2014 Annual Report

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Growing Community

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace, and a soul generated by love.� -Coretta Scott King

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Thank you for your continued support.

Locations:

Our Mission

To build communities that care for all CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org people by strengthening and enriching the quality of life for individuals, families, and Charities children; working Catholic Steuben County to reduce poverty; and advocating for social justice; which helps fulfill Catholic Charities of the @CathCharSteuben Diocese of Rochester’s commitment to build a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people.

Administrative Office 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810 (607) 776-8085 Fax (607) 776-4092 www.catholiccharitiessteuben.org

Facebook.com/CatholicCharitiesSteuben Programs Located at the Administrative Office

Turning Point: Bath Office (607) 776-4575, (800) 581-9228 Nutrition Outreach & Education (607) 776-4202, (800) 724-2841 Justice & Peace (607) 776-8085 Ext. 217 Healthy Families: Bath Office (607) 776-6621 SHAPE: Bath Office (607) 776-7853

Kinship Administrative & Program Offices

6251 County Route 64, Suite 102 Hornell, NY 14843 Healthy Families (607) 324-6027 Fax 324-0983 SHAPE (607) 324-0909 Fax 324-0983 Therapeutic Foster Care (607) 324-0909 Fax 324-0073 Residential Services (607) 324-0909 Fax 324-3603 Additional Program Sites Bath Community Child Day Care Center 36 E. Morris St., Bath, NY 14810 (607) 776-7387 Fax 776-1220 Steuben Council on Addictions & Bath Area Hope for Youth 8 E. Morris St., Bath, NY 14810 (607) 776-6441 Fax 776-6664 Healthy Families: Addison Office 13 Community Dr. # 101, Addison, NY 14801 (607) 359-2259 SHAPE: Allegany Office 1 Schuyler St. , Belmont , NY 14813 (585) 268-5616 SHAPE: Yates Office 1 Keuka Business Park, Suite 106, Penn Yan, NY 14527 (315) 536-6632 Turning Point: Corning Office 39 W. William St., Corning, NY 14830 (607) 962-0704 Fax 962-0724 Turning Point: Hornell Office 20 Elm St., Suite 2, Hornell, NY 14843 (607) 324-3457 Fax 324-3455

Thank you for your continued support.

Core Values Respect Integrity CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Compassion Hospitality Excellence Catholic Charities Steuben County Stewardship @CathCharSteuben

Catholic Charities is a funded partner of:

Message from the Executive Director Dear Friends of Catholic Charities, Thank Thank you youfor foryour yourcontinued continuedsupport. support.

The theme of this year’s report is, “Growing Community”, which is an essential part of the Mission of Catholic Charities of

Steuben.

Externally, we worked hand-in-hand with Pro Action of Steuben and Yates Inc. to conduct poverty simulations; we expanded our Bridges out of Poverty work, developed new partnerships with the faith community, and further integrated the Steuben Rural Ministry (Sister Susan Cain) within our anti-poverty work in the Western end of Steuben County.

We enhanced our public profile through the creation of a corporate brand identity including service line logos. In addition, we developed a communications plan which tied into our development plan. This work resulted in our exceeding fundraising targets, which then helped us to more fully respond to the expressed needs of our communities.

Catholic Catholic Charities Charities Steuben Steuben County County Your generous support in 2014 made it possible for us to do critical work, which led to many success stories, some of which you’ll read about in this report. In 2014, we served over 13,000 households through 14 programs in 9 offices locations. @CathCharSteuben @CathCharSteuben While much of our work is accomplished in Steuben County, some of our Kinship Family and Youth Services programs also serve several contiguous counties. In our efforts to provide effective access to services we provide 7 office locations in Steuben County (several of which are in rural areas), 1 in Yates County, and 1 in Allegany County.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

We are very proud of the success and accomplishments of the many outstanding programs offered by Catholic Charities.

And, as people of faith, hope and charity; we will continue our work, bringing care, support and help that works and hope that lasts to others. It is a tradition we are proud to uphold.

I am grateful for the generosity of donors and the extraordinary dedication of staff. And, I would like to extend my sincere thanks and deep appreciation to all who make the work of this fine agency possible – the staff, the volunteers, the members of the board of directors and to all who contribute to Catholic Charities so generously. I request your prayers that God will continue to bless this agency and all those whose journey brings them through our doors.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Laura M. Opelt Executive Director Catholic Charities Steuben County

Message From the Board Chairperson

Dear Friends, @CathCharSteuben We are fifteen years into the new millennium and many wonderful accomplishments have been reached at Catholic Charities of Steuben. Over the years, with guidance from leaders like Bob Turissini and other Board members, the organization has grown to be seen as one of the premier Human Services organizations in the Southern Tier. The staff at CCS does an amazing job delivering "Help that works...and Hope that Lasts." The integration of Kinship Family and Youth with Catholic Charities of Steuben has made our mission of caring all the stronger and purposeful. Bringing people together with compassion, respect, and integrity has made this organization great. Child Care, Family Preservation, Substance Free Living, Prevention Services, Food Pantries, Support Services, and Justice & Peace are the many services provided on a Quality Basis day-in and day-out. The work that the people involved do every day makes me proud to be associated with this organization. Volunteers, donors, staff, Board members and friends work tirelessly to improve the lives of people in our communities, without recognition or fame, yet they never stop helping.

2015 will be the year we continue to enrich the quality of life for individuals, families, and children like never before. Reducing poverty and advocating for social justice will be a top priority. This cannot be accomplished without the help of everyone involved and I look forward to working with you. Stay tuned for an exciting year where Catholic Charities of Steuben will be improving the much needed work in our community.

God Bless you,

Michael E. Gabrielli Catholic Charities, Board Chairperson

Thank you for your continued support.

Kinship Family & Youth helps families develop the capacities for healthy family functioning and promotes healthy child

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Healthy Families Steuben

Summary of Services

Healthy Families offers support and education, through home Served 220 families visiting, to new and expectant parents living in Steuben County.

Completed 3,130 home visits.

Catholic Charities Steuben County

Program stories provide the opportunity to share first hand 67% of families had fathers engaged in some of our serexperiences of personal, organizational, and community-wide vices. growth.

The following tells the stories of two families who have 100% of children were connected to a medical provider. @CathCharSteuben grown through their work with Healthy Families Steuben 100% of primary parents were connected to a medical provider.

When Sandy and Joe entered Healthy Families, Sandy was pregnant with her third child. Neither parent was working. They 67% of families entered the program prenatally. had no car and lived in unsafe housing. Their worker, Marcy, 90% of children were up to date with recommended imrecognized Sandy and Joe’s commitment to their family and munizations at 1 year of age. helped them identify goals of finding employment, owning a car, 100% were assessed for the risk of lead exposure. finding better housing, and becoming better parents. One of their children had educational disabilities and new baby, Ellis, 85% of families were employed, or enrolled in an educawas born with health challenges. While achieving their tional or job training program by the time their child was 1 employment, transportation, and housing goals, Sandy and Joe year old. remained committed to parent education. Ellis was one of the 21 families graduated from the program in 2014 first children to participate in our new hearing screenings. After failing the screening, Marcy referred the family to their doctor with the screening results. It was found that Ellis needed tubes in his ears and has since had surgery. Ellis’ developmental screening scores were low in communication up to this point, but his speech is now improving.

Thank you for your continued support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Shelly moved to Steuben County from another state when she was 27 years old

and seven months pregnant. Although unemployed and not knowing anyone in the area, she had not used crack cocaine for a month. She needed to escape from the city where she lived, to separate herself from her drug-using friends.

Catholic Charities Steuben County She had lost another baby to foster care eight years prior due to drug use, and did not want this to happen again. Public Health Nursing referred Shelly to the Healthy Families Program. Shelly’s Healthy Families worker encouraged @CathCharSteuben her to get prenatal care and formal substance abuse services, and also assisted in her application for Public Assistance and WIC. Shelly was very open with her doctor about her drug usage, and was very fortunate to give birth to a beautiful baby girl who exhibited no adverse effects from the drug use.

The child is now 13 months old and her mother remains drug free. Shelly completed a course to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and is employed full time at an area hospital. She is also an active volunteer at her church.

Taking her “second chance” at parenting very seriously, Shelly has become a very loving mother. She looks forward to Healthy Families’ visits, and thrives on the program’s support and encouragement. Shelly especially enjoys reading and singing to her daughter. Additionally, she is working hard at repairing the relationship with her eight year old son.

Therapeutic Foster Care

Summary of Services Served 33 Youth

Therapeutic Foster Care specializes in the care of hard-to-place children and adolescents. The focus is to develop a child’s 73% Successful Discharge Rate - Youth attained permanency self-esteem, positive behavioral skills, and confidence. The aim is goals. to guide children and their families as they transition back to 5 Children were adopted by their foster parents. home, school, and community in Steuben and adjacent counties.

Growing Families Through Foster Care: Our foster parents open their homes and their hearts to children and families, providing love, support, supervision, encouragement, discipline, structure, and stability, while promoting permanency.

2 sisters were placed with their aunt.

2 youth were re-united with their parents.

2 brothers moved together to a pre-adoptive foster home.

Foster parents work with service providers and the birth family with the intention of reuniting the children with their family.

However, in some rare cases, the children are freed for adoption, and this year we were fortunate to have five children adopted by the Kinship Foster Parents with whom they had been living! continued on next page...

The first adoption occurred in Steuben County in August. Eithan had been living with his foster mother, Sheila Jackson, since he was five months old. Initially he placed here with his birth mother. Eithan now three was so happy to celebrate his first Christmas with his permanent family.

The second adoption took place in Schuyler County in October. Two sisters, who decided to change their names to Keeva and Maia, had been living with their foster family since March 2012. The girls not only gained parents but brothers as well. It had been a long two-year wait to finally be free so that they could be adopted. The 6 and 7- year olds were so excited to become a part of the Devine-Brinks family!

The third adoption took place in Allegany County in November. Five-year-old twins Catholic Catholic Charities Charities Steuben Steuben County County had been placed with Kinship since Spring 2012. Like many of the children in foster care, Harley and Harmony had been in a few foster homes before finding their permanent home with Barb Berry. And they couldn’t have found a better fit! The two sisters picked out adoption day @CathCharSteuben @CathCharSteuben dresses and just happened to pick the same one. Part of the excitement of their adoption day was that it was also their new brother Wyatt’s birthday!

Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourcontinued continuedsupport. support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Supportive Home And Parent Enrichment (SHAPE) SHAPE provides guidance, instruction, and support to families in crisis in Steuben, Allegany, and Yates Counties - referred by DSS. Support is provided through individually tailored weekly home visitation.

SHAPE Priorities by County in 2014:

Steuben County focused on increasing the effectiveness of the “Enhanced Coached Visitation Toolkit” training for families with children in SHAPE. Skills learned were used both with families whose children are in foster care and those whose children remained at home. The toolkit helps parents recognize what their children need beyond safety concerns and physical care.

Allegany County staff trained with DSS to concentrate on the "Trauma Informed Solution Focused Care” approach to casework. SHAPE supervisors now have increased awareness of the impact of trauma on the families ability to deal with crises.

Yates County focused on increasing KAT enrollment and attendance. A new Coordinator has helped to increase both through his knowledge of coalition agencies,Steuben county culture, Catholic Charities County and resources.

Summary of Services Program Outcomes Allegany/ Improved Parenting SHAPE Skills Improved Parenting Steuben/ SHAPE Skills Youth increase attendYates/ ance at school & inIntensive crease school achieveHome Based ment

Yates/PINS Youth increase school Thank you for your continued support. attendance & school

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Target Achieved

85%

92%

80%

83.7%

75%

100%

75%

76.5%

achievement

Program

Families Children Children Case Closed At Home In Foster Due to Care Adequate Improvement

Allegany

49

113

20

56%

Steuben

98

211

61

68%

Yates

16

38

NA

50%

Yates PINS 20 44 NA 59% Families experience positive growth through SHAPE services: @CathCharSteuben SHAPE started working with a family, in February 2013, who had not spent a holiday together as a family for 6 years. The primary issues were domestic violence and chemical dependency. An Order of Protection was in place preventing the father from being alone with any of the family members. Two SHAPE Family Support Workers were assigned to the case, one for Mom and one for Dad. At first, the father was adamantly opposed to having anyone “tell him what to do.” The Father’s worker informed him that it was not his intention to direct him, and that his role was to provide him with some new tools and it was up to him (the father) how he used them. Part of SHAPE’s responsibility is to make sure that family members follow through with all services put in place, and in this case Anger Management classes for the Father. The SHAPE staff worked with the parents to help them see the importance of becoming functional and healthy for their children. Both parents decided to commit to repairing their relationship and to grow to become a family again. The case closed successfully at the end of 2014 with the family spending Thanksgiving and Christmas together for the first time in 7 years.

In another case, a child was referred to SHAPE due to a PINS petition resulting from the child’s lack of school engagement. The child was failing and was not interested in anything school related. Contributing to the problem was the mother’s difficulties in communicating with the school. Throughout the summer SHAPE worked with both mother and child developing a plan for the start of school in the fall. The work centered on helping the child understand the importance of school and how it contributes to a better future. Mom was provided with tools to help facilitate open communication with the school. The case remained open until the end of the first semester. Success, not only has Mom been working closely with the school, the child has been doing her work and has joined the cheerleading squad. The school reports that she has become a role model for other students, helping them when they are struggling with cheer routines and also standing up to bullies on behalf of other children.

Bath Community Child Day Care Center Thank you for your continued support.

Service

Summary of Services

A New York State licensed child care center providing quality care to children six weeks to twelve years of age in a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment; currently the only center serving Central Steuben County

Served

Infant, Toddler and Preschool children

54

School Age Children served

91

Scholarship-Families

15

Once again, we are very grateful for the continued support from Corn- Scholarship-Children

21

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

ing Enterprises. Bath Community Child Day Care received a $30,000 grant supporting our program.

Catholic Charities Steuben County Child care is a major expense for families, recognizing this our Day Care Program has a scholarship program available to help families @CathCharSteuben who do not qualify for other child care subsidies. In 2014 the center awarded $13,255 in scholarship money to 15 families . In 2014 Bath Community Child Day Care cared for 145 children from Bath and the surrounding areas. While at the center, children were engaged in developmentally appropriate activities, both learning and recreational, which are specially designed to promote growth in cognitive, gross motor, language and social-emotional development.

Throughout the year many special events were planned including the celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday in March, Week of the Young Child in April, and field trips and special events during the summer program.

In 2014 school age children visited Mossy Bank Park, Hickory Hill Camp Grounds, the Ithaca Science Center, and Long Acre Farms.

Pictured: various and learning activities at Thank youplayfor your continued support.

Bath Community Child Daycare.

See our Daycare Children and Families Thrive:

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

In June 2014, Amy moved back to Bath to live with family as she adjusted to becoming a single Mom with three young boys: a 6-yearold, 3-year-old, and 6-month-old. The boys started at the Center Catholic Charities Steuben County towards the end of June. During their time at the Center, Mom looked for work and began to establish a home in Bath. Soon Amy found @CathCharSteuben employment, although it was a minimum wage position it was a start to becoming self-reliant. The children remained enrolled full-time at the center allowing Amy to go to work without worry because she knew that her boys were being well cared for and nurtured while she was working. Throughout the summer and fall Amy continued to build a home for her family. The boys were adjusting quite well, building friendships while learning and growing at the Center. In December 2014, Amy was hired by a local credit union, which provided a better salary and stability in employment. Meanwhile the family prepared for the upcoming move into their own apartment.

“Play is the work of children.

It’s very serious stuff.”

Bob Keeshan (Captain Kangaroo)

Kinship’s Photo Album

Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourcontinued continuedsupport. support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Catholic Catholic Charities Charities Steuben Steuben County County @CathCharSteuben @CathCharSteuben

Field Trip to Ithaca Science Center.

SHAPE’s Trunk or Treat a fun, safe Halloween celebration.

Thank you for your continued support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Catholic Charities Steuben County

“Pinwheels for Prevention” to raise awareness about child abuse.

@CathCharSteuben

Family Matters Boo Bash

SHAPE Participating in Christmas Shop with a Cop

Featured Partnerships Heart to Heart: a new partnership with Turning Point in 2014, provided 12 Turning Point families with 39 children, Christmas gifts made up of needed items, as well as, wanted items -enough to make Santa Claus smile.

Fidelis Care: Fidelis Care NY (aka NYS Catholic Health Plan) offers Facilitated Enrollment services to Catholic Charities clients for NY State health insurance plans including: Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid Managed Care programs. A Fidelis Care representative is available on-site at TP Corning, TP Bath and TP Hornell several times throughout each month. In 2014, 311 referrals were received which resulted in 317 people enrolled in NYS-sponsored free or low cost health insurance.

Thank you for your continued support.

Turning Point alleviates the effects of social injustice by stabilizing families in economic crisis, and supporting them as they strive for self-sufficiency.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Turning Point and Steuben County Rural Ministry

Summary of Services House-

Services Provided Four locations in Steuben County provide Basic Needs, Support, and Program holds Served Development Services: Corning, Catholic Charities Steuben County Bath, Hornell, and Canisteo.

321 Services to prevent Basic Needs services include food, housing, utility, medication, and Housing 201 Assistance homelessness provided. transportation assistance; also connection to community based services @CathCharSteuben 352 Shut-offs prevented Through Support services, individuals access ongoing supports that help Utility 352 or utility reconnects. stretch earned dollars for short-term stability. This includes Nutrition Assistance Outreach which provides access to SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) to Transpor373 1100 Rides provided. supplement food in households with limited income. tation Through Development services, people position themselves for long-term Food Provided with a 3 day 9477 stability by setting goals, accessing opportunities, and gaining knowledge. Pantry supply of food.

Development starts with Financial Stability Guidance and continues through Food Stamp application relational connection and referral to community partners.

Nutrition and enrollment assis325 In addition to the summarized services: Outreach tance provided.

568 backpacks with school supplies were provided to K-12 students in central and western Steuben County. Students from the Canisteo area Prescrip150 Prescriptions 79 accessed school supplies through Hornell Turning Point, and also received tion provided. essentials including socks and underwear from Steuben County Rural Assistance Financial 389 Financial Stability Ministry.

Stability 337 Counseling and BudgetCommunity leaders raised and/or donated funds for holiday food to be Guidance ing sessions provided. distributed through our food pantries.  745 households made up of over 2000 Steuben County residents, received food for a family style Thanksgiving meal.  Steuben County Rural Ministry provided family style Christmas meals to 238 households in the Canisteo area; of these families 185 received Christmas gifts. Pictured to the right; Sister Susan Cain of Steuben County Catholic Charitieswith Steuben County Rural Ministry food for families.  Due to the generosity of our community, funds for food assistance were provided for the Christmas season. 500 gift bags of food were prepared @CathCharSteuben by 20 volunteers and distributed to households visiting the pantry during the holidays. The food, valued at $12, consisted of soup, crackers, peanut butter, oatmeal, and hot cocoa. The gift bags were a reflection of the project title, “Cold Hands, Warm Heart.” Three pallets of soup were delivered to our Corning, Hornell, and Canisteo locations as part of the project.

Civic-minded community groups including the ARC of Steuben, Bath Central School Rotary Interact Club, Hammondsport Central School Student Council, and a 6 year old local girl (inspired by a heroine from a book series) provided a generous supply of warm coats, hats, gloves, and other cold weather necessities available in all four of our locations.

Food donations from churches and community organizations continue to sustain our food pantries, and social media

Thank you for your continued support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Finding a place to start is often the most difficult part of moving forward.

Not knowing where to go, a distraught father came to Turning Point in Hornell not expecting to receive anything more than food through the pantry. After hearing his story and through careful screening staff realized that this family needed every service we provide. Due to an injury and the resulting unemployment he did not have enough money to buy prescribed medications (including antibiotics), the household had a utility shut-off, and an eviction notice. Additionally, he was referred to Fidelis Care due to lack of health insurance, his children were assisted with school supplies; and many more referrals were made to help this family with small children who were in distress. Then of course, there was the food pantry, which was the original reason he came to Turning Point.

Social Justice & Peace

Thank Thank you for foryour continued continued support. support.

The goal ofyou the Social Justice & your Peace program is to provide community education and influence public policy to ensure

the needs of all people and the voice of the church are represented. Our work attempts to identify and highlight areas of social concern and seek the help of others: to rectify from a relational perspective the factors and systems that leave the most vulnerable in our community without hope. The Social Justice & Peace Program provides the thread, which weaves through all of our programs so that we can effectively advocate and educate for the good of all.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Through partnership with the Steuben County Catholic community we advocated for increased access to mental health services, particularly for children and young adults. Human trafficking was also addressed as a global injustice that has local presence and impact. Additionally, Legislators learned Catholic Catholic Charities Charities Steuben County County safety net on Steuben County families. about the impact ofSteuben the disappearing $1,619 was raised for the Turning Point’s Bath Community Food Pantry when 7 area churches sponsored a progressive dinner. @CathCharSteuben @CathCharSteuben

Steuben County Bridges Out of Poverty

Builds community relationships that link people in poverty to resources that strengthen and empower them, providing the “Bridge” to move individuals and families out of poverty.

Coordinated by the Justice & Peace program, “Bridges” gained critical components to build the infrastructure of the initiative: TRAIN- Two people became Certified Bridges Trainers and one Certified Trainer achieved a Lifetime Professional Certificate. 12 individuals became Getting Ahead Facilitators through Steuben County Bridges Out of Poverty’s first independent Getting Ahead Training led by Paula Stark, Pathways, Inc. EMBED- the Community Table format provided small group networking opportunities for 23 Getting Ahead graduates.

Community allies help to strengthen relationships, and many people who have transitioned from poverty to self-sufficiency credit these types of relationships with providing the necessary social capital for life-change. How does social capital work? The central premise is that social networks have value, providing a wide variety benefits that flow from the trust, reciprocity, information, connection, and cooperation associated with social networks.

MODEL- “Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ By World” graduated 7 of 9 participants in a successful Women’s Group format. The women gained understanding of the big picture of poverty and how it impacts them personally. They selfassessed personal resources, barriers, and identified their debt to income ratio. Then created plans for self-reliance.

SPREAD- Over 200 professionals from local business, education, and faith community participated in a poverty simulation resulting in measured increases in the knowledge and understanding of the following issues faced by low-income families: Catholic Charities Steubenfor County  Financial pressures providing basic needs.  Difficult choices people with few resources have to make when stretching a limited budget.  Barriers to becoming self-sufficient on a limited income. @CathCharSteuben  Emotional stresses and frustrations created by having limited resources.

Thank you for your continued support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

One woman’s account of personal growth resulting from participating in “Getting Ahead” classes.

Things have happened so fast, I cannot believe that I have been at my job for ve months now! It would never have happened, none of this, if not for the Getting Ahead Group. I miss it!! Amanda will be two in April; I do not know where the time has gone. It is a bit overwhelming, I went from having nothing but time, to having no time at all! I hate leaving Amanda, having been a stay-athome Mom; but it feels so good to be able to support her on my own! My family babysits for me. I work evenings so I get home late and Amanda still gets up around 7:00am. So my sleep is a little lacking but I am SOO blessed! Amanda's father is 53 days sober and we are working on things. I am still having a very hard time keeping weight on. I am drinking protein/calorie shakes three times a day and have yet to see anything from it, but my doctor is working with me on it. God is so good to me; He has worked everything out! I haven't stopped looking to my future. I have no idea what I want to do, school-wise or anything else. But I know anything is possible if I put my mind and heart to it. I am in awe thinking of where I was just six months ago. I get overwhelmed by daily life, but am so thankful for all the opportunities and challenges I get to face. I hope the next (Getting Ahead) group goes as well as ours did. I also am in counseling now and that helps a lot! I pray that everyone in the next group is as blessed by it as I was!

“When you sing with a group of people, you learn how to … immerse yourself into the community.

That is one of the great feelings – to stop being me for a little while and to become us. This way lies EMPATHY, the great social virtue.” -Brian Eno

Thank you for your continued support.

Substance Free Living programs reduce the prevalence of substance abuse and its negative consequences in the communities we serve.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Steuben Council On Addictions &

Summary of Services

Bath Area Hope for Youth

Service Provided

Individuals Served

Bath Hope Counseling

91

Catholic Charities Steuben County

Steuben Council on Addictions is an information and referral based program that provides prevention education services to schools, John Southard Youth Recreation @CathCharSteuben communities, and organizations within Steuben County.

1,434

Steuben Council Drinker Driver Pro-

gram 208 2014 Steuben Council on Addictions Accomplishments Successful collaboration with the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department Steuben Council EBP Youth 1,465 in acquiring $8,488 for STOP DWI funding, which helps to provide Steuben Council AP Adults 121 programs to Driver Education classes county-wide. Collaborated with the 21st Century A-3 After School programs to Steuben Council Adult Services 1,428 provide programming throughout the school year for five sites, Steuben Council Youth Services 2,221 generating $3,000 in new revenue. Expanded prevention programming with Arbor Development in Hornell Steuben Council Community Outreach 105,555 & Bath, with new revenue amounting to $600 per year. Started Prevention programs for inmates at the Steuben County Jail: programs take place twice a month. Hired two new Prevention Educators Successfully negotiated prevention counseling contracts with all three school districts, received increases from two of the three school districts. Received Tyrtle Beach funding for Steuben Council, John Southard Youth Recreation and the Underage Drinking Task Force, $500 each. Received a Fund for Women grant in the amount of $700 to support our after school girls groups in Hammondsport, Bath & Avoca. Surpassed our program fundraising goal.

Charities Assistant Steuben County Catholic A new Program was hired to assist with Steuben Prevention Coalition efforts. Implemented the Risk & Protective Survey in 9 of 13 schools throughout Steuben County in March 2014. The data collected is vital to assist the Steuben Prevention Coalition in identifying initiatives for 2014-2015. It provides a snap@CathCharSteuben shot of risky behaviors taking place within the school populations including smoking, drug and alcohol usage.

Thank you for your continued support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Anti-bullying Prevention Education inspires growth and change: Steuben Counsel on Addictions provides prevention education programming to youth and adults, in group settings to a variety of school and community locations throughout Steuben County. Staff administer pre-test/ post-tests to all program participants. The outcomes of these tests document successes in communicating strategies, which increase protective factors and reduce risks that lead to addictions and negative consequences. One example of the impact of Steuben Council’s prevention programming was in Anti-Bullying Education that was provided to Hammondsport Central Schools. Before our presentation series, local School surveys reported that 86% of sixth graders had been bullied, and that 23% of those surveyed had participated in bullying someone else. By the end of the school year, these same focus populations had dropped to 43% and 9% respectively.

School district personnel were quite grateful that Steuben Council had helped to effect such dramatic change through its evidence-based education.

Bath Area Hope for Youth has been providing prevention counseling and other substance abuse services to school aged children and their families for more than 25 years. Services focus on the prevention of substance abuse and other destructive behaviors, primarily among the “at risk” youth population.

2014 Bath area Hope for Youth Accomplishments Received funding from Taylor Foundation ($4,000) and Hammondsport Community Services ($2,300) to support Prevention Counseling services in Hammondsport.

Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourcontinued continuedsupport. support.

Bath Area Hope for Youth: School Prevention Counseling story:

I met her in January of 2009. She self-referred, recognizing for herself that she was

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org struggling with managing the stress in her life. At that time she was recovering from abuse involving a family member, and to address this had been receiving outside counseling. Most of the time she had low motivation for academics, so that became the focus of our sessions. Together we developed timelines with goals; we also Catholic Catholic Charities Charities Steuben Steuben County County included counseling regarding setting appropriate boundaries, as well as, incorporating strategies to stay healthy through proper diet, exercise, and sleep. @CathCharSteuben @CathCharSteuben Additionally, we worked on developing self-esteem and ways of coping with peer pressure. Sadly, she did not walk across the stage with her graduating class.

However, she did bounce back enough to attend summer school, and then progressed to receive her diploma! She is working part-time presently and going to school for business. She has continued in a healthy relationship with a young man. Clearly, her life could have taken another path, but prevention counseling does work - it helps young people to heal and to move forward with their lives.

Residential Services

Summary of Services The Community Residence served 61 individuals in 2014

The Residential Program provides services to adult male The Supportive Living Program served 29 individuals in 2014 individuals in recovery at an 18-bed OASAS licensed Community Residence in Bath and a 20-bed Supportive Living Program in Bath and Corning, New York.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Community Residence received 145 referrals in 2014. Our primary referral sources were inpatient addiction

treatment programs including Dick Van Dyke Addiction Treatment Center in Ovid, NY; St. James; St. Josephs; and

St. Jerome’s hospitals in Hornell, Batavia and Elmira.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

There were two unannounced New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) facility

inspections in 2014 at both programs. We passed the inspections with flying colors.

The Community Residence Program achieved a 96.1 % occupancy rate in 2014 Catholic The Supported Program CharitiesLiving Steuben Countyachieved a 90% occupancy rate. The Community Residence continues to collaborate with the Veteran Administration to provide contracted services to

homeless Veterans. The Bath VA referred 7 Veterans to our program in 2014.

@CathCharSteuben The 2014 OASAS report for the Supported Living Program and Community Residence indicated that both programs

significantly exceeded retention rate measurements compared to 40 other similar upstate rural programs. Residents stayed longer and achieved more goals in our programs compared to others. Five residential staff are in the process of becoming NYS Certified Addiction Counselors after receiving extensive training focusing on Motivational Interviewing, Trauma informed care and Clinical Supervision in 2014.

“The best thing that could have happened to me” a story of transformation : I arrived at the Community Residence on September 5, 2014, with little hope that I was going to finish the goals I set out to do, such as, finish school, find work, and see my son more often. For I have never really finished or accomplished anything in my life. All of that had changed when I stepped foot into the house. I was given the motivation and inspiration I needed by the staff and counselors to keep pushing forward with what I needed to do. And I started to believe that things would work out. With the help of my counselor and the structured environment I am now done with my schooling and moving forward with a job search and apartment search.

I owe many thanks to this organization and realize that this is the best thing that could have happened to me. Anyone that gets the opportunity to come through the Kinship Program is in the hands of people who are passionate, thoughtful, and care about us as individuals.

Many Thanks, A Former Program Resident

Recognizing Our Volunteers

Thank youCharities forrecognizes yourmembers continued support.

Each year Catholic of the community and staff for outstanding commitment to the agency and its mission. This year’s recipients were recognized at a dinner held 10/16/14 at the Bath Country Club.

The highest community honor, the Friends of Catholic Charities Award, went to Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc. Accepting the award were Pro Action’s former Executive Director Dave Hill (center), Executive Director Laura Rossman (right), and Deputy Director Dawn Brucie (left). Catholic Charities Executive Director, Laura Opelt shared, “Pro Action has been a friend of our agency since the inception of the Steuben County office in 1997. David Hill and Dawn Brucie were part of a group of community leaders who helped to establish the Turning Point program. In the early years, Pro Action transferred the Catholic Charities Steuben County assistance work they were doing to Catholic Charities in order to create a critical point of emergency entry for people experiencing an economic crisis. Over the years, Pro Action has continued to operate in this spirit of cooperation and collaboration. Catholic Charities and Pro Action share the philosophy that if @CathCharSteuben there is a need in the community, we will try our best to find a way to help.”

The Andy Mazzella Compassion Award, newly established this year to honor Andy Mazzella, who has dedicated many years of service to Catholic Charities both as volunteer and staff member. Andy works with a deeply felt compassion to assist struggling, low income families. This award gives special recognition to individuals who have given selflessly to improve the human condition. This year’s recipient is Paula Stark (right) of Pathways, Inc.. Anti-Poverty Services Director, Lynda Lowin said, “Many of you know Paula from her work with the “Getting Ahead” program through the Bridges Coalition. ‘Getting Ahead’ is small group training for people transitioning out of poverty. Paula models true service through this community engagement work. She has an amazing ability to develop close connections with participants Through her support, they gain understanding of the hidden rules of class and learn about what they need to do to leave poverty. There is no way to estimate the number of hours Paula has given; there is only the depth of relationship that she has had with so many, demonstrating her compassion to this vulnerable population.”

The Works of Love Award recognizes the extraordinary effort of a member of the Steuben County faith community who collaborates with Catholic Charities to act on social justice issues and serve the most vulnerable in our community. This year’s award went to the Steuben County Bridges Out of Poverty Coalition. Accepting on behalf was John Wildeman (center). Lynda Lowin presented the award saying, “This group’s volunteer efforts have measurably improved the lives of many in our community; moreover, they have demonstrated the dedication and ability to sustain this successful approach so we can continue to bring about positive change in our community.” Also pictured are other members of the Coalition; Kristin Stewart (left), Dawn Brucie, and Paula Stark.

The Robert Turissini Award for Extraordinary Service was established asCatholic a special way to honor outstanding employees. Bob Turissini’s dedicated service as the first Charities Steuben County Chairman of the Board guided the agency from its creation in 1997, to its respected level today.

This year, there were two recipients, the Director of SHAPE/Child Care Services, Margaret Duff (left).

Executive Director, Laura Opelt said, “Margaret successfully manages 4 programs across 3 @CathCharSteuben counties. With all of her responsibilities, Margaret consistently ensures outcomes are met, programs are developed to meet expressed needs, and employees learn grow professionally.” The second recipient is Anti-Poverty Services Director, Lynda Lowin (right). Laura Opelt said, “Lynda embodies the values of our organization and treats everyone with dignity and respect. She has done an outstanding job focusing the Turning Point Programs on areas that are most closely related to our mission and has been instrumental in establishing connections with faith communities to assist with meeting needs.”

The Spirit of Turning Point Award recognizes a volunteer whose contribution helps to advance the work of Turning Point. This year’s recipient is Betty Langendorfer of Bath. Lynda Lowin said, “This person embodies the spirit of Turning Point. Through her humble involvement with the Community Garden, she has built relationships between the community and the Bath Pantry, helping to develop new resources, and increase the capacity of our pantry program. We know, from the work we do, that when food is scarce, quantity becomes more important than quality. Stretching food dollars leads to food choices that are higher in carbohydrates and sugars, and lower in nutritional value. Providing fresh, locally grown produce is one of the most important things we can do to invest in the health and wellness of our community.”

The William and Dorothy Belknap Award recognizes an individual who has promoted the work of Bath Hope for Youth in providing Substance Free Living services to youth, families, and communities.

This year’s award went to Mary White (center) of Hammondsport Central School. Prevention Services Director Jim Bassage said “I have had the pleasure to work with Mary for the last 5-6 years, and have found her to be a strong advocate for youth and prevention efforts. Being very supportive of our programs, she has always been willing to collaborate and help in any way that she can, which has helped us to accomplish our mission and goals.”

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Thank you for your continued support.

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The Barbara Fairbanks Award recognizes an individual who has been a strong advocate for the children as demonstrated by their support of one of the Kinship Family & Youth programs. This year’s recipient is Bob Gilchrist of Penn Yan. Margaret Duff, Program Director for both Kinship’s SHAPE program and Bath Community Child Day Care Center program, presented the award saying, “Bob has consistently been an advocate... his interest comes from a deep understanding of the importance of quality child care, in the development of children, to help them prepare to enter school. Additionally he understands that families must have reliable, safe child care available to allow them to work and fulfill other responsibilities without worrying about their children.”

The Foster Care Parent Award recognizes foster parents who exhibit qualities that are critical to the success of the youth in our Therapeutic Foster Care Program. These qualities include: the ability to work in partnership with Kinship staff, DSS caseworkers, birth parents, service providers, school personnel, medical providers and others; a willingness to provide care Catholic Catholic Charities Charities Steuben Steuben County County following Kinship’s philosophy of fostering; and a commitment to maintaining a home for youth who are experiencing challenges in a safe and loving way. Becky and Bob Fanton of Wellsville, NY received this year’s award. Therapeutic Foster Care Coordinator Melissa Nichols Mahany said, “This couple exemplifies all of these qualities and more. They develop @CathCharSteuben @CathCharSteuben significant relationships with each and every youth placed in their home, and always put those children first. This couple has chosen to take in perhaps the most difficult foster care population that we have: teenagers. Their endless compassion and nurturing has allowed these young people to grow and flourish. We all feel very fortunate to have had these foster parents as part of our Kinship and Catholic Charities family for the last six years.”

The Golden Shoe Award recognizes the walker who raised the most funds for our annual anti-poverty walk, STEPS (Steps To End Poverty in Steuben). The walk takes place in May in Bath, Corning, and Hornell. In 2014 walkers raised nearly $20,000 to assist families in need. The event also helps to raise awareness about poverty in Steuben County. This year’s recipient was Andy Mazzella. Fundraising/Communications Director Paula Smith presented the award saying, “Those of you who know Andy understand that he has great passion for helping people in poverty. For the last five years he has been a strong force at work, helping to educate the community and assist our organization with raising money to help improve the lives of those we serve. We are truly blessed to have Andy’s help and commitment.”

Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourcontinued continuedsupport. support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Financialyou Information Thank for your continued support.

Where the Money Came From in 2014

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Catholic Charities Steuben County @CathCharSteuben

Where the Money Came From in 2014.…

Catholic Ministries Appeal Other Revenue Church Contributions Annual Campaign United Way Donations/Fundraising Program & Third Party Fees Grants /Contracts Total (unrestricted) Board Restricted Investment Earnings

Total Income

Where the Money Went in 2014….

Where the Money Went in 2014

Justice and Peace Steuben Bridges Out of Poverty Nutrition Outreach and Education Steuben Prevention Coalition Bath Community Child Day Care General Operations Basic Needs and Development Therapeutic Foster Care Substance Free Rehabilitation & Recovery Substance Free Prevention & Education Healthy Families Steuben SHAPE

Total Expenses

Unaudited Financial Information

$ 22,457 $ 7,048 $ 50,656 $ 106,701 $ 259,939 $ 338,050 $ 330,262 $ 4,087,055 $ 5,202,168 $ 51,763

$ 5,253,931

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

24,793 36,991 75,193 122,011 440,663 198,945 718,060 728,932

$ $ $ $

822,304 415,691 776,518 803,991

$ 5,164,092

Thank youBoard for your 2014 of continued Directorssupport.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Mike Gabrielli Chairperson

Retired Executive

CatholicCorning Charities Inc. Steuben County

Jon K. Chester

Management Consultant Corning, NY Gregory Hintz

Gary Pease @CathCharSteuben Vice-Chairperson

Director, Human Resources S&T, Engineering& Legal Corning Inc. Ms. Catherine Crandall Treasurer

Vice President /Senior Trust Officer Chemung Canal Trust

Treasurer Mercury Corporation Pastor Tom Kuehner

Victory Highway Wesleyan Church Painted Post, NY Andy Mazzella

Retired Executive Marie Ann McCaig

Patrick Monahan Secretary

Educator Notre Dame High School Elmira, NY

Thank you for your continued support.

Educator/Events Coordinator Benjamin Patterson Inn Corning, NY

Anthony Barbaro CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Ex Officio

Associate Diocesan Director Catholic Charities Diocese of Rochester

Catholic Charities Steuben County Ross Bell

Director of Finance

@CathCharSteuben Technology Community

Michael McDonald

Quality Specialist Retired Corning Inc. Christopher Quinlan

Attorney Corning, NY Emily Roe

Corning Inc.

MILR Candidate Cornell University

Mercedes Blake

Laura Rossman

Human Resources Manager Corning, Inc. Father Lewis Brown

Retired Priest Diocese of Rochester

Dawn Marie Castellana

Community Affairs, Corning Enterprises

Executive Director ProAction of Steuben/Yates, Inc. Gina Reagan

Risk Management/Corporate Compliance St. James Mercy Hospital Dr. Mark Vaughn

Manager Diversity Recruiting & Technical Talent Pipeline Corning Inc.

Thank Thankyou youfor foryour yourcontinued continuedsupport. support.

Help that works…

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Catholic Catholic Charities Charities Steuben Steuben County County

Hope that Lasts…

@CathCharSteuben @CathCharSteuben

Thank you for your continued support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org Catholic Charities Steuben County @CathCharSteuben

@CathCharSteuben

Catholic Charities Steuben County

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Thank you for your continued support.

Address Service Requested

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

23 Liberty Street Bath, NY 14810

Thank you for your continued support.

CatholicCharitiesSteuben.org

Catholic Charities Steuben County

@CathCharSteuben