Chronicle SPRING 2021
The Power of Love
In 2015, a little boy was born in China. He was born with Down syndrome and placed into the care of an orphanage where he lived for three years. In those three years he was given only formula to drink and very little affection, attention, or stimulation to help him grow and develop. When Billy and Laura Marshall decided to adopt him, he was three-years-old and weighed only 12 pounds. He was lethargic, would not eat, could not hold his head up, and never smiled. Nevertheless, the Marshalls recognized that he was a fighter and named him Asa Courage. Asa is now five-years-old and has lived with his forever family for two years. With a whole lot of love, medical intervention, and good nutrition, Asa is thriving. He has learned to walk and talk. He has a sparkle in his eyes (and a little mischief!). He loves to laugh and to make others laugh. “Asa is loved more than he’ll ever know,” said Tami Hudson, CCC pregnancy counselor and adoption case worker, who has assisted with Asa’s adoption and post-adoption visits. “In a world so full of chaos and discouragement, miracles still do happen. I’ve seen one with my own eyes.” Asa was originally featured in CCC’s Summer 2018 Chronicle.
Asa in 2021 (top two) and threeyear-old Asa in 2018 (bottom)
www.cccofva.org • CCC provides quality, compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.
Workforce Development Milestones The Workforce Development program has expanded over the past year, with services now offered in Richmond, Roanoke, Newport News, and Norton. "Workforce Development is about growing an individual’s skills and developing the tools they need to succeed,” said John Taylor, workforce development supervisor. “We help individuals to overcome obstacles to employment and prepare to enter, succeed, and excel in the workplace.” In January, Employment Navigator, Anna Wang in the Richmond office, became nationally certified through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. “Becoming certified is a rigorous process,” said Taylor. “Through this certification process, Anna has honed skills that will help her develop stronger community partnerships and better understand and adapt to the needs of those she serves.”
our Congrats on y Anna! achievement,
To learn more about CCC’s Workforce Development program, visit www.cccofva.org.
School Counseling Helps Students, Teachers, and Parents For the past eight years, CCC has worked with schools in the Richmond area to provide in-school counseling. “I have a unique role in that I build relationships with students and staff,” said counselor and group facilitator, Opal Ritchie. “I have the opportunity to support students by helping them with what they need to be successful, for example, emotional regulation skills. I also help teachers to meet their students' needs. I provide a safe non-judgmental space where students don't need to be on their best behavior.” School counseling sessions are often shorter than a typical session so that children don’t miss too much instruction time. However, the interventions
and techniques are often the same and have proven to be engaging and effective. “Working at school is very rewarding. With the teachers and parents, we become a team in supporting what is best for the mental health of the student and to effectively address the students’ needs. I am also a resource for parents and teachers who may have child-related concerns.”
To learn more about CCC’s various counseling services, visit www.cccofva.org. 2 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
In Loving Memory Eternal rest grant her, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Welcome New Board Members CCC Board of Directors
Jane Mendenhall, Dedicated Colleague
Steve Benedetti COO Dynex Capital, Inc.
Jane had served at CCC for more than 30 years, first with the Refugee and Immigration programs and later as a Developmental Disabilities Waiver Specialist for children on the autism spectrum.
Dane Honrado Research Director Investment Decision Support at the Virginia Retirement System
Late last year the CCC family was deeply saddened by the loss of Jane Mendenhall. Jane passed away due to complications of COVID-19.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of our friend and colleague,” said CCC CEO Jay Brown. “Jane has been a tremendous resource for our clients and a trusted co-worker for so many of our staff. Words can’t convey how Jane’s absence will be felt throughout our agency, the Greater Richmond community, and for the people we serve.”
Marie Moore, Passionate Volunteer
In March, long-time CCC volunteer, Marie Moore passed away unexpectedly. “We are devastated by her loss,” said Jennifer Ward, foster care program manager in Richmond. “She was very special to our department and to so many of our kids.” In February, Ms. Moore had just completed her one thousandth hour of volunteering as a tutor for the Foster Care program in Richmond. “If we hadn’t had Ms. Moore as a tutor, things would be incredibly different,” said foster parents Henryetta and Benjamin Murray. “Ms. Moore was able to make teaching breakthroughs that we did not imagine could happen so easily. Her ability as an excellent tutor inspired our daughters to continue learning with an open and positive mind.”
Christine Petri Social Worker Petersburg Social Services (Ret.)
Marie D. Yascko-Rosado Associate Williams Mullen
Housing Corporation Board of Directors Michael Shaia Senior Associate Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer Joyce M. Knight Meeting Planner Virginia Tobacco Commission Chronicle • Spring 2021 | 3
Roanoke Valley Gives On March 10, the Roanoke Valley community joined together for a day of online giving to support nonprofits in the community—including CCC’s St. Francis House Food Pantry. Special thanks to our incredible partners, Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico and P1 Technologies, who matched individual donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $2,500. Because of generous individuals and our partners, we exceeded our goal of $5,000, raising $7,705. These funds will go directly towards the purchase of a new commercial-grade refrigerator and freezer so that St. Francis House can continue to provide meat, dairy, and fresh produce to individuals and families.
“We are incredibly grateful for the compassion and commitment shown by supporters during Roanoke Valley Gives,” said CCC CEO, Jay Brown. St. Francis House has served the Roanoke Valley since 1973. In 2020, St. Francis House impacted the lives of over 17,000 adults and children in need. To learn more about St. Francis House and how your support can make a difference, visit www.cccofva.org/st-francis-house.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
MORE WAYS TO GIVE
There are so many ways to help neighbors in need!
Give While You Shop
Give at Work
Planned Giving
By shopping with AmazonSmile and Kroger Community Rewards you can also give to CCC!
Many employers match gifts made by their employees, retirees, or employee spouses. Visit our website to find out if your employer matches gifts!
Making a planned gift to CCC ensures the lasting impact of your legacy.
Visit our website for even more ways to give! www.cccofva.org/donate
4 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
Feeding the Hungry with Help from our Friends This winter, Roanoke restaurant, Farmburguesa donated 500 hot meals to St. Francis House Food Pantry to feed hungry individuals and families in the Roanoke community. The food was distributed at St. Francis House and was also delivered to local seniors.
Newport News Office Move
“Our hearts are full,” said CCC Mission Advancement Associate, Marnie Mills. “The owners at Farmburguesa have a real passion for service and for our community. Our clients have truly been blessed by their generosity.”
On January 15, our Newport News office staff moved into a new office building at 740 Thimble Shoals Boulevard. “This new space will help us to better meet the needs of our clients,” said CEO Jay Brown. “It will also help position us for future growth as we continue to serve and support in this region."
Chronicle • Spring 2021 | 5
Trails to Care Health Fair Helps Refugee Clients in Roanoke For the past three years students at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Roanoke Refugee Partnership have teamed up to organize a health fair held at CCC to benefit the refugee and immigrant communities. During the event, students typically provide health screenings and share community resources. This year, because of the pandemic, organizers skipped the in-person health screenings and instead distributed bags with important health information, health and hygiene items, food, and household supplies. In total the group put together 300 bags to be shared with refugee and immigrant families. “We love being involved in this event and are so thankful to see such passion and commitment to serving the refugee and immigrant communities,” said Laura Murphy, program director, refugee resettlement and immigration services in Roanoke.
Do you or someone you know live in Norton, Lee County, or Wise County? Have you been impacted by COVID-19? You may be eligible for financial assistance with rent and/or utility costs. Contact us at 804.489.3269 today to learn more. 6 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities
Norfolk Outreach Workers Help Elderly Client Fight Fraud Recently two CCC outreach workers in Norfolk, KeKe Cody and Ashli Hill, were contacted by a local shelter about an 80-year-old woman who had been dropped off at their front door. She seemed lost and confused. KeKe and Ashli learned that Helen had been staying at a different shelter but left, hoping to find a place of her own. As they talked with Helen, they learned that she had no income, no children, and her husband had passed away several years ago. The two outreach workers began looking into options like Medicaid, social security, and SNAP benefits. They hoped that Medicaid and Helen’s late husband’s social security would offset the cost of an assisted living facility. After some calls and online research, they discovered that the Social Security Administration had, in fact, been direct depositing social security payments to a debit card for Helen. “She had no idea that she was receiving income, nor did she have a debit card,” said Ashli. It soon became clear that Helen was the victim of identity theft. “I was honestly very shocked at how deep the theft ran. I did not expect to uncover fraud but unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the elderly to be taken advantage of,” said Ashli. The team is working with a partner agency who has arranged for Helen to stay in a hotel. “We will continue to work with her to make sure she gets the money she is owed and has a long-term living arrangement,” said Ashli. “Helen was so patient, kind, and understanding. I have high hopes that with stable housing she will thrive.”
Richmond Homeless Services 2020 at a Glance
731 individuals living on the streets were connected to resources by CCC outreach service
70% of CCC clients experiencing homelessness successfully moved off the street and into housing and shelter
124 youth (ages 18-24) have been connected to area resources including housing, workforce development, and health services
45% of youth experiencing homelessness moved into stable housing
Chronicle • Spring 2021 | 7
918 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.974.6880
1601 Rolling Hills Drive Richmond, VA 23229 804.285.5900
740 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite F 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
Looking for more great CCC stories? Check out our 2020 Annual Report! Visit our website! www.cccofva.org/about