As we head into the new year, we want to thank you for standing with us in service of our neighbors. With your help and partnership, we have been able to continue to serve the most vulnerable through difficult times. Please know that we are thinking of you warmly and are excited to share what the new year will bring!
2021 in Review
January | National Grid Foundation Commits $250,000 to Energy Assistance
We started the year with good news The National Grid Foundation is committing a record $250,000 to Catholic Charities’ Emergency Energy Assistance Fund (EEAF) to help local residents pay their energy bills. The foundation is doubling last year’s fuel-neutral grant to help even more families get through an extremely challenging time Learn More
We started the year with good news The National Grid Foundation is committing a record $250,000 to Catholic Charities’ Emergency Energy Assistance Fund (EEAF) to help local residents pay their energy bills. The foundation is doubling last year’s fuel-neutral grant to help even more families get through an extremely challenging time Learn MoreFebruary | Special Delivery: Bishop Scharfenberger Delivers Socks & Smiles to Catholic Charities' Sites
Bishop Scharfenberger joined some of our staff to help deliver socks to the CoNSERNS-U outreach center in Rensselaer and the St. Charles Lwanga Center in Albany. The Lwanga Center is a 19-bed men's shelter that provides supportive housing to our guests. Read more about how something as simple as a pair of socks will make a difference for the people we serve in the Evangelist.
Bishop Scharfenberger joined some of our staff to help deliver socks to the CoNSERNS-U outreach center in Rensselaer and the St. Charles Lwanga Center in Albany. The Lwanga Center is a 19-bed men's shelter that provides supportive housing to our guests. Read more about how something as simple as a pair of socks will make a difference for the people we serve in the Evangelist.March | We Celebrated Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The month of March is observed as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! At Catholic Charities Disabilities Services, we provide services and supports to children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities residing within eleven counties including Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, Columbia and Greene.
The month of March is observed as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! At Catholic Charities Disabilities Services, we provide services and supports to children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities residing within eleven counties including Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, Columbia and Greene.May | Camp Scully Turns 100!
In 2020, Camp Scully marked 100 years of providing children from all walks of life new summer friendships, experiences and memories. We are celebrated the century of memories made at Camp Scully with improvements and renovations including:
In 2020, Camp Scully marked 100 years of providing children from all walks of life new summer friendships, experiences and memories. We are celebrated the century of memories made at Camp Scully with improvements and renovations including: June | Night at the Museum Live from the Irish American Heritage Museum
As we went virtual once again for our annual Night at the Museum, we honored our CC Heroes for their unwavering commitment to serving our neighbors during these difficult times.
As we went virtual once again for our annual Night at the Museum, we honored our CC Heroes for their unwavering commitment to serving our neighbors during these difficult times. You can you can relive the night and our special panel discussion on housing here
July | CC MOVE Efforts Continue as Food Insecurity Persists
"The fact that we still have to do it is tragic. The fact that we can is extraordinary," Sister Betsy shared with NewsChannel 13's Sam Hesler. The need for food remains prevalent across the Diocese. As a result, Catholic Charities needs additional volunteers at its drive-thru pantry events. Learn More
"The fact that we still have to do it is tragic. The fact that we can is extraordinary," Sister Betsy shared with NewsChannel 13's Sam Hesler. The need for food remains prevalent across the Diocese. As a result, Catholic Charities needs additional volunteers at its drive-thru pantry events. Learn More September | Catholic Charities Recognizes National Recovery Month
Catholic Charities continues to provide support and referrals to people in recovery year-round. Through Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services, people in recover or people looking to enter into recovery are treated with dignity and respect, and can access vital services such as case management and prevention. Catholic Charities Care Coordination serves people living with chronic illnesses, including those living with HIV, those with chronic behavioral and physical health conditions, drug users, homeless individuals, and others in need of non-judgmental person-centered care.
Catholic Charities continues to provide support and referrals to people in recovery year-round. Through Catholic Charities Care Coordination Services, people in recover or people looking to enter into recovery are treated with dignity and respect, and can access vital services such as case management and prevention. Catholic Charities Care Coordination serves people living with chronic illnesses, including those living with HIV, those with chronic behavioral and physical health conditions, drug users, homeless individuals, and others in need of non-judgmental person-centered care. October | 50 Years of Service for Mothers, Children in Our Region
Catholic Charities Community Maternity Services is marking 50 years of service to children and families throughout the Albany Diocese. Founded in 1971 by then-Executive Director Sister Maureen Joyce as the “Maternity Center”, the agency grew its programs and services to meet the changing needs of the community.
Over the years, Community Maternity Services – informally known as “CMS” – has provided foster care, adoption services, residential care, and outreach to young women and their children.
Learn more about CMS and its 50 year history.
November | Holiday Cheer Around the Diocese
This November, Catholic Charities agencies across the diocese began their Holiday Giving programs, taking donations and allowing families to sign up to receive holiday gifts.
To learn more about our holiday giving programs, read about Lisa's experience with Adopt-a-Family and find out how you can share the holiday spirit.
This November, Catholic Charities agencies across the diocese began their Holiday Giving programs, taking donations and allowing families to sign up to receive holiday gifts. To learn more about our holiday giving programs, read about Lisa's experience with Adopt-a-Family and find out how you can share the holiday spirit.
December | CEO Vince Colonno Announces Retirement
After over a decade Vincent W. Colonno, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, announced that he will retire in July 2022.
“I’ve been honored and blessed to serve the people of our region as Catholic Charities CEO,” said Colonno, “It’s been a privilege to work alongside our staff and volunteers as they help people to build safe, stable and healthy lives. I know I am leaving Catholic Charities in capable hands.”
In The News
- Catholic Charities' Sister Betsy Discusses Food Insecurity in 2021
- WIC is a resource for Women, Infants and Children in the New Year
- Vince Colonno, Sister Betsy speak about CC MOVE and Food Insecurity
- Working with local community organizations, Catholic Charities was able to provide three individuals living in an encampment with stable housing. Read more from the Daily Gazette
- We recognize that many of our neighbors are facing a long road out of homelessness at this time, but we remain steadfast in our commitment to walk with them on their journey. Learn more about how we're addressing housing needs in this story from Channel 13
- We've recently opened the doors to our third Food Farmacy program in as many years. How do these Food Farmacies work? Click here to learn more.
Take a look back at our 2021 CC Heroes.
