Catholic Charities of Steuben/Livingston is making a difference for those in need
By: Johanna Elattar
In a town where lives are tightly interwoven, the small acts of kindness often become the very fabric holding communities together. At the heart of these efforts is Catholic Charities of Steuben/Livingston (CCS/L), a lifeline for families and individuals facing adversity. Through compassion, collaboration, and action, CCS/L turns moments of despair into opportunities for hope and stability.
Take the story of a man recently released from jail. With his future hanging in the balance, the smallest logistical barrier threatened to unravel his progress. Living in Corning but required to visit Hornell Mental Health to finalize critical paperwork, he was stuck when local transportation schedules failed to align with his appointment. CCS/L stepped in, coordinating with Interfaith Helping Services (IHS) to provide a volunteer driver. This seemingly small gesture made the difference between a step forward and a step back.
“It’s not about the size of the help—it’s about its impact,” said a CCS/L representative. For this man, a ride wasn’t just transportation; it was a bridge to his next chapter.
For Tina and Joe, homelessness was an all-too-familiar reality. Struggling with addiction and unable to secure help elsewhere, they turned to CCS/L’s Emergency Services Program. Through a United Way Project Uplift grant, CCS/L provided the deposit that secured them a home, marking a turning point in their lives.
“Stable housing is the foundation for stability,” Tina shared, her voice heavy with gratitude. With a roof over their heads, Tina and Joe began rebuilding, laying the groundwork for a hopeful future.
For Peter and his wife, financial stability felt just out of reach. The couple, raising four children, faced an impossible choice: maintain dual incomes while shouldering crippling daycare costs or have one parent stay home. Opting for the latter, they fell behind on an electric bill, narrowly avoiding a shutoff.
When traditional avenues of support failed due to their income exceeding the poverty threshold, CCS/L partnered with the Salvation Army to split the overdue payment. This collaboration, fueled by donations, transcended bureaucratic limitations, preserving more than just light in their home—it safeguarded their peace of mind.
“It wasn’t just about paying a bill,” Peter’s wife explained. “It was about keeping our family’s light on—literally and figuratively.”
Then there’s Matthew, a ten-year-old grappling with violent outbursts and emotional challenges. Living in a rural area without internet or transportation, his mother faced immense barriers to seeking help. Enter CCS/L’s Care Management program, which provided not only emotional support but also practical solutions.
A skillbuilder began engaging Matthew through weekly activities, teaching him coping mechanisms through something as simple as bike rides and meaningful conversations. At the same time, CCS/L helped coordinate his counseling, dental care, and vision appointments, ensuring a holistic approach to his well-being.
Today, Matthew is a different boy. Once disruptive school days are now filled with progress, thanks to the collective efforts of his care team and his mother’s newfound support system.
“This is more than progress; it’s transformation,” said a member of Matthew’s care team. His story highlights the profound impact that coordinated care and community resources can have on a young life.
These narratives echo a universal truth: small acts of kindness, when paired with strategic action, can create monumental change. CCS/L proves that community support isn’t just about assistance—it’s about transformation, resilience, and hope.
Join CCS/L in Making a Difference
Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston invites you to their Gala and Silent Auction on December 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the Willow Creek Venue in Lakeville, NY. Proceeds will benefit the foster care system program, one of CCS/L’s cornerstone initiatives.
For those looking to spread holiday cheer, CCS/L’s “Adopt-a-Family” program offers a way to directly support families and children in need. You can purchase gifts for a needy family or child using the Amazon wish lists below:
- Bath Office Delivery: https://a.co/609KcKY
23 Liberty St., Bath, NY - Hornell Office Delivery: http://a.co/4cG0zE2
12 Allen St., Hornell, NY - Mt. Morris Office Delivery: https://a.co/eSSYhK9
34 E. State St., Mt. Morris, NY
Monetary donations can also be made online. Please mark donations as “Christmas.” Donate at: https://ccsteubenlivingston.org/giving/donate.
Looking ahead, mark your calendar for March 27, 2025, when CCS/L will host an event at the Radisson Hotel-Corning to support their mission of fostering self-sufficiency. Sponsorship opportunities include program ads, preferred placement, and event recognition.
For more information about these events or to get involved, contact Mary Jo Strong at (585) 519-2417 or via email at Maryjo.Strong@dor.org.
In every act, whether grand or modest, CCS/L exemplifies the transformative power of a community coming together. By supporting their efforts, we too can become part of these stories of hope and resilience.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY writer who loves telling community stories like this. She also excels at local special interest news and can be reached anytime at americangrrl70@gmail.com
