December 2020
As we celebrate the holidays, we are growing ever hopeful for the future as new vaccines will be arriving soon and we will start a return to “normal” after a very difficult year. But for the individuals and families served by Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland, normal is a return to the daily struggle and adjusting to their “new normal” will be daunting. It is the mission of CCCSR to help smooth the path for the most vulnerable among us to reach or retain self-sufficiency.
Consider the situation for John*, a client receiving case management in our Eviction Prevention Program. He is the sole income earner of his household of five but had to take three months of Family Leave after his spouse suffered a setback and could not care for their children. Those three months took their toll and John received an eviction notice.
John was referred to Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland for financial relief and to stabilize his family’s housing. CCCSR was able to cover rent for one month and negotiate a stay with John’s landlord. John also enrolled in our Food Pantry program and received clothing for the baby.
After his spouse recovered, John was able to return to work. He is currently employed, still on a tight budget, but he and his family are housed. John says that he is “grateful for the emotional and financial support provided by CCCSR” and is comforted to know that Catholic Charities is there to meet the needs of struggling residents of Rockland County.
And then we have Jasmine*. Jasmine was a guest in our Warming Center last season. Funded by and in partnership with the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS), the Warming Center provides emergency shelter from the cold for homeless residents of Rockland. But the crux of the program is to help our guests find pathways toward their future.
Jasmine was gainfully employed on Wall Street when the company she worked for faced a crisis and she lost her job. Other setbacks resulted in Jasmine losing more than just her job and she ended up at the Warming Center.
While with us, Jasmine spent many evenings talking with staff and regaining her self-confidence. She was always giving back and helping other guests. With the help of DSS, Jasmine secured housing and is now working full time. According to Jasmine, the Warming Center, and the support she received there was a “pivotal turning point in her life.” The time she spent with our caring staff members gave her the space to reflect and discover that she still had “a lot to offer.”
Why do we need your support this holiday season? Because people like John, Jasmine, and hundreds of other residents of Rockland County, are counting on Catholic Charities Community Services to take the time to understand what they need and work together to help them Take steps to turn things around. Or take steps on the path toward self-sufficiency.
Do you have room in your heart to help your neighbors make it through this crisis?
It’s easy to do your part. Simply click here . Your donation, no matter what size, will help us to feed our neighbors and help families remain safely in their homes this winter and beyond.
Bless you and thank you for your support!
Joan Dan
Joan Facelle, Board Chair Daniel Eudene, Executive Director
*the names and case scenarios have been changed to protect individual privacy
