April 22nd, 2013
By Alice Kenny
Tapping in on Earth Day, Catholic Community Services of Rockland (CCSR) announces its new program, “Produce the Produce,” to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to hungry children, individuals and families in Rockland County.
“Whether from our own garden, grocery store or farmers’ market, most of us have access we take for granted to fresh fruits and vegetables but those who are poor have neither,” says CCSR Executive Director Martha Robles.
“We are committed to changing that in Rockland with a bold, new and fresh initiative,” she adds, “and invite you to be a part of it.”
This proactive effort will put more freshly grown fruits and vegetables on the tables of people in need. CCSR plans to serve as a catalyst to engage other community and parish gardens to participate in “Produce the Produce.” It will also provide a central location where local farmers markets and common citizens can donate the fresh fruits and vegetables they grow.
The idea was “cultivated” from CCSR’s expanded community produce garden in Haverstraw. This garden, nicknamed the “Garden of Love,” has already produced more than 6,000 lbs. of fresh produce that has been distributed to participants enrolled in the CCSR Food Pantry. In addition to saving money, the Garden of Love helps feed our neighbors, while teaching members of the community how to grow their own food.
To ensure a plentiful bounty, Produce the Produce was formally announced during the 4th Annual Blessing of the Soil at CCSR, 78 Hudson Ave in Haverstraw, New York on April 20.
During this time of economic uncertainty, demand for the food pantries continues to grow. Fortunately, the CCSR garden’s bounty is growing as well. Seasonal cooking demonstrations that use fresh ingredients from the bounty harvested from the “Garden of Love” are also available.
At Catholic Community Services of Rockland, no one is ever turned away from receiving food. Please call 845 942-5791 during office hours to register.
Tags: Catholic Community Services of Rockland, community gardening, community produce, Executive Director Martha Robles, families, Food Pantry, Garden of Love, gardening, Haverstraw, hungry children, individuals, parish gardens, Produce the Produce, Rockland
Posted in Agencies, Events, Feeding the Hungry and Sheltering the Homeless, Hudson Valley, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Parishes, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, What We Do at Catholic Charities | No Comments »
April 19th, 2013
A. There are no new laws yet and no “amnesty;” all we have is a bill in the Senate. We are still many months away – if not longer – from any new laws. You can call us at 800-566-7636 to check if the law has passed; we’ll be happy to answer your calls.This Senate bill is only the beginning of the conversation. There will be a long time before we know what the law looks like and before anyone can apply for anything.
B. In the meantime you should NOT give anyone money to any notarios, agencies, or lawyers to prepare an application or help them gather documents. Once we have a Comprehensive Immigration Reform law, there will be many reliable agencies that will help people at low cost and possibly for free. There is no need to pay thousands of dollars now.
C. What you can do is to start preparing on your own in the following ways:
i. Start a box of important documents, including:
1. Identity documents;
2. Evidence of when you came to the US and how long you have been here (the date in the Senate bill is December 31, 2011, but people who came to the US before they turned 16 and would qualify under the DREAM Act, should gather evidence for all those years that they have been living in the US);
3. Evidence of any trips outside the US after the first arrival (evidence of how long they were out of the US);
4. Evidence of work (particularly if you are an undocumented farm worker) or education in the US (particularly for DREAM Act-eligible kids);
5. Copies of any applications you already made to INS/USCIS;
6. If ever arrested, get the certificates of disposition, because those with certain serious convictions will not be eligible to apply, so you will need to show those conviction records to an attorney.
ii. Start learning English;
iii. US citizens who want to sponsor their siblings should talk to an attorney about starting the process now (the Senate bill proposes to eliminate visas for siblings of US citizens – but that can also change);
iv. Save money because there will be penalty fees (Senate bill says $2000, to be paid in stages) in addition to application fees.
Tags: campaign, Catholic Charities, CIR, comprehensive immigration reform, immigrant community, immigrants, immigration, Immigration Reform, immigration status, immigration system, Justice for Immigrants, Legal Services for Immigrants, naturalization cases, New York State New Americans Hotline, NYS New Americans Hotline, Obtaining Work Authorization, Policy and Advocacy, Preventing Exploitation, refugee, Refugee Act, Refugee Resettlement Program, Reuniting Families, Seeking Asylum, Senate bill, Teaching English and Civics, Undocumented citizens, Undocumented workers, Visa
Posted in Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, New York City, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees | No Comments »
April 19th, 2013
By Alice Kenny
From the Pee Wee Dash to the Boys Long Jump, children representing eight parish teams competed in the first Developmental Track Meet of season on Sunday, April 14. Two dozen “CYO unattached” runners (CYO children in parishes currently not fielding a track team) joined 225 CYO members on – finally — this perfect, sunny spring day.
They raced and received medals at the top-tier facility Mount St Michael Academy in the Bronx.
CYO has been working hard to provide a great experience for the children of the CYO Track & Field Community. With the addition of clinics with Olympic Athletes and new meets and events in some of the metropolitan region’s top facilities, CYO hopes to build upon the momentum gained over the past year.
Registration is now open for the April 21 CYO Developmental Clinic and Track Meet. It will be held at Mt. Saint Michael Academy, 4300 Murdock Ave., Bronx, NY 10466.
The Iona College track team will be offering a pre-meet clinic for CYO athletes starting at 12:30 pm.
(Use this registration if your parish does not have a track program but you are a member of a parish or school, grades K-8 of the Archdiocese of NY)
(Use this registration link if you are the team coach or parish coordinator.
Registration is done on ny.milesplit.com . This is open for ALL CYO Programs.)
Tags: Boys Long Jump, Bronx, clinics, community, CYO, Developmental Track Meet, Iona College, Mount St Michael Academy, Olympic Athletes, Pee Wee Dash, Track & Field
Posted in Events, New York City, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Uncategorized | No Comments »
April 19th, 2013
Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, representing Timothy Cardinal Dolan, shook hands with Senator Chuck Schumer at the formal presentation of the bi-partisan Senate bill on comprehensive immigration reform at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Thursday April 18, 2013.
“The presence of so many diverse groups at the introduction of this bi-partisan bill shows that immigration reform is not about narrow self-interest, but the common good of the nation,” Msgr. Sullivan said.
“The Catholic Church, and in a particular way Catholic Charities, partners with many to promote just policies and provide compassionate services that enable our neighbors to live in dignity as made in God’s image. We understand there are different opinions on this important issue. We will listen, and talk together to move forward to reform our broken immigration system. The good of our country and of individual neighbors and their families demand our commitment. ”
Looking for information about Comprehensive Immigration Reform?
Catholic Charities is here to help.
Contact us now.
Call Catholic Charities at New York State New Americans Hotline: 1-800-566-7636
Tags: Catholic Charities, comprehensive immigration reform, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, Immigration Reform, immigration system, Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, New York State New Americans Hotline, Senate bill, Senator Chuck Schumer, The Catholic Church, timothy cardinal dolan
Posted in Cardinal Dolan, Events, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, New York City, Policy and Advocacy, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees, What We Do at Catholic Charities | No Comments »
April 18th, 2013
Msgr. Sullivan meets with immigrants before leaving for D.C. for the presentation of the bi-partisan Senate immigration reform bill.
“We are hopeful that the filing of a bipartisan Senate bill on immigration seems, after many years, to make comprehensive immigration reform a real possibility. We appreciate the hard work of the group of Senators and others that has made this possible. We note with special pride and recognition the work of so many Catholic organizations and the leadership of the Bishops on this issue. While we are hopeful and supportive, the bill is complex and requires careful analysis. There will be opposition. We look forward to making suggestions for improving the bill to even better reflect our longstanding concerns for family unification, a fair, legal immigration system, protections for temporary workers, effective, yet humane border security and due process in enforcement. We look forward to working in partnership with many to ensure that this reform happens for a straightforward reason—concern for the common good of the nation and the well-being of individual immigrants and their families.”
- Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
Tags: campaign, immigrant community, immigrants, immigration, Immigration Reform, immigration status, Justice for Immigrants, Legal Services for Immigrants, naturalization cases, New York State New Americans Hotline, NYS New Americans Hotline, Obtaining Work Authorization, Policy and Advocacy, Preventing Exploitation, refugee, Refugee Act, Refugee Resettlement Program, Reuniting Families, Seeking Asylum, Senate bill, Teaching English and Civics, Undocumented citizens, Undocumented workers, Visa
Posted in Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, New York City, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees, What We Do at Catholic Charities | No Comments »
April 18th, 2013
By Alice Kenny
Erin Smith spends her nights at a relative’s house and her days repairing her hurricane–torn home in South Beach.
She said that dealing with different government agencies after the storm was a daunting task.
“It was so overwhelming it made you want to throw in the towel,” Smith says as she walks from gutted to freshly painted rooms in her bungalow during a recent interview aired on NY1.
Catholic Charities announced last week that $38.5 million in federal funding has been allocated to its disaster recovery program with the help of Governor Cuomo. The program is modeled after a similar one run by Catholic Charities in 34 counties across New York State following Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.
The Sandy recovery program will provide more caseworkers who can help local residents on Staten Island and throughout the city tackle a variety of tasks to cope with the hurricane’s consequences.
Eligibility is open to anyone with an unmet need that arose from or was exacerbated by Superstorm Sandy, even those who have not applied to FEMA for assistance.
Two months ago, Smith was referred to Catholic Charities caseworker MaryEllen Ferrera. The agency has about a dozen caseworkers on Staten Island who provide free assistance to homeowners hurt by Hurricane Sandy. Funds are allocated to the agency through a federal disaster assistance program.
Ferrera helped Smith get supplies and gift cards to rebuild her home. She has also reached out to government agencies on her behalf
“We get to know directors in positions to help and push through applications for our clients,” Ferrera says.
Smith says FEMA denied her applications several times. Ferrera intervened to successfully file an appeal. Finally, Smith received a FEMA grant.
Smith says her caseworker has not only helped her get help, she’s become a mentor and a friend.
It feels that I have somebody that’s going to have my back,” Smith says.
Check out the video on NY1.
Looking for help?
Call 1-855-258-0483
Or visit www.catholiccharitiesny.org.
Tags: Catholic Charities caseworker, disaster recovery, disaster relief, federal funding, FEMA, government agencies, Governor Cuomo, Hurricane Irene, Hurricane Sandy, MaryEllen Ferrera, NY1, program, Sandy recovery program, South Beach, Superstorm Sandy, Tropical Storm Lee
Posted in Parishes, Staten Island, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, What We Do at Catholic Charities | No Comments »
April 17th, 2013
By Alice Kenny
Rappers, fans of rap and all who oppose gun violence packed the Catholic Charities Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Center for a 12-hour nonstop Rapathon on April 6.
“Put your guns down: go to peace side up,” marchers chanted as they joined the End Gun Violence Rapathon.
The Rapathon was open to anyone with a love for Hip Hop, a determination to end gun violence and – the tricky part – the ability to rhyme for 90 seconds straight without cursing.
The community event showcased talented Emcees focused on helping change the current culture of gun violence. Sponsored by the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem, it supported Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E., an organization of mothers and fathers who lost children to gun violence.
“We can’t bring our kids back but we can certainly try to help another mother and another mother’s child by doing prevention and education,” says organization cofounder Jackie Rowe Adams.
Rapper Homeboy Sandman offered a sample. “Five weeks you were alive,” he rapped. “Had full curly hair; big beautiful eyes.”
Ms. Adams, unfortunately, knows firsthand what this type of loss feels like.
“I’ve lost two kids to gun violence,” she said. “The pain never goes away.”
For more information:
- Contact Catholic Charities Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center at 212-862-6401.
- Check out Harlem Mothers Save.
Tags: End Gun Violence, Harlem Mothers Save, Hip Hop Culture Center, Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center, rap, Rapathon
Posted in Agencies, New York City, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises, What We Do at Catholic Charities | No Comments »
April 16th, 2013
“Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of yesterday’s attack at the Boston Marathon. The loss of innocent life – in but a quick moment – is most devastating to those victims’ immediate families. The severe and life-threatening injuries to many others is so heartrending. In addition, the witnessing of this by thousands more causes a somber tone over an entire city and far beyond. For New Yorkers, these assaults evoke traumatic memories, and so our solidarity is even greater as we offer our prayerful support to those in Boston in the aftermath of this tragedy.”
- Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director Catholic Charities New York.
Tags: Boston Marathon, healing, loss, Massachusetts, survivors, tragedy, victims
Posted in Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, New York City, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, Strengthening Families and Resolving Crises | No Comments »
April 15th, 2013
By Alice Kenny
Dutchess County CYO Art will hold an art contest at the St. Mary School – Wappingers Gymnasium on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, at 6 p.m. for students in grades 1 – 12. Contest winners will be eligible to compete in the Archdiocesan-wide – from Staten Island to the Catskill mountains- contest that will be held on May 17.
Got your artistic juices flowing?
- Drop off your artwork at St. Mary School, 11 Clinton Ave., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 on April 23 between 2 – 5 p.m. for judging.
- Bring with you a $2 art-competition fee. Checks should be made payable to CYO.
What about writers? Have we got a contest for you!
The Dutchess County CYO Essay Contest is open to youth in grades 6 – 8. First, second and third-place winners will be judged at the Archdiocesan level on May 17.
Ready to write?
- Submit your essay to Catholic Charities Community Services, Catholic Youth Organization, 1011 First Ave., New York, NY 10022, att: Monge Codio Jr., Director of Operations – CYO by May 7, 2013 at 5 p.m.
For more information on how to participate in either event, contact
Tags: Archdiocesan-wide, art, Catholic Charities Catholic Youth Organization, Contest, dutchess county, St. Mary School
Posted in Archdiocese News, Hudson Valley, Protecting and Nurturing Children and Youth, What We Do at Catholic Charities | No Comments »
April 12th, 2013
By Alice Kenny
Waving signs and chanting slogans, thousands of New Yorkers added their voices Wednesday to a massive national mobilization for immigration reform. They included Oberos Unidos de Yonkers, day laborers assisted by Catholic Charities, who rallied in White Plains. Residents also took part in candlelight vigils in Rockland and Putnam Counties, marched in Newburgh and joined busloads that wound their way from New York City and the Hudson Valley to Washington, D.C. Together they united with tens of thousands of people who met on the Capital lawn to insist that the time for change is now.
“Catholic Charities is both proud and privileged to work with newcomers who contribute to the growth and well-being of this country, the one they call home,” Catholic Charities Executive Monsignor Sullivan said yesterday. “We join immigrants and advocates who will make this case in Washington D.C. and in other parts of the country at a massive mobilization and faith community vigil for citizenship, and fair and humane legal immigration opportunities.”
Wednesday’s outdoor rallies took place as a bipartisan group of senators worked inside the Capital. Known as the “Gang of Eight,” they are negotiating a bill aimed at securing the border, tapping foreign workers for critically needed jobs and creating a path to citizenship.
Catholic Charities helps immigrants reunite legally with their families, obtain proper work authorization, learn English and civics, and prepare to pass citizenship exams. Catholic Charities also assists immigrants in avoiding exploitation by unscrupulous practitioners by providing correct information and realistic counsel about immigration status.
For example, Catholic Charities works with Obreros Unidos de Yonkers, a group of more than 300 day laborers in Yonkers. Together, we educate workers regarding employment rights and responsibilities to prevent exploitation and workplace abuse. We also assist in integrating workers into society and provide local resources to assist them in this process.
We do this by:
- Hosting workshops and trainings on worker rights, safety in the workplace, basics of immigration and other topics as needed
- Issuing membership cards with identifying information
- Providing office and meeting space and administrative support for workers
- Assisting in the collection of unpaid wages, access to healthcare services, emergency food, English as a Second Language programs and computer classes.
- Facilitating conversations with local business owners, police elected officials and the community.
Looking for more information about Obreros Unidos de Yonkers?
Call (914) 375-6729/48 for more information on or visit the office at St. Peter’s Church basement, 91 Ludlow Street, Yonkers, NY 10705.
Call the Catholic Charities Help Line — (888) 744-7900 — for more help finding the services you need.
Tags: citizenship, citizenship exams, ESL programs, foreign workers, Gang of Eight, healthcare services, hudson valley, immigrants, immigration opportunities, Immigration Reform, immigration status, jobs, Monsignor Sullivan, Newburgh, Oberos Unidos de Yonkers, Obreros Unidos De Yonkers, Putnam Counties, Rockland, Washington DC, White Plains
Posted in Policy and Advocacy, Welcoming and Integrating Immigrants and Refugees, What We Do at Catholic Charities | No Comments »
