Broome County Catholic Charities opens Common Grounds Wellness Center
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
“Catholic Charities is a national organization whose mission is to serve the poor, hungry, homeless, elderly, and those with disabilities. The organization advocates for justice and supports the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to help individuals reach their full potential. It empowers its clients by offering services such as job training, education, and counseling to promote self-sufficiency.
Catholic Charities of Broome County, part of the Syracuse Diocese, was founded in 1937. It was established primarily to assist those affected by flooding in the Binghamton area. Close to 90 years later, the organization, which provides human services to people of all ages, regardless of their religious, social, or economic backgrounds, has grown exponentially.
Tonya Brown became executive director two years ago. She has worked for the agency for 29 years. She said that currently, there are close to 300 staff members and over 100 volunteers on hand to assist those in crisis. According to the data she receives, there are approximately 3,600 unemployed people in Broome County: about 4.2 percent of the population.
“Our services have grown incredibly from when we started,” Brown said. “Initially, we were a small agency that helped families, including facilitating adoptions. Over the years, the agency has expanded its continuum of care, and we now operate many programs that assist those with mental and physical disabilities, including housing, care management, and employment. The agency also works with families who have children at risk of being placed outside of the home, as well as the senior citizen community.”
Common Ground Wellness Center takes root
Efficiency, flexibility, and quick responsiveness are key practices the staff and volunteers implement each day to effectively serve their clients. After a community needs assessment, it became clear that people would benefit from a model that combines the open access of a drop-in center with the skill-building, connection, and sense of belonging found in a clubhouse model. Common Ground Wellness Center was launched on March 4, bringing together two long-standing programs — the Steppingstone Drop-In and Four Seasons Psychosocial Club.
Kimberly DeSantis-Johns, director of development and engagement, said the Wellness Center offers a safe, welcoming space for adults who are working on their mental health and recovery. “It offers a place to build relationships, reduce isolation, and work toward personal or employment goals while strengthening everyday life skills,” she said. Members can take part in groups, creative activities, recreation, skill building, and communal meals. The center also offers members practical supports like hygiene supplies, laundry, and shower facilities, along with help connecting to benefits, housing, employment, and other community resources.
DeSantis-Johns said the program is predominately peer run by staff who bring lived experience in recovery and have completed the New York State Peer Certification curriculum. Many are fully certified. “This helps create a relatable, supportive environment where people feel understood and valued and comfortable in taking meaningful steps forward in their wellness,” she said. “We all know what it feels like to face challenges and need a little help. We all have stories, but they do not define us. What defines us is our resilience and our ability to move forward together, and we believe Common Ground can offer that to its members.”
Tours of the facility are available Monday through Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. for those who want additional information. Visit the website at catholiccharitiesbc.org/ for a list of programs, volunteer opportunities and how to donate.
