Catholic Charities Annual Dinner - 2009 Employee and Volunteer Award Winners

New this year, the Executive Director polled staff and asked them to select a colleague they most wanted to recognize for his or her contribution to the agency this past year. Keith Brown was nominated by staff for this recognition due to his commitment and hard work to bring syringe exchange services to fruition within Project Safe Point.

Keith joined the staff of Catholic Charities AIDS Services in January 2003 as the COBRA Intensive Case Management Program Director and was promoted in November 2006 to the Associate Executive Director.

Keith’s entire career since graduating from college has been in the provision of services and supports to people with HIV/AIDS. He maintains a passion to protect those we serve and ensure their dignity and self-determination. Keith’s outgoing personality enables him to engage any person, whether they are client, staff or community member. He is loyal to the Catholic Charities mission and is constantly looking for opportunities to help the system grow and develop to meet the needs of those less fortunate. We are blessed to have his talents and leadership among us!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES AIDS SERVICES

Volunteer Award

TERRY IRISH

Terry Irish has been a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities AIDS Services since 2007, after being recruited by a Catholic Charities employee during their mutual experience with Leadership Tech Valley. Terry was quick to jump right in and participate in three board committees, most notably fundraising, CQI and finance. He also facilitated the agency’s strategic planning process in 2008. His business expertise has been a welcome addition as the agency planned for and achieved service and fiscal growth.

In 2008, Terry designed the agency’s first web site, maintaining and updating it regularly. As a small business owner, Terry and his wife have also contributed items to our fundraising raffles and made efforts to raise awareness about the agency and its mission with their customer base.

Although his board and volunteer participation has often been behind the scenes, Terry has maintained a focus on who we serve with attention on maintaining a high level of quality services, that are fiscally prudent and vision focused. We appreciate Terry’s many hours of time that contribute to our success!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CENTRAL OFFICE

Employee Award

LINDA BONESTEEL

Upon being appointed the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Northern Albany and Rensselaer Counties in 1994, Linda Bonesteel emerged into an effective leader and astute manager within the Catholic Charities system of care. In 1998 after a major consolidation of five Catholic Charities sites and Catholic Family Services with CCNARC, Linda served as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Albany and Rensselaer Counties. Later on, she became the Acting Executive Director of Catholic Charities Caregivers Support Services where she used her managerial skills to redefine and advance the agency’s two core services, namely Kinship and Elder Care.

Following her work at Caregivers, the Central Office of Catholic Charities established the Department of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) whereby Linda was appointed its first Director. In addition to this role Linda also serves as the Corporate Compliance Officer for Catholic Charities. In her current capacity she has developed and instituted a multitude of CQI measures and development initiatives as she has worked side-by-side with the Executive Directors and Boards of Directors throughout the Albany Diocese. Her colleagues commend her for her leadership ability to “raise the bar” across the system of the Catholic Charities organizations. At board, committee, and staff meetings she spearheads the effort to ask the right kind of questions that leads us to carefully examine the quality of care being offered at our organization’s sites. She promotes accountability and transparency among our agencies, and in doing so, our individual agencies’ services reflect the best practices in the human service field.

Her position has required her to be tenacious, resolute, and steadfast as she challenges us to advance our commitment to the ministry of Catholic Charities by seeking viable ways to better serve our clientele. Among the team of Executive Directors Linda Bonesteel is highly respected especially for her sense of integrity and organizational mindfulness. Above all, Linda is genuine, compassionate, and faithful to mission. Today we applaud her for widening our vision and augmenting the quality of our human services across a network that is varied yet seamless in our delivery of care.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CENTRAL OFFICE

Volunteer Award

AMY LOEHNDORF

Catholic Charities Central Office would like to honor a special volunteer this year. Amy Loehndorf has been with Central Office as a full-time Siena AmeriCorps/VISTA fellow since late summer 2009. VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) fellows fight poverty in the Capital Region by building the capacity of community-based organizations. Amy is our first VISTA fellow and has been acting as the Coordinator of Community Services for the Parish Social Ministry program at St. James Parish in Albany. In this way Amy acts as a link between Siena College, Catholic Charities and the important, hands-on outreach that happens at the parish level.

During her time with St. James she has made significant contributions to the community. These include convening an ecumenical group of Delaware Avenue neighborhood church leaders who meet monthly to address community social concerns, beginning a monthly senior luncheon for area seniors to hear about anti-poverty strategies for themselves and their neighbors, obtaining new resources for St. James Food Pantry and assisting in several projects at St. John’s/St. Ann’s Outreach Center and Cathedral Social Services.

Catholic Charities Central Office proudly chooses to honor Amy Loehndorf because the dedication and passion she has demonstrated during her year of service is truly exemplary of all the wonderful volunteers our system benefits from.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT SERVICES

Employee Award

JODI ROSA

As a Catholic Charities team member for four years, Jodi lives the mission of our agency both in her daily life and in her continuous devotion to helping caregivers. She is a constructive force in the community as demonstrated by her role in the Albany County Court Improvement Project, where she chairs the Kinship Committee, as well as her participation in the Community Impact focus group with United Way this past year and participation at the Albany County Mental Health Planning committee and the statewide Kinship Coalition. Jodi presents trainings and awareness seminars to our partners in the community and with her staff they have helped to heighten awareness of the hard work being undertaken by those relatives who have taken on the duties and responsibilities of raising their relatives’ children.

While Jodi’s primary role is to manage the operations of the full program she often will step in and lend a hand when the program staff have their hands too full. Jodi encourages and assists caregivers with individual counseling, support groups, and sometimes traveling on program outings with her staff or on her own to support the caregivers. Her good nature and compassion is an asset to our staff.

She enjoys reading, scrapbooking and spending time with her wonderful husband and three sons.

The Board of Directors and her colleagues thank Jodi for her friendship and dedication to our agency and the people we serve.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT SERVICES

Volunteer Award

GINNY O'BRIEN

It is with much appreciation that we express our gratitude to our Board President, Ginny O'Brien for her continued dedication to our agency. Her term as Board Member began in July 2004 when she served as a member of the Fund Development Committee. In 2008 and 2010 Ginny very graciously took on the role of Fund Development Chair. Her experience from other community work and her example of living the mission of Catholic Charities brought her to accept the role of Vice President in 2007, and she has served with distinction as President of the Board from 2008-present.

Ginny is currently serving as a member of the East Greenbush Town Board. She has been returned to this position after her previous 12 years of service at this level. In this capacity, Ginny was a driving force for many positive programs in her community. Additionally, Ginny served on the Rensselaer County Legislature as Minority Leader. Ginny is married to Michael O'Brien. They are awaiting the birth of their ninth grandchild this summer.

The Staff and Board are privileged to extend their heartfelt thanks and congratulations. Ginny, your loyalty and commitment to our agency is greatly appreciated.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF
COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

Employee Award

VENESSA VOGEL

Over the last 15 years, Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties has experienced change and growth. Vanessa has been an integral part of the process. Vanessa began as a chemical dependency counselor, was promoted to Greene County Program Director in 2004 and then advanced again to Program Director for Columbia and Greene Counties in 2008. Throughout all of the changes, Vanessa has brought a clear sense of direction and communication to her work and the Agency as a whole.

Vanessa combines compassion and sensibility in meeting the needs of the clients regardless if they are here for emergency assistance, counseling or another Catholic Charities service. Vanessa is an advocate for the mission and chooses to serve those in need when presented with conflicting presenting tasks.

As a skilled writer, Vanessa has successfully generated income for the Agency with several grants. Her abilities, intelligence, and social personality make the Agency proud to send her as a representative to community functions and meetings.

Vanessa is well respected by her colleagues within and outside of the Agency as well as her employees. Vanessa is open and available to aid as a sounding board and offers positive and constructive responses that leave you with a sense of better direction. Vanessa’s style of communication enables her employees and peers to grow professionally and personally.

In the mist of Vanessa’s accomplishments as a valued and trusted employee, Vanessa brings a great sense of humor and a down to earth outlook. With the birth of her first child, Vanessa is now successfully balancing work and family life. While she is currently working part-time, the effects of her work are felt by staff and clients in overtime.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF
COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES

Volunteer Award

PETER VOGEL

Peter did not imagine he would be honored as a Catholic Charities volunteer fifteen years ago when his wife, Vanessa Vogel, began working at the agency. However, due to his kindness and shared compassion he has provided valuable assistance in attaining our mission. Peter’s hours and service over the years have varied depending upon the need but he has shown that he can be counted on to help when called into action. Whether it is to offer use of his vehicle for a 3,000 pound food delivery, to build a float for the Flag Day parade or to move an elderly client, Peter is ready to accept the next project.

Peter brings with him talented craftsman skills and a commitment to high quality. When fixing a sagging door, the quick and easy fix is not the answer for Peter if it means poor quality work. Any work he undertakes meets very high standards. The beauty of a volunteer such as Peter is in his willingness to undertake projects out of the ordinary. Bringing his own tools is also a plus.

When volunteering, Peter is dedicated and focused to the task at hand. Stopping for lunch usually means eating it on the way to the next thing on the “Peter to do” list.

Peter is the very proud father a two year old, husband to honored employee Vanessa Vogel and an avid snowmobiler. Peter operates KB Woodworking, Inc in Greene County with his brother and father.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF
DELAWARE & OTSEGO COUNTIES

Eilene Flanagan Employee Award *

JENNIFER MORRIS

We are pleased to recognize Jennifer Morris, the director of our Dispute Resolution Center program as this year’s Employee of the Year, receiving the agency’s Eilene Flanagan Annual Employee Award. Jennifer Morris started working for Catholic Charities in 1999 as our Youth Programs Coordinator conducting the PeaceMaker and Peer Mediation Training in the Dispute Resolution Program. She loved working in our rural schools, teaching children and teachers the language and skills of Peaceful Conflict Resolution. She was very proud that this program offered children training to improve their lives with a good foundation of conflict resolution skills.

In 2004, when the director of the Dispute Resolution Center left Charities, Jennifer applied for, and was given the leadership position in the program. During her tenure Jennifer has overseen the largest program of the agency, expanding the program from services in 2 counties, to services in 3 counties. She has worked with her staff to increase the number of trained community volunteers, and the number and type of mediations being done. The Dispute Resolution Center now offers community and family mediation, special education, agricultural mediation, elder mediations, and Lemon Law Arbitration. In May 2010, we will begin offering Divorce Mediation Agreements, serving low-income households with a goal of creating respectful, on-going conversations, equitable distribution of assets, and a parenting plan, where there are children to be raised by the parents who have chosen to divorce.

Jenn is passionate about offering people the opportunity to resolve their conflicts in a meaningful way that respects their ability to do so themselves, and improves the quality of their interpersonal skills and of their lives and relationships as they move past difficult situations. Jennifer is a lifetime resident of Norwich New York where she lives with her husband Josh, and their children Marshall and Max. She is a graduate of SUNY Oneonta and came right to Catholic Charities after her graduation.

* Eilene Flanagan was the Administrative Assistant for Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego County from 1990 to 2008 when she was taken by cancer. Over the years, she worked with several Executive Directors and many Board and staff members. She became the beating heart of our agency. An exceptional woman, who brought her heart and soul to the work of serving others, she was beloved by all of us, including the clients we served. At the time of Eilene’s death, the board of directors created the Eilene Flanagan Annual Employee Recognition Award. Through this award each year, we honor other staff who bring their best to the table each day, and we celebrate the life of a truly exceptional friend and co-worker.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF
DELAWARE & OTSEGO COUNTIES

Volunteer Award

LOIS RAY

Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Counties is pleased to recognize Lois Ray of Delhi New York, currently the President of the Board of Directors of the Delhi Senior Housing Project, as our Volunteer of the Year. Lois is a charter member of the Delhi Senior Housing Project, having worked with other local and regional people for many years to bring the project to fruition. She is proud that this HUD Housing Project is located in Delhi, as it is particularly unusual to see a project of this scale and type in a rural area. During the flooding in 2006, which destroyed the first floor and grounds of the Delhi Senior Housing Project, Lois was a regular fixture at the program, working to clean up, reassure the residents that their housing would be restored, and seeking funding for the restoration. In the summer, you will find Lois arranging for the summer concert series held at the gazebo in the courtyard of the Senior Housing Project, or greeting residents and guests in attendance.

Lois is a lifetime resident of Delaware County. She has volunteered for many years in the housing project, but also is an award winning volunteer with the Fire Department, and she has been married for 61 years to Robert Ray, who is this years Fireman of the Year award winner. Lois works as an assessor and has served as the Deputy Town Clerk in her community. She serves on the Community Pool Committee, and has chaired or served on the committees that oversaw the construction of two local bridges. She is currently serving on a committee for the oversight of a third bridge. When Lois is not at a committee meeting, she is in the car on the way to one, or on the phone consulting with other committee members. She is selfless, tireless, talented and charming, and it is our privilege to recognize her as an exemplary community volunteer.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DISABILITIES SERVICES

Employee Award

SUSAN CIPOLLA

Susan became a member of the CCDS family in January 2004. She came to us with extensive experience in human resources both at a county level and working in the highly competitive field of retail sales.

It didn’t take Susan long at all to embrace the mission of Catholic Charities and she readily became an active recruiter, trainer, and general human resources advocate both for employees and the individuals CCDS supports. Her honesty, trustworthiness and commitment were evident from her first day and she continues to remain true to these values in everything she does.

Susan was instrumental in providing work opportunities to over 20 men and women who were forced to leave their native land in Africa and re-settled from refugee camps. In the very beginning she would drive them to the individual programs where they could meet the potential supervisor and have the opportunity to interact with the individuals. Her efforts did not stop there. She continued her support by modifying some of the training to accommodate the language barrier, and she became a very visible liaison between the new recruits and the existing workforce helping each to better understand the other. Susan also joined external committees devoted to the immigrant population. Today CCDS is proud to say that 20% of our residential staff came to us as refugees.

Susan also volunteered to become a Virtus trainer and will often teach at local schools and parishes on her own time. Protecting God’s Children doesn’t end with Virtus. In 2003 Susan travelled to Kazakhstan where she chose Derick Owen to be her son. His namesake, Derek Jeter of her beloved Yankees was quickly moved to number two in her heart. Within the last two years Susan has become a foster parent and continues to share her love with children who need a warm heart and loving arms.

Susan Cipolla is the last one to credit herself. She is diligent, dependable, caring and has always done her very best for the greater good of Catholic Charities Disabilities Services. We are all proud to be her co-workers and proud to nominate her for Staff Person of the Year.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DISABILITIES SERVICES

Volunteer Award

JOE VISCUSO

Joe Viscuso has been a member of the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities Disabilities Services since May 2003. In addition to being an extremely dedicated and reliable presence on the board, Joe has served as President of the Board and is a regular participant on the Finance Committee. In his professional capacity with Albany County, Joe is very perceptive and aware of NYS economic conditions and offers extremely valuable support regarding all fiscal matters. Joe has never been afraid of taking on leadership positions. For instance, in a time when people are either Yankees or Red Sox fans, Joe is a firm supporter of the Mets.

His compassion for the individuals served and his support of the work that Catholic Charities Disabilities Services does throughout the community have been invaluable as the agency has continued to grow. Joe’s strong ties to the community are evident and give him a perspective that echoes that of the agency and what the staff work to achieve. Catholic Charities Disabilities Services is very appreciative of all of the support Joe has provided to the board and staff over his seven year relationship. He has offered guidance and support that is well reasoned and shows insight into who we are as an agency and as a system.

On a personal note, Joe is just a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy. We’re sure that he doesn’t even recognize how he has helped shape the agency over the course of the years, or the countless ways in which he has improved the care that we are able to provide to the poor and vulnerable among us. He is humble when he should be proud. He is a great example of the servant-leader model that we all so value.

We are very grateful to him and feel that he is most deserving of this recognition. Please join us in recognizing Joe as a true supporter of the system of good works that personifies Catholic Charities. He’s another fine example of the unrecognized heroes in our midst.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF FULTON & MONTGOMERY COUNTIES

Employee Award

ALICE BURGADO

For twenty-two years, Alice Burgado, Office Coordinator, has been the face and voice of Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery County’s Amsterdam site. Alice often works “behind the scenes” to play a pivotal role in the success of our agency. Alice keeps our busy site in order essentially paving the way for direct service employees to be in the community doing the work they do. She does so in such a way that one does not truly realize her contribution until she has taken a rare day off.

While the faces and names of program staff grace the pages of local papers for their efforts, or become known through public appearances, Alice’s face is often the first seen and her voice often the first heard when those in crisis come for support. Her calming nature and friendly presence may be the first sign of hope for many who walk through our doors. She conveys, through her voice and smiles, a sense of assurance, compassion and understanding. Alice possesses the ability to deal with the chaos and anxiety the person is experiencing in a calm manner and she obtains the information necessary to connect them with the service they need. Alice’s support makes everyone’s job that much easier.

Alice not only manages to keep the chaos and commotion of a busy agency in order, but she serves as a support system to her coworkers, an inspiration to the working parents in our agency and a mentor to the young staff of Catholic Charities. Her loyalty to the agency and its mission serves as an example of what is true and good about working for social justice. Her knowledge and understanding of our site and its history in the community, and her understanding of the needs of those we serve, is an asset many agencies long to have.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF FULTON & MONTGOMERY COUNTIES

Volunteer Award

ANNA ZURITA

Anna Zurita has been a volunteer mediator for Tri-County Mediation of Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties since October 2001. Anna mediates in Fulton and Montgomery Counties and also accompanies staff to Amsterdam City Court where she co-mediates. The fact that Anna is bi-lingual is a valuable asset to the Center which serves a large population of Spanish speaking individuals.

Anna has volunteered her time and interpreting skills to individuals in Montgomery County since 1998. As a volunteer at the Amsterdam Housing Authority, Anna attended appointments with individuals, assisting them in filling out applications and translating from Spanish to English. Anna has volunteered her time at the food pantry and soup kitchen of the church she attends and is currently a volunteer with the After School Program. Anna never expects anything in return for her time. She feels it is vital to help out those less fortunate than others by giving back to the community.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF HERKIMER COUNTY

Employee Award

JOANN SALAMONE

With over 16 years of service with the Herkimer County office of Catholic Charities, JoAnn is among our longest service employees. In her role as Program Director of the Herkimer County Prevention Council she is recognized as the “go to” person on all issues of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse prevention in Herkimer County. She is a respected leader as well as a caring and compassionate supervisor of her staff. She capably manages the largest program staff and budget in the agency. JoAnn is the co-author and featured presenter of the TREATY Program, a school-based conflict resolution curriculum for students and adults. TREATY programming continues to be in great demand in county schools after more than 15 years in existence. JoAnn is more than an employee of Catholic Charities, she lives and breaths her faith and values each and every day. She personifies everything that Catholic Charities stands for. JoAnn is passionate about her work and the staff and students entrusted to her care. She is always the trusted and consoling co-worker. JoAnn is held in high regard both within the agency and by the schools and community that she serves. A dedicated wife, mother and recently a new grandmother, she is continually devoted to her family and her faith. Catholic Charities of Herkimer County is so very fortunate to have JoAnn Salamone as a member of our staff.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF HERKIMER COUNTY

Volunteer Award

RAY LENARCIC

In November of 1998, Ray Lenarcic, a retired Professor Emeritus of History from Herkimer County Community College, read a story in a local newspaper covering the Catholic Charities’ holiday food basket distribution. Surprised by the local need, he called the agency to learn more. The statistical information he gleaned propelled Ray into action. In December of 1998, the Herkimer County Hunger Coalition was formed. Its motto: “We Serve So None Shall Go Hungry”.

Over the past eleven years, the Coalition has raised thousands of dollars in support of local pantries. It has become the ‘safety net’ for all nine emergency feeding programs in the county. Through its efforts, and working closely with Catholic Charities, two additional pantries were opened to serve the rural areas, diapers were supplied to area pantries, holiday baskets were supplemented, and food pantries have been able to increase the amount of food and the frequency with which families access the pantries. Today all nine pantries serve as ‘supplemental’ feeding programs, providing five days worth of groceries monthly for families in need.

Food has not been the only focus of Ray’s initiatives. In 2000, Ray launched the Gram Lorraine Christmas Program aimed at providing new clothing to identified at-risk children for the winter months. This program has grown from 200 to over 600 sponsors. To help children get off on the right foot for school, the Uncle Frank back-to-school program was developed, providing new outfits and school supplies for youngsters. The Coalition also provides snacks for the America Reads after-school program, where at-risk students work with volunteer tutors to achieve grade level proficiency. In addition, Ray’s Coalition has been active in fire safety, purchasing a robot, “Sparky” the fire dog, as well as coloring books to educate elementary school children. In support of our Veterans, Ray’s developed the Cpl. Michael Mayne Cookies Corps, as well as the Fallen Stars Memorial.

Ray Lenarcic epitomizes the mission and the values of Catholic Charities. He is hands-on, pragmatic, pro-active, and passionate about making a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged, the elderly, and the marginalized. Ray challenges others to join him in sharing their blessings rather than just counting them. His nearly 10,000 hours of service as a RSVP volunteer testify to this. Peter Edelman wrote: “When the economy catches cold (recession), the poor get pneumonia”. Ray Lenarcic is seeing this first hand, and he means to do something about it.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES HOUSING OFFICE

Employee Award

BRENDA MCATEER

Brenda McAteer is an extraordinary woman who is dedicated to CCHO, but more importantly, she is dedicated to the values of mercy and justice, which are based in her belief that there is dignity in all God’s peoples. She is an extraordinary woman who is committed to giving the homeless and the poor a decent, clean and safe harbor from the harsh realities of poverty. Like many of us, Brenda toils day in and day out in an environment with heart wrenching needs and ever dwindling resources. She works with perhaps the most disadvantaged and challenging population in all of human services. In the course of an average day, from pleading her case with a DSS or housing authority worker to insure a tenant doesn’t lose their housing due to a regulatory glitch; to negotiating a way to fix that newest hole in the roof of one of her buildings (the cost of which exceeds her budget); then on to an interview with a homeless mom and her 3 kids... listening intently to the mom’s story of frustration and sorrow, Brenda reassures her, “if you’re willing to work with me…I’ll do everything I can to get you and your children into a home”— the demands on her time, her attention and her skills are enormous and forever growing, but never once…not even in her darkest moments, her most exhausted state, has Brenda ever uttered, “I can’t”. Even more remarkable, she is warm, caring, compassionate, humble, good-natured, positive, and appreciative of how hard everyone else is working every day.

We could say so much more about Brenda…we could tell you how much fun she is…or what a wonderful teacher and supervisor she’s become. We could tell you about how admired she is by her staff and tenants alike and how hard she works to make sure she knows each and every one of their stories and what sizes they wear for Christmas gifts. We could tell you more…but we must tell you this, we at Catholic Charities Housing Office have found our MVP, her name is Brenda McAteer…and she is “OUTSTANDING”!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF
SARATOGA, WARREN & WASHINGTON COUNTIES

Employee Award

JOAN SUTHERLAND

Joan Sutherland, Assistant Bookkeeper in the agency’s Fiscal Department, has been with Catholic Charities for seventeen years. She carries out her assignments and job responsibilities with diligence and expediency. She is always willing to take on new tasks and to learn new skills. Joan relates well to her peers and is patient with the challenge of gathering required documentation, mileage reports, time studies, etc. from a large staff scattered across three counties. She is always courteous and pleasant in her dealings with others whether they be staff, clients or vendors.

Joan often fills in for the administrative office’s executive assistant position during lunch hours, illness, time off, vacations, etc. Her welcoming personality is engaging and respectful of every person seeking information or assistance. Anxious walk-ins and new clients are put at ease by her upbeat but calming demeanor. She is knowledgeable, professional and always compassionate.

During the past year, the agency’s long time executive assistant was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer. All staff was supportive and willing to assist her during those difficult days and months of medical appointments and treatments. Joan, however, stepped in during her absences to cover her responsibilities, and when she could no longer work, did her job as well as her own - quietly and without fanfare. Our friend and colleague eventually succumbed to her illness. Joan helped to make a very difficult time manageable with a seamless transition because of her selfless generosity. The entire staff greatly appreciated her untiring presence during that time of sadness and loss.

Joan is a valued and respected member of our tri-county agency and the Board and staff are delighted to publicly acknowledge her dedication and commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF
SARATOGA, WARREN & WASHINGTON COUNTIES

Volunteer Award

FLORENCE CAMPION

The Saratoga Festival of Trees, looking forward to its 15th year, is the agency’s most successful and profitable fundraiser. Behind the scenes, corporate sponsors, individual donors, and countless volunteers have united to create a magical, wonder-filled event that has over the years become a highly anticipated holiday tradition. Themes of friendship and community are renewed annually as event sponsors give generously, volunteers work tirelessly and long, so that the festival goers may experience the winter fantasy of delightfully decorated trees, wreathes and centerpieces.

Florence Campion is one of the Festival of Trees’ hardest working volunteers. This former teacher and guidance counselor spent many years of her professional life on Long Island. Moving to Saratoga Springs after retirement to be nearer to family, Florence is a long time volunteer with Yaddo and the Saratoga Film Forum. But it is her many years of involvement with the Festival of Trees that we wish to recognize. As Chair of the Small Trees, Wreathes and Centerpieces committee, she spends many months prior to the event soliciting donors, creative artists, and contributions from civic and faith-based groups for sale during the five day festival. Mailings, follow-up phone calls, directions for delivery, managing deadlines, and pricing and tagging the items are just a few of her committee’s tasks. Last year, she gathered nearly four hundred pieces for display and sale, greatly enhancing the profit made by the agency. Florence is a frequent visitor to the Administrative Office in Saratoga Springs from late August through December. Staff welcome her presence and kid that she should be added to the staff roster by virtue of her commitment and dedication.

The Board and Staff gratefully acknowledge Florence’s generosity of time and talent to the furthering of the mission of Catholic Charities through the fundraising and friendraising efforts of the Festival of Trees.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY

Employee Award

BARBARA RUSSELL

Advocating in the courts is not a job for the faint of heart, but for Barbara Russell the court system has been a second home since 2001. Barbara is a legal advocate for the Domestic Violence program at Catholic Charities of Schoharie County. This is a difficult job that brings her to several courts throughout the county at various times of the day. During her ten year tenure, Barbara has built a solid reputation as being a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Advocacy for Barbara begins when she listens attentively to clients and understands their needs and desires. Barbara’s goal is to empower clients to begin to experience themselves as able to choose safety, life and a hopeful future.

In fact, empowerment is the theme of every interaction with every client as they struggle to find their own voice that has been stifled and sometimes even forgotten. Clients come to realize that they have a professional advocate in Barbara who understands the dynamics of domestic violence and is not afraid to walk with them through the overwhelming challenges, struggles and fears of the court system. Barbara’s experience and compassion help to create a safe place for clients to spread their wings and begin to fly.

Thanks to Barbara, survivors of domestic violence have an advocate who can help them do things they never thought they could do.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SCHOHARIE COUNTY

Volunteer Award

STEFFEN ZEHRFUHS

As full time pastor of Bethany Lutheran Church in Central Bridge for the past 30 years, Pastor Steffen Zehrfuhs’ ministry and social justice activities have extended beyond his parish and throughout Schoharie County. He began a food pantry from the Church and began to bring food to those in need from the back seat of his car. His commitment to ecumenical justice endeavors opened a door to Catholic Charities in 1992 where he has served as a member of the Board of Directors ever since. At that time, Catholic Charities of Schoharie County was known as “Family and Community Services.” The fledgling organization was in its infancy and needed strong leadership, stability and a Board of Directors willing to take a chance on a new program. Stef provided that to the Board and his impact was immediate; he referred clients for services, created new network connections for the organization, offered the resources of his church and ministry, helped with outreach, publicity and became an active fund raiser for Catholic Charities. Stef’s leadership on the Board over these years helped to stabilize the organization through many challenges. Few Board members have “done it all” but Stef stands out; he served as President and Vice President and actively participated in the work of standing committees such as: Personnel, Finance, Golf, Nominating and Board Development. Most recently, Stef generously volunteered to assume the responsibilities of Treasurer when the position became vacant. Catholic Charities of Schoharie County is grateful for Pastor Steffen Zehrfuhs’years of generosity and dedication to the mission. Thanks Stef!

CATHOLIC CHARITIES SENIOR SERVICES OF SCHENECTADY

Employee Award

ELLEN TIBERIO

Ellen Tiberio’s role as Office Coordinator for Catholic Charities Senior Services in Schenectady (CCSSS) Nutrition Program is behind-the-scenes, but so important to the direct service provided to hundreds of clients by CCSSS drivers and Nutrition Program staff. Her cheerful demeanor, even when obviously buried under work, brightens the daily routine for drivers and office staff alike. It is a rare occasion when Ellen does not share a smile with everyone around her. She values the fact that she is part of something that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Ellen began her career with Catholic Charities in 1978 as a home delivered meals driver. Her role has been restructured many times over her 31 years of service. Some of her current responsibilities with CCSSS include billing several organizations that contract for meals from the CCSSS Meals on Wheels program; data entry of new clients joining the meals program; tracking hundreds of customers’ schedules so they receive meals on their scheduled days; compiling monthly invoicing information for meals served at both Glendale Home and Ellis McClellan Campus Senior Dining locations in Schenectady. Over the years, Ellen has proven that no matter what it takes to get meals delivered to hundreds of seniors in Schenectady County who need them, she is willing to dig in to get the job done!

COMMUNITY MATERNITY SERVICES

Employee Award

MICHELLE SCHWENZFEIER

Michelle Schwenzfeier has been a member of the CMS team for over 17 years. In that time she has held direct practice, supervisory and program management positions demonstrating exceptional professional versatility, unfailing commitment to the Catholic Charities mission and a servant’s heart toward those of our neighbors who are economically disadvantaged and/or overcoming significant trauma, crisis or familial loss.

Michelle demonstrates excellent engagement skills with consumers of every age and in every life circumstance. However, she is acknowledged by her team and her consumers for having a special touch with infants, those who are chronically or terminally ill and those with trauma and abuse histories. Her work with families truly is what Kahlil Gibran calls “love made visible” and has resulted in many former clients choosing to stay in touch with her well past their term of service because they recognize her as the catalyst for change that helped them move out of poverty – both economic and spiritual – because she not only believed in them, she became their partner in change.

Michelle is a natural teacher who has the complementary skill of active listening – when you have the privilege of sharing your heart with Michelle, you leave feeling heard and encouraged.

Those of us fortunate enough to have known and worked with Michelle for many years appreciate her personal warmth, her ability to ask thought provoking questions, her accessibility, her sense of responsibility – not only at work but in the world - and the gift of feeling her love surround us – as the Passover Haggadah says, “like the white surrounds the yolk of the egg”.

We applaud you, Michelle. Knowing you improves us, working with you inspires us, having you around us reminds us that the good in all of us is the God among us. Congratulations on this award!

COMMUNITY MATERNITY SERVICES

Volunteer Award

ETHILDA MOODY

On May 8, 2007 Ethilda Moody, also known as Grandma, walked though the doors of the Heery Center for Young Families, bringing with her a sense of humor, a love for children, and much old school Jamaican wisdom. Grandma is a loving, caring, passionate, feisty young woman (as she says), who fast became a member of the Heery and CMS family.

Grandma has a way of drawing people to her. Whether it is her personality, the goodies in her huge purse, or just that wonderful accent, the children are fascinated by her. Grandma is always reading, singing or sharing stories that are not only interesting to the children, but to the staff as well. Some of those stories are about her many years working for Disney, or her cat Nancy who, by the way, she found outside of Heery. We always say that Nancy showed up just for Grandma, because she knew that Grandma would take her home and love her.

Grandma pitches in wherever needed, from helping in daycare to assisting with lunch or dinner preparation to giving unsolicited advice and fashion tips to staff and teens alike. She is always refreshingly outspoken and finds herself to be quite hilarious. Grandma and her cane have become a familiar site walking into Heery every morning. What's funny is, we never see that cane as she's booking toward the casino…

We at the Heery Center for Young Families have been truly blessed to have such a wonderful person such as Grandma come into our lives. Thanks, Grandma, for all you do!

DIOCESAN HOUSING & PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Employee Award

LORRAINE CAROCCIA

Lorraine Caroccia has been our Community Manager for St. Vincent’s Apartments in Albany and Marie Rose Manor in Slingerlands for the past nine years. These apartment communities are home to approximately 100 senior citizens, most with extremely low incomes. The Community Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the community. One might think that this means renting apartments and collecting rents. But Lorraine, in her straightforward, matter of fact way accomplishes so much more than that.
For example, there was the time that a brand new resident, scheduled for her move in at 4 pm on a Friday afternoon, arrived for her appointment and had no belongings to move in: no furniture, no food and no money for food. Before Lorraine left work that day, the resident had a bed with pillows and covers and food in the refrigerator. On another occasion, one of Lorraine’s residents had become depressed and was transported to the Capital District Psychiatric Center and after a few weeks was transferred out to an unidentified facility. The Center could not, by regulation, tell Lorraine where her resident was placed and the resident had no family with whom to connect to obtain information. The resident’s friends were also unable to find out what had happened to their friend. As an example of Lorraine’s dedication to our mission, she would not give up the search, knowing that the resident would want to come back home when she recovered. It took Lorraine a couple of months to locate her resident at a facility in Massachusetts. She connected with her resident and reassured her that her apartment was waiting for her. Several months later, the resident returned and remains happily at home with us today. We are pretty sure that Lorraine’s efforts on her behalf were an important catalyst in her recovery.
Lorraine thinks this is just all routine and no big deal. Try to tell that to the people she has helped!

HISPANIC OUTREACH SERVICES

Employee Award

ROSEMARY NEGRON

Rosemary Negron started working with HOS almost seven years ago. She began as a part time youth outreach worker at our Amsterdam site.

In 2006 Rosemary became a fulltime case worker/site director, working with adult, families and youth. Rosemary’s afternoons and summers are solely dedicated to the Amsterdam youth. With special interest in our six week summer enrichment program, which offers a minimum of 30 K-6 students, a summer full of physical activities and nutritional meals. This program incorporates the NYS Summer feeding program through the Regional Food Bank, nutrition education, sports and physical activities in efforts to reduce childhood obesity.

Rosemary has been recognized by the Regional Food Bank for her work and dedication in serving the youth in the City of Amsterdam over 2,900 meals during the summer of 2009. Rosemary was also recognized for her collaborations with Domestic Violence of Catholic Charities of Fulton & Montgomery County for her essential role as a community partner.

Rosemary is so dedicated, that she needs to be reminded to take a lunch and at times, that it’s time to go home. Rosemary, thank you for you tireless efforts in Amsterdam and Schenectady. Muchas Gracias, Rosemary!

HISPANIC OUTREACH SERVICES

Employee Award

CAROL TORRES

Carol has been working with HOS for three and a half years. HOS has been fortunate to have Carol on staff. Not only is she knowledgeable and well vested in her responsibilities, but she is very dedicated to the betterment of the Hispanic community. She carries out the mission of both Catholic Charities and Hispanic Outreach Services in her daily work and advocacy. Carol is very well liked and respected by her professional peers and her clients in the community. Since the budget cuts and loss of staff, Carol has taken on some more responsibility to cover other programs of HOS. She does this because she knows that the community would suffer, should they lack the resources offered by Carol, through HOS. On a weekly basis, Carol spends time at the Department of Social Services where she has earned a booth in order for her to facilitate the application process for Hispanic, non-English speakers. Carol also spends time with the youth in their schools providing advocacy, academic assistance and youth leadership opportunities. Youth and family services are offered by Carol in both Albany and Troy. Carol has been nominated because she has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the Hispanic communities of the Capital Region are provided forCarol, thank you for all you’ve done in Albany and Troy. Muchas Gracias, Carol!

UNITED TENANTS OF ALBANY

Employee Award

MADELINE HANNAN

Madeline Hannan came to volunteer at United Tenants of Albany over a year ago. Madeline was completing her junior year at SUNYA in the Bachelor of Social Work Program and said she wanted to be part of an organization that not only helped people with their individual problems, but one that also advocated and organized to address the underlying societal conditions that put so many people at risk of losing their housing. We said, “Wow” and welcomed Madeline to United Tenants. Madeline’s volunteer experience at United Tenants evolved into part-time employment with the organization. True to her own vision of “helping”, Madeline not only developed into a very good housing counselor, but also a good housing advocate. She truly recognizes how poverty and economic injustices impact the people we serve at United Tenants.

This January, Madeline spent three weeks working with children in Tanzania. She raised the money for this trip through various fund-raising efforts, including sponsoring a traditional Tanzanian dinner. Madeline is graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNYA. She is considering spending the next year as a volunteer with either AmeriCorps or Good Shepherd Volunteers.

Over the past year, United Tenants has benefited from her dedication, her organizational skills and her spirited advocacy. Madeline Hannan has left her mark and she will be missed.

UNITED TENANTS OF ALBANY

Volunteer Award

MARGARITA GONZALEZ

Margarita (Margie) Gonzalez has been active with United Tenants of Albany for many years. Margie became involved with United Tenants ten years ago when she helped to organize a tenants association in the housing development where she lives. The tenants association came about in response to the owner’s attempt to evict all the residents and turn the development into high rent, upscale housing. The evictions were prevented due, in large part, to Margie’s organizing efforts. She continues to be a strong advocate for the rights of the residents there.

Margie has served as a member of the Board of Directors of United Tenants of Albany for seven years. She has a strong commitment to the goals and mission of United Tenants and she has advocated for support of housing and homeless prevention programs with the New York State Legislature where she works as an Appointment Secretary for Member of the Assembly Francine DelMonte. Margie has a thirteen year old son, Iancarlos, who is in seventh grade at St. Catherine of Siena school and who is “the joy of her life”. United Tenants has truly benefited from Margie Gonzalez’s compassion for the poor and her deep passion for justice.