Annual House of Providence Awards pay tribute to community leaders

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County honored three community leaders for their commitment to improving the lives of others at the annual House of Providence Awards on Oct. 1 at the Embassy Suites in Syracuse. Funds raised at the event support Catholic Charities’ programs for individuals and families in need across the county. 

Mike Melara, executive director of Catholic Charities, hosted the event, and Dan Cummings, former broadcast journalist, acted as emcee.

In his opening remarks, Melara shared a story about growing up in the 1960s and 1970s and his parents’ love of music. They owned a stereo that he wasn’t allowed to touch. However, while they were at work, Melara would come home from school and listen to the music of popular artists of that era — Lawrence Welk, Doris Day, and Andy Williams. Unbeknownst to his parents, Melara would peruse their album selection — and once found an unlikely artist among the generational favorites: the Beatles. 

“I was hooked,” Melara said. “I saved my money and bought the album ‘Help.’ Little did I know that 40-plus years later, I would spend my life trying to help others.” 

Melara told the audience about the 17,000 people who, annually, Catholic Charities helps in some form or another. “If someone is out of food, we provide them with food. If they are homeless, our help comes in the form of a 24/7 shelter. If they are on the verge of being evicted, we can help them remain in their home. If they are new to the United States, we can help them become part of our community,” Melara said. These are just a few examples of the Catholic Charities’ services. 

“And then life throws you a curveball,” Melara continued. “A couple of months ago, we received word from one of our longstanding funders that our funding would be reduced from $500,000 a year to $15,000 a year.” 

The loss, explained Melara, has affected many of the organization’s programs. “With this in mind, Lennon and McCartney’s lyrics in ‘Help’ take on a new profundity,” he said. “You being here tonight enables us to serve 17,000 people who are the most vulnerable members of our community. Thank you so much for your generosity and caring, for helping us help so many.”

 

2026 recipients of the House of Providence Award

Kimberly Townsend

Humanitarian Service Award

The award honors individuals who display a consistent desire to improve the human condition through a life of service, both personally and professionally. Their concern for the well-being of others motivates them to make lasting commitments to serving those in need. 

“I truly feel like I’m standing on the shoulders of greatness,” said Kimberly Townsend when accepting the award. Townsend is the president and chief executive officer of Loretto, a post-acute care system located in Syracuse. She is currently a Governor’s Appointee to the NYS Workforce Investment Board and serves as a board member and in board leadership positions for several non-profit organizations. Townsend said the recognition is both an honor and a responsibility. 

“It’s a responsibility,’ she said, “because it reminds us that humanitarian service is not simply about what we do for each other; it’s about how often we ‘see’ them.” Townsend then cited a quote by Mahatma Gandhi: “He who does not see God in the next person he meets needs look no further.” She said those words offer a simple but profound challenge. 

“When we encounter a person, what do we see?” she asked the audience. “Do we see someone whose circumstances are different from ours? Someone we don’t understand? Someone who needs our help? Or do we see a person made in the image and likeness of God?” 

Townsend said if we truly believe God is present in every person, service takes on a different meaning. “We serve because we know that, at different moments, we will also need a hand. We see opportunities to serve all around us — the person who relies on Catholic Charities food pantries who is struggling to put food on the table. The family who may be in crisis who receives family support program services.” Townsend gave several other examples of how Catholic Charities provides a multitude of services through a wide range of programs. She accepted the award on behalf of all the volunteers, advocates, caregivers, donors, clergy, staff, family, and friends who “serve quietly every day and for every person who has allowed me to walk alongside them because they gave me far more than I could ever give them,” she said. “They taught me that dignity is not something we bestow on another person. It is something that we recognize in each other.”

 

Bob and Katie Doucette

The President’s Award

This award honors individuals who have immeasurably enhanced the diocese, Catholic Charities, and the community through their voluntary contributions. These individuals exhibit a devotion to the betterment of the human condition and a concern for others.

Bob Doucette has a long career as a dynamic real estate developer, helping to improve the quality of life in downtown Syracuse. He, too, has been a member of many not-for-profit boards, including Catholic Charities, where he served for 15 years, including two terms as board president. In his remarks, Bob told the audience that as a board member, he witnessed firsthand the tremendous work the organization does 365 days a year. 

“It (Catholic Charities) doesn’t miss a day. It doesn’t miss a night. When someone calls, when someone needs help — even in the middle of the night, they are there. These are the people on the ground. The ones who walk the walk,” Bob said. “While I am grateful for this award, I am just as grateful to have Catholic Charities in our community. They make sure the delicate fabric of this city, this area, doesn’t get frayed.”

Katie Doucette initially worked as a psychotherapist and has spent the last 25 years as an executive and organizational consultant. She has been a strong advocate for On Point for College, among many other not-for-profit organizations. Her public service ranges from serving on boards to supporting local foundations, and often offering her consulting skills pro bono. 

Adding to her husband’s remarks, Katie also told the audience what a great honor it was to receive the award, which she shares with her fellow consultants, board members, staff, and volunteers of the big and little nonprofits in our community. “Being part of this community of individuals who are compelled, who are called to make sure everyone in our community has access to a good life is a wonderful group to be a part of,” she said. “And this honor is particularly special coming from Catholic Charities, an organization that has provided leadership for all of us in this community.”

 

Father Brendan Foley

The Bishop’s Award

This award honors individuals who actively serve the people of the Syracuse Diocese and live as a model of service to others through their professional and voluntary pursuits. The award stands as testimony to their devotion and commitment to others.

Bishop Douglas J. Lucia presented the award to Fr. Bendan Foley, who was ordained in 2021. Fr. Foley currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter, Syracuse, St. John the Baptist/Holy Trinity, and as Spanish Apostolate at St. Anthony of Padua.

In his remarks, Fr. Foley said it’s an honor and gift to be able to do what he does each day and that he is blessed to have so many collaborations in his ministry. Expanding on Bishop Lucia’s mention that Oct. 1 is the feast day of St. Theresa of Lisieux, Fr. Foley said the saint has been a longtime friend of his grandparents, well before she became a friend of his. “To know her is to know that the way of making it through life is just what Catholic Charities calls forth — the way of humility, the way of trust, the way of generosity of service. 

“I don’t want to receive this award, but I will for you, and I will for the Bishop. But, really,  it’s something that has been blessed and given to me — the gift of my family, the gift of faith, and the gift of service.”

Catholic Charities serves people regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, or nationality. They help thousands of our neighbors each year, caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice. To donate to the organization, go to https://ccoc.us/giving/.