew entered the foster care system.

After going through several foster care placements, he went to live with his grandparents. However, because of Andrew’s emotional and mental trauma, his grandparents were unable to meet his needs. Andrew entered foster care again and was placed with a CCC foster family where he also began to attend counseling regularly. Andrew began to make great strides with his foster family. He joined the football team at school and made the honor roll for the first time ever. His one wish was to be adopted by his loving foster family. Little did he know that plans were already in the works to make that dream a reality. At his 13th birthday party, Andrew opened a card from his foster family that asked if he wanted to join their family permanently. After nearly three years in foster care, Andrew is finally with his forever family!

Andrew and his family sharing a happy moment together.

CHILDREN & PARENTS Providing all children, regardless of their background or stage of life, with a space to heal from trauma, build healthy relationships, and find stability.

951

833

488

Parents and children impacted by adoption services

Adults and children impacted through foster care programs

Lives changed through pregnancy counseling

Adoption  Baby Clothes Closet  Cabrini Children’s Shelter  Foster Care  Pregnancy Counseling  Seton Housing

FOOD & FINANCE Uplifting communities by addressing financial needs, building workforce capacity, and alleviating hunger.

17,085

2,754

Adults and children received groceries from St. Francis House and Dibert food pantries

Lives impacted by assistance with rent, utilities, and financial education

491,971

Provided in rental and utility assistance

Dibert & St. Francis House Food Pantries  Job Skills & Placement  Rent & Utilities Assistance

In the fall, CCC launched a free 12-month online program to

help individuals strengthen their financial stability. The class features advice from financial experts and one-on-one sessions with CCC’s Director of Income and Asset Building, Denise Crews. Candace was one of the first individuals to enroll in the class. “I primarily took the course because I wanted to learn to save more and because I wanted to be able to counsel my child on how to navigate the current financial scene,” said Candace. “I love the class. I have recommended it to others.”

In the summer, CCC partnered with the State of Virginia to

assist over 150 individuals and families with rent relief to avoid eviction. Not only did the program help keep individuals and families in their homes, it also helped property managers, who are often small business owners relying on rent to pay their own bills. “I’m certain that my words of thank you will fall short of truly expressing the gratitude that I have on behalf of every tenant that your office has processed their applications for,” said Teresa, a property manager. “Thank you for all the countless hours spent reviewing. Thank you for all the efforts and hard work spent determining and discerning and sifting through. Please know that God sees all that you have done to help others and please know that you are truly valuable and greatly appreciated.”

Abdul and Fatima came to Newport News from Afghanistan in August 2021. Their 10 children, six daughters and four sons ranging in ages from five months to 20 years old came with them. The baby was less than a month old when they were told that they would be airlifted out of Afghanistan. “I was extremely worried for my baby because he was very young,” said Fatima. “The weather was so hot that he fainted while I was holding him in my arms, passing the crowd to reach the entrance to the airport.” Although they were very thankful to be safe, they faced many challenges adjusting to living in the United States. Since their arrival, CCC has helped the family settle into their home, stock their kitchen pantry, buy clothing, and set up their home with furniture and household items. The team also helped enroll the six school-aged children in school. “The children, particularly the girls, were very enthusiastic about attending school,” said CCC’s School Liaison, Fawzia Maroof. “I know that they are going to thrive academically and socially here.” Abdul added, “We are still in the process of learning and adjusting to the new culture and new life. I am certainly very happy for coming through the resettlement office and being helped by CCC staff, that is undeniably precious for me and my family.” 18

REFUGEES & IMMIGRANTS Providing tools and support to those who have left their home countries behind and are rebuilding their lives in the United States.

783

11,082

3,010

Lives were impacted by affordable immigration visas for asylum and family reunification

Individuals impacted through interpretation and translation services

Adults and children rebuilding their lives through refugee resettlement services

Immigration Services  Interpreter Services  Refugee Resettlement

HOUSING & SHELTER Assisting individuals and families transition from homelessness into housing, as well as maintain existing housing.

445

118

370

794

Individuals and families connected to resources at the Housing Resource Center

Young adults found a safe space and resources at the Youth Hub

Lives changed by supportive housing programs

Individuals living on the street were connected with vital resources and support

Housing Resource Center  Shelters  Street Outreach  Supportive Services  Youth Hub

Perry is 63-years-old and does odd jobs for several local restaurants. Perry

has been experiencing chronic homelessness since 2019. When Perry first met CCC’s Mike Lynn, he was living outside but he knew that he needed to find a warm apartment before winter. “Perry describes himself as persistent,” said Mike. “That persistence kept him focused on working with our team and actively participating in his housing plan to overcome the obstacles that were keeping him from finding a home.” “I wanted to find a nice studio apartment before it got cold,” said Perry. A goal that CCC’s team helped him achieve. Together they talked to landlords and worked to get his ID cards and social services. Perry credits the CCC team with helping him find and move into a place of his own just before the bitter winter arrived. “It was a strength to have the best people around to help me,” he said. “You believed in me.”

Perry is happy in his new apartment.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP Double Your Donation

Your gift can change a life. Your company’s matching gift can change another. Many employers will match your donation to CCC if you are an employee, retiree, or an employee’s spouse. Using 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.

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!

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.

Every day at CCC we are inspired by the hopes and dreams of the adults and children we serve. The generosity from CCC’s community of supporters paired with the strength and perseverance of CCC clients is truly unstoppable. Thank you for all of your past support, the work you continue to do in the present, and the gifts you plan to give in the future.

Jessica Wells Vice President of Mission Advancement

Did you know that $.94 of every dollar donated goes directly to client services?

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

VOLUNTEERS

We had

Right: Maria and Edith are volunteers at St. Francis House Food Pantry in Roanoke.

161 volunteers

Below: The Deans, longtime Richmond baby clothes closet volunteers, also spent many hours organizing donations for refugee resettlement this year.

complete

5,956 hours

valued at

28.54

per hour

Right: Volunteers from St. John Episcopal Church in Newport News area moving a refugee family into their new home.

Total value of volunteer hours:

169,984

OUR TEAM CCC’s staff of talented professionals bring a variety of skills, backgrounds, and experiences to their roles. In 2021, employees were invited to participate in workplace committees to develop actionable steps to enhance employee and client satisfaction. Overall, 20% of staff elected to participate in the following committees: Employee Wellbeing & Professional Development, Client & Stakeholder Engagement, Internal Referral Assistance, and Diversity & Inclusion. 48 - 57 years old

farsi french

hindi nepali

pashto

As ia n

bulgarian

hassaniya

Generations in the Workforce

2.2%

17.7%

18 - 27 years old

Education in the Workforce

24.8%

28 - 37 years old

polish russian samoan american sign language

PHD Masters License/Certifications Bachelors Associates

arabic

german

12.4%

38 - 47 years old

or A Am fri ca H e ric n isp an an ic or N La ot ati tin he ve o rP H a ac w ifi aii c an Isl o Tw an r o de or r m or e ra ce s

68 - 77 years old

27 1

26.1%

58 - 67 years old

spoken by staff

dari

16.8% 124

Bl ac k

140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0

er ic a Al n In as di ka an N or at iv e

Number of employees

Ethnicity in the Workforce

Languages

spanish tamil

50 Number of employees 100

urdu vietnamese

2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Commonwealth Catholic Charities Very Rev. Shay W. Auerbach, S.J., V.F. Steven J. Benedetti Colleen R. Berry Joseph Boisineau Gerald D. Brittle Damien Cabezas Sharon M. Dajon James J. DePasquale Randal (Randy) J. Gatzke Daniel Hand Patrick F. Heinen Dane Honrado Mary Margaret Kastelberg Michael Kelleher Tulinh Le Nikola (Nick) Lucas

Charles (Chuck) G. Marlowe Kathleen (Kate) M. McCauley Michael D. Metzger Monica B. Molony Kelly J. Mortensen Christine Petri Very Rev. Sean M. Prince, V.F. John Puccinelli Cliona Mary Robb Ernesto V. Sampson Susan Schneider Paul Sinclair Kelly Stuart David Whitehead Marie D. Yascko-Rosado Jay Brown

Commonwealth Human Services Foundation

CCC Housing Corporation

Carey Bliley Robert C. Courain, Jr. John G. Dane Lloyd C. Dunnavant Jeffrey M. Gill Ellen Gortler Michael T. Hadank Louise Hartz Scott Horchler Charles (Chuck) G. Marlowe

Rosann Bocciarelli Joseph Boisineau James P. Carreras James J. DePasquale Scott Horchler Joyce M. Knight Ronald A. Reger Michael Shaia Paul Sinclair Lucia Anna (Pia) Trigiani

Mallory McCune Kathleen (Kathy) Mortensen J. Kevin Muldowney Samuel Patterson, III Brenda P. Poggendorf John Puccinelli Christine N. Thomas Dianne Thompson Jay Brown

TRANSFORMATIONS

With community support, CCC exceeded the Roanoke Valley Gives fundraising goal. As a result, our St. Francis House food pantry was able to purchase an industrial refrigerator and freezer.

In response to the pandemic, CCC’s annual Holiday Festival of Music went virtual for the first time, with an at-home watching option.

CCC refugee clients began painting a mural that will eventually be on permanent display in the Sister City Walkway in Roanoke.

In January, CCC’s Newport News office moved into a new space to better meet client needs.

The Youth Hub

at CCC’s Housing Resource Center is a place of safety and resources for youth ages 18-24 who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness. The Youth Hub space was transformed this year inside and out. Outside a therapeutic garden space was created with benches and raised beds where program participants can grow produce and flowers throughout the summer. Soothing paint and decor transformed the indoor spaces into a calm, relaxing environment that reflects traumainformed design. Artwork decorated by youth in the program also brightens the walls. A food and clothes closet also add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Transformations made possible through the generosity of the Robins Foundation.

CHARLOTTESVILLE 918 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.974.6880 NEWPORT NEWS 740 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite F Newport News, VA 23606 757.247.3600 NORTON 507 Park Avenue Norton, VA 24273 276.679.1195

PETERSBURG 111 Perry Street Petersburg, VA 23803 Guardianship: 804.733.6207 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