Fall Chronicle 2022

COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Right Where He Belongs

Alex is a loving child with a big heart. Like most kids, he enjoys being outside, riding bikes, making crafts, playing video games, and spending time with his family. When Alex was just a few weeks away from his eighth birthday, he was adopted.

“Alex is so excited to officially be a part of his new family,” said CCC case worker, Kasi Carpenter. “He loves his family very much and they love him just the same. Both Alex and his parents feel like he has always been a part of their family.”

Just two short years earlier, Alex, his siblings, and his birth parents were homeless and living in a van. His parents both struggled with substance abuse and could not care for Alex and his siblings. For their safety, the children were placed in foster care. Unfortunately, Alex’s first foster family was unkind and Alex was once again removed. This time CCC was asked to manage his care and find a foster family who would help him thrive. Due to his past experiences, Alex began to attend specialized trauma-focused therapy.

“Alex’s new foster family instantly connected with him,” said Kasi. They decided that it was time for Alex to have a permanent place in their home.

“It brings joy to my heart to see Alex happy and thriving. He was in a very unfortunate situation with his birth family that no young child should ever have to be in,” said Kasi. “Seeing the family interact with one another, it is very clear Alex is right where he needed to be all along.”

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

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FALL 2022 www.cccofva.org

Alex and his case worker, Kasi Carpenter, share a hug at his adoption hearing.

What is a Developmental Disabilities Waiver?

A Developmental Disabilities

(DD) Waiver is a personalized set of services and support systems that enhance the health, safety, and welfare of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Indepence at Last

Henry, 23, was recently approved for a DD Waiver and began working with a CCC case worker. Because Henry was born very premature, at just 28 weeks, he often struggled to meet developmental milestones like learning to speak and walk. He was also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

After his DD Waiver was approved, he and his mom chose to work with CCC. Henry explained that he wanted to be more independent.

Why is it called a waiver if it’s really just services and case management?

For those who qualify for assistance, their support is paid for by the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Medicaid program, which must apply for a waiver of the federal Medicaid requirements that recipients must reside in an institution to receive funding for services.

“Henry is kind, he is a self-advocate, and he is ambitious,” said his case worker, Erin Neeley.

Erin helped Henry to enroll in speech therapy and apply for housing assistance.

“Henry got his apartment and is working on getting all moved in and set up there. He is a little anxious about the move but excited,” said Erin.

Henry’s next goal is to find a job near his apartment.

How is CCC involved?

When an individual is approved for a DD Waiver, there is a lot to coordinate. A case worker can help them navigate available services and advocate on their behalf. CCC’s case managers help recipients access medical and mental health care, educational opportunities, job training, residential assistance, and dozens of other tools to help them reach their long and short-term goals.

“Through DD Waiver, Henry has the tools and support that he needs to become more involved in and a part of his community," said Erin. "It's really exciting to be able to support his plans and goals."

2 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Run for Refugees

On a sunny Friday evening in September, 172 runners gathered in Roanoke to kick off the City’s Welcoming Week in support of refugees. The week-long celebration began with the second annual Run for Refugees 5k, presented by the Roanoke Public Library Foundation in partnership with the City of Roanoke. All proceeds from the event were donated to CCC’s Roanoke refugee resettlement program.

“It was such a fun day,” said Marnie Mills, CCC mission advancement associate. “The refugee clients who attended the event said that they already feel welcome and are happy to be a part of the Roanoke community who has welcomed them so warmly.”

Over the past decade, CCC has assisted over 1,500 individuals to resettle in the Roanoke area.

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Employee Spotlight

Jonathan, the seventh of 10 children, was born in Democratic Republic of the Congo where his family fled to escape the war in Burundi. When he was 13-years-old, he and his family were resettled in Roanoke by CCC.

In addition to helping the family find housing and employment, CCC helped to enroll Jonathan and his siblings in school. Jonathan remembers riding to school and learning how to ride a school bus with CCC staff.

As a boy, Jonathan dreamed of owning his own business. As an adult, those dreams have changed and today Jonathan is supporting other refugees as a program assistant for CCC’s refugee resettlement program.

Jonathan shared his story at the Run for Refugees 5k in early September.

“I love how I can directly impact clients’ daily lives,” he said. “My own experience plays a huge part to how I help clients. I understand the emotional part of resettlement due to my own experience. Coming full circle is an extraordinary gift that has no limit. Every day I come to work; I know someone is being impacted positively through CCC.”

Norton Area Flood Relief

In late July, severe flooding hit eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia, where CCC’s Norton office is located. According to National Weather Service, the floods led to 39 deaths and caused catastrophic damage, destroying homes and communities.

Following this devastation, CCC was awarded a $10,000 short-term disaster response grant from Catholic Charities USA.

A portion of the funds are being used to replace damaged and destroyed household items and buy necessary supplies like paint and lumber for home repairs. CCC Financial Counseling case worker, Gary Collins, has also been helping families plan and budget for the major, unexpected home repairs that are now needed.

4 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Support for a Fresh Start

Charlie is 30-years-old and lives in southwestern Virginia. Despite his own health problems, Charlie lived with his dad for several years, caring for him through cancer treatments. Sadly, the treatments were unsuccessful and Charlie’s father passed away. On the day of the funeral, the manager of their apartment forced Charlie to leave. With nowhere else to go, Charlie began living in his car.

At a medical appointment shortly after losing his home, a nurse suggested that Charlie contact CCC for assistance.

“Because he was literally homeless and sleeping in his car, we connected Charlie to area resources that provided an emergency hotel stay, food, clothing, and personal items,” said Stephanie Traverse, CCC supportive housing case worker. “After the immediate crisis was taken care of, we began looking for a long-term housing solution.”

With Stephanie’s assistance, Charlie found an apartment.

“I speak to Charlie several times a month,” said Stephanie. “He is very grateful for the assistance CCC provided him. He has his apartment, his car, and budgets his money well. One day he hopes to move into a bigger apartment but for now he is happy.”

Donate today to make more stories of hope possible

Because of your support, CCC can connect young moms to resources, guide teens in foster care into adulthood, deliver food to hungry families, and so much more.

Visit cccofva.networkforgood.com or scan QR code to donate! 

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Meeting Milestones & Moving in!

In 2021, Eric and Michele were surprised to learn that their mortgage application was declined. They both work hard and have steady jobs with good salaries. Even though they knew that their finances weren’t in the best shape—they had multiple credit cards maxed out and a past due payment on a vehicle loan—they were not expecting to be declined. They were frustrated and disappointed, but their bank suggested that they speak to a financial counselor at CCC so they decided to give it a try.

“The first time that I met with Eric and Michele they told me that they understood why they were declined but they weren’t sure how to map out a plan or even where to start,” said Desiri Walker, CCC housing & financial counselor.

Together with Desiri, Eric and Michele created a plan to reduce credit card debt, build savings, improve their credit score and develop money management skills.

Each month they would meet to check in and review their progress.

“Meeting [those] milestones is like butterflies in the stomach,” said Michele. “Your smile is beaming. You can't believe it happened.”

After a year of hard work, Eric and Michele again applied for a mortgage and this time they were approved and couldn’t wait to tell Desiri.

“I love those happy phone calls when I hear ‘we got approved,’” said Desiri. “They were so thankful and excited, and it just made my day when I heard the good news.”

Today, Eric, Michele, and their two children are happy in their new home and plan to continue setting new financial milestones and goals.

“The skills we learned from Desiri we continue to use,” said Michele. "Once you get on this track, it becomes fitting; it's part of your routine. I didn't think we would get to where we are today. Desiri got us where we needed to be and we are thankful for her.”

6 | Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Eric and Michele and their children and extended family at their house closing.

A Century of Service

Commonwealth Catholic Charities is only months away from celebrating a centennial of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In 1923 CCC, then known as the Bureau of Catholic Charities, was founded, growing out of a need for the coordination and consolidation of the efforts of various charitable Catholic organizations in the Richmond area. Through incorporation, it became possible to serve even more individuals and families by developing and implementing professional standards and coordinated efforts to reduce confusion and duplication of efforts.

Now, 100 years later, CCC carries on that legacy of innovation and professionalism throughout much of the Commonwealth of Virginia—reaching from far southwest Virginia through central Virginia and into the eastern shore. Today, CCC impacts the lives of over 40,000 men, women, and children each year through over 30 unique programs and services.

As we embark upon a new century of service, we welcome you to share how you have been impacted by CCC over the years.

If you were assisted by CCC, have supported CCC, or have a special memory of CCC, we want to hear it!

Share your memory by visiting our website, sending us an email, or sharing on social media using #ACenturyofCCC.

A Lasting Legacy: The 1923 Society

A planned gift is a lasting investment in the life-changing services provided by Commonwealth Catholic Charities. We are honored to be entrusted with a legacy donation that will change lives for many lifetimes.

If you would like to learn more about planning a lasting gift please contact VP of Mission Advancement, Jennifer Cunningham, at jennifer.cunningham@cccofva.org.

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The Catholic Virginian, Vol 21 No 12, October 1946

918 Harris Street Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.974.6880