Chronicle Fall 2020

FALL 2020

CO M M O N W E A LT H C AT H O L I C C H A R I T I E S

Thanks for Giving

Despite all of the pain and frustration created by COVID-19 these last few months, we still have much for which to be thankful. As we enter this season of thanksgiving, we are grateful for the outpouring of love and kindness that the agency has received.

“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our communities, supporters, and parish partners across the Commonwealth,” said CEO Jay Brown. “We are so proud to be able to respond to the needs of so many children, individuals, and families during the pandemic."

Because of our supporters, Commonwealth Catholic Charities has been able to respond quickly to COVID-19, distributing over $1 million in emergency assistance to Virginia residents over the last six months. Emergency services include food, rent and utility assistance, baby supplies, and emergency housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to individual donors, churches and parishes, community groups, private foundations, corporations, and government partners for their generosity. With your past, present, and future support, CCC services will continue to meet the needs of our neighbors throughout the ongoing global health crisis.

We are also especially grateful to sponsors of our upcoming Holiday Festival of Music concert.

"We understand how difficult this year has been for businesses and families. CCC services are needed now more than ever, and our work would not be possible without our partners' continued financial support," said Brown.

Visit our website to learn more about our 29th annual Holiday Festival of Music and to see a list of our generous sponsors. www.cccofva.org/hfom

www.cccofva.org • CCC provides quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.

When the Sun Shines Through the Clouds

her a crumpled piece of paper on which was written the CCC phone number.

COVID has hit the elderly hard — not just because they are vulnerable to the disease, but because they are vulnerable to loneliness.

Diane Hargraves has been with the program since its inception in 2011 when it had two volunteers and a few clients. Now it has nearly 70 clients and more than a dozen volunteers.

Excerpt from The Catholic Virginian, September 21 Issue

by Kristen L. Byrd

Many elderly were already isolated because of a deceased spouse or children who live out of town. Some could no longer drive or see well and were homebound. Whatever interactions they have almost disappeared with COVID. Through its Independence for Seniors program, CCC calls elderly people two to three times a week just to check up on them, talk to them, give them a connection. One of them is 99-year-old Alma Bailey.

Bailey lives alone in Roanoke. Her husband died several years ago, and her daughter died unexpectedly last year.

She has no family in the area. Her son in Norfolk and granddaughter in Richmond visit from time to time but haven’t been able to do so because of COVID.

“I was used to being alone before COVID. Now it’s worse.

But at least I have the phone calls. They’ve all been so wonderful. I feel like I’m not alone in the world,” she said.

“We talk about faith a lot,” Hargraves said. “I am a person of faith. Faith is such an important anchor for the majority of our clients. For me personally this is a ministry. This is something that I do out of my own faith.

I feel God has definitely brought me to this position and to this program. I’m honored to be a part of it. I believe God’s hand is all over it.”

The volunteers call and ask clients about their day, how they’re feeling. They encourage them to keep their doctors’ appointments and to take care of their physical and mental health.

They provide craft supplies, word searches, crossword puzzles and adult coloring books, as well as facemasks and cleaning supplies. Though home visits have decreased due to COVID, the calls have never stopped.

“One of the best gifts we can give people is to truly listen to them,” said Hargraves. “Listen, hear, validate their feelings and the things they’re going through. So many of our clients don’t have anyone who really listens. Some of our clients don’t have anybody. This is priceless.”

According to Hargraves, the pandemic has caused more anxiety for a population already struggling with the anxiety and depression of aging alone. She said the Independence for Seniors program is more important than ever.

Meals on Wheels delivers food to her house four days a week. One day, Bailey mentioned to the Meals on Wheels delivery man how lonely she had been feeling. He handed

2 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Bailey looks forward to the calls.

“The cloudy days are so bad,” she said, “but today the sun is shining.”

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from this program, contact Diane Hargraves at diane.hargraves@cccofva.org.

New Job in Norton

A

aron, a recent college graduate, came to CCC looking for help finding a job.

He had worked at a restaurant for three years while going to school part-time. After graduation, he quit his restaurant job, expecting to find a position in his field. Despite his degree in computer network technology, finding work during the pandemic was difficult.

"When we first met, Aaron was very discouraged and frustrated," said Lindsay Lipps, CCC employment navigator. "I reassured him that there will be more opportunities in his field in the future but for now, we decided to modify his job search focus."

Together they explored career options that would work for Aaron.

"After expanding his job search to other areas and reworking his resumĂŠ, we were able to find him a job at a well-established local business," said Lipps.

Aaron's new job pays well and offers benefits.

He was also able to use skills from his degree to suggest a new bookkeeping and filing system that will be implemented soon. In the short time that he's been with the company, Aaron has already received a raise and sees the potential for advancement opportunities in the future.

To learn more about CCC's Workforce Development program in Norton, Newport News, Richmond, and Roanoke visit www.cccofva.org/workforcedevelopment.

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Celebrating Milestones CCC's Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program provides foster care services to unaccompanied children who fled their countries due to war or persecution. These children usually come to the United States knowing very little English and often have had little or no education in their home countries.

"They are survivors and very resilient," said CCC Foster Parent Specialist BeBe Tran. "They are here hoping for an opportunity to restart their life."

This year, four youth in the program celebrated a major milestone by graduating from high school.

Because of COVID-19, the foster care staff couldn’t throw a party to celebrate, instead they organized a graduation parade, which included decorated cars, signs, balloons, noise makers, and music.

"The looks on their faces were priceless," said Tran. "I know this is something special that they will remember forever."

Young Artists Display Work 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 (EVMS) organized the event and donated all of the art supplies to the program.

"The youth were excited and proud to display their artwork," said Kristen Larcher, resettlement and immigration services program manager. "This was a really clever and creative way to engage them and help them process their feelings during social distancing."

The artwork can be viewed at https://bit.ly/2SZtXCh and is available to purchase with all proceeds going directly to the artists.

View gallery

4 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Home Sweet Home

W

hen Robin's lease expired during the pandemic, she turned to CCC for help.

"Finding housing has been extremely challenging because of the pandemic," said Jennifer Levine, supportive housing & homeless services director.

"Leasing offices closed, some landlords didn’t want to work with our master-lease program, and there is already a shortage of affordable and safe housing in the area."

Robin was in poor health and, with her current lease ending, she needed to find something quickly.

"I scoured the city and at the last minute found Robin a place," said CCC Outreach Worker Shirley Brown.

That solved one problem, but with Robin's moving day quickly approaching, she had no resources or people to help her. Shirley stepped in again, arranging for a moving truck and volunteers. Together they helped Robin finish packing and moved her into her new place.

Since the move, Shirley continues to check in with Robin several times a month.

"Robin loves the place and is so grateful for the assistance," said Shirley. "If my client is pleased, so am I!"

Collaborative Mural Completed in Richmond

Last month CCC partnered with the Mending Walls RVA project. The purpose of this public art project is to bring artists from different backgrounds together to discuss current events around race, resulting in a mural that communicates empathy and connection during a time when we all need it most. CCC's Housing Resource Center and Youth Hub features one of 16 murals across the city, which includes portraits of three community members and their hopes for the future.

CCC Outreach Worker, Shirley Brown

“We value the voice of the communities we serve and are proud to be a part of this important conversation and the community,” said CCC CEO Jay Brown.

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A Home and Healing

N

ot long ago, Alisha was an independent woman, earning a living as a teacher. Two sudden spinal strokes partially paralyzed her and robbed her of her ability to walk, her independence, her income, and her home.

In the spring, Alisha also began seeing a CCC mental health counselor. Although in-person sessions were no longer possible due to the pandemic, she and her counselor, Betsy Hudson, were able to meet virtually and developed a strong relationship

With a small disability payment as her only income and with no family and nowhere to turn, she was unable to afford housing that met her needs. Alisha was offered a place to stay in a local Sunday school classroom that was unused because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Betsy has been a much-needed and appreciated constant in my life,” said Alisha. “Because of her, and the Lord working through her, I have been able to experience more healing and freedom than I ever thought was possible.”

When CCC Board member Ellen Gortler learned of Alisha's situation she knew CCC could help. Ellen quickly connected Alisha with Housing and Financial Counselor, Desiri Walker.

Together, the two have tackled some tough issues.

Using her housing resources and expertise, Walker helped Alisha search for and secure an accessible apartment that she could afford and that would accommodate her wheelchair.

CCC helped pay the first month's rent and Alisha's friends helped her move in—just in time to celebrate her 26th birthday!

“She is so compassionate and is constantly helping me pick up and deal with the broken pieces of my life; encouraging me to see and step into the potential and future God has for me as well as reminding me I am not alone.”

Through their time together, Alisha has been inspired to pursue a master’s degree in counseling so that she can help others in the same way that she is being helped.

“The CCC team, as a whole, has been a greater gift from God in my life than I can truly describe,” said Alisha.

"I have been able to experience more healing and freedom than I ever thought was possible.”

Would you like to help make more stories like Alisha's a possibility?

Visit https://bit.ly/3lR740e today!

6 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Working his way to Independence

H

ertier is 19-years-old and a rising junior in high school. He was born in Democratic Republic of the Congo. When he was a baby his family fled to a refugee camp in Burundi. He spent 16 years in the camp, where the conditions were poor and life was rough.

When he came to the United States at age 18, he was enrolled in the ninth grade. He quickly earned a place on the honor roll and was advanced two grade levels.

Hertier comes from a large family, headed by a single mother who cannot read and speaks limited English. He helps his mother and siblings in numerous ways including with their schoolwork and paying the bills.

CCC helped Hertier enroll in the Mentoring Youth in Virginia (MYVA) program where he was matched with Victoria, a passionate and dynamic volunteer. Together they are working on his goals of attending college to study medicine and getting his driver's license. This summer, Hertier passed his learner's permit exam and bought a car with earnings from his summer job.

Hertier and the car he purchased with earnings from his summer job.

About MYVA

As part of the MYVA program Hertier received a computer to help him continue learning and assisting his family.

For the past three years CCC has served refugee youth ages 15-24 through the MYVA program in a partnership with the Office of New Americans and the Virginia Department of Social Services.

"Hertier continues meeting regularly with his mentor to improve his writing skills and transition to online learning this fall," said CCC MYVA Coordinator Betsy Hale.

"He is a highly motivated and bright young man and it is a pleasure watching his hard work pay off."

This program matches youth with adult mentors to pursue education and career goals, improve self-esteem, and encourage community and civic involvement. Mentors and students connect weekly using phone, email, Zoom or Facetime.

Are you interested in becoming a mentor?

Learn how by contacting:

• Betsy Hale in Roanoke, betsy.hale@cccofva.org • Nathaniel Boorom in Richmond, nathaniel.boorom@cccofva.org • Kristen Larcher in Newport News, kristen.larcher@cccofva.org

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918 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.974.6880

1601 Rolling Hills Drive Richmond, VA 23229 804.285.5900

12284 Warwick Boulevard Suite 1-A Newport News, VA 23606 757.247.3600

809 Oliver Hill Way Richmond, VA 23219 804.648.4177

7813 Halprin Drive Norfolk, VA 23518 757.256.6272 507 Park Avenue SW Norton, VA 24273 276.679.1195 111 Perry Street Petersburg, VA 23803 804.733.6207

820 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.7561 St. Francis House Food Pantry 836 Campbell Avenue, SW Roanoke, VA 24016 540.268.0098 541 Luck Avenue, SW Suite 118 Roanoke, VA 24016 540.342.0411

www.cccofva.org

Commonwealth Catholic Charities brings you two perfect ways to enjoy our 29th annual

Holiday Festival of Music Enjoy sounds of the holidays from the Richmond Symphony Live performance at Richmond’s Cathedral of the Sacred Heart November 30 at 7:00 p.m. (only 100 tickets will be sold!)

Home for the Holidays virtual performance December 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.cccofva.org/hfom