Creating hope with compassion and respect
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
“We prove our love for Jesus by what we do, by who we are.” – Mother Theresa
Even when commemorating their accomplishments over the past 100 years, Catholic Charities of Oneida/Madison Counties used the festivities as a way to give back to the community. As part of the recent centennial celebration held last month, organizers held a raffle with all proceeds going to the Community Assistance Program that provides basic human needs for its clients.
Since 1925, the organization, located in Utica, has provided the community with critical human services — everything from providing emergency food, individual and family counseling, and monthly transportation assistance for adults with disabilities to health home care management and youth programs. These services, and many others, are managed by 125 committed and compassionate staff members and 35 volunteers.
Jack Callaghan joined the agency in 1994 as a resident counselor for young adults with mental health needs. He now serves as the executive director. While the needs may be daunting, Callaghan said that the work is fulfilling and gratifying. The staff and volunteers work to offer hope, encouragement, and strength for the thousands of individuals they serve each year.
In 2024, the agency served 6,591 clients who are fighting poverty, hunger, homelessness, mental health issues, and a host of other difficulties. Callaghan said that the food pantry in Rome, NY, managed by Catholic Charities, has seen a huge increase in clients. Open to the public four days per week, it is the largest pantry in the area. The agency now receives funding from the city of Rome, which, Callaghan said, is a tremendous help.
Staff and volunteers at Oneida/Madison County Catholic Charities team up with Utica University students to clean up community residences.
“Our clientele includes not only the homeless population, but working people who can’t make ends meet,” Callaghan said. “They may be unemployed or underemployed, need assistance paying their utility bills or don’t have enough food at the end of the month,” he explained. Catholic Charities assists Utica residents through another program, Food $en$e — a monthly food buying co-op for anyone who wants to stretch their grocery dollars. Each month, community members can pick up a box of 12-15 grocery items at a discounted price. There are no qualifications and no requirements to participate. Each box costs $20.50 without limitation to the number of packages people may buy. “The program has doubled in size in the past two years,” said Callaghan. “We’ve made it easier and more efficient for people to order online and stop by and pick up their groceries.”
Another critical service is the agency’s housing program which operates 300 beds that offer different levels of care — from independent support settings to being the front-line shelter for the homeless. Callaghan said they are one of the largest providers for people with mental health issues or who are struggling with alcohol or substance abuse disorder.
As Callaghan looks to the future, he is proud of the work being done within this ministry. When asked what sets them apart from other programs, Callaghan said, “We go above and beyond. We try to meet people where they are. We take time with them and make sure we are very approachable. We are respected by the behavioral health community because we give people second and third chances and we are willing to take on tough people who present with multiple challenges.”
Staff and Volunteers assemble boxes of toys for the Christmas Assistance Program.
Knowing the importance of providing youth with positive experiences that give them a sense of belonging, Callaghan highlighted the youth programs that are available. The agency hosts traditional parish sponsored basketball teams through its CYO program and has opened the league to the greater community.
A three-week summer program at Camp Nazareth offers children ages 8-16 a traditional camping experience in the Adirondacks. “We celebrated the 70th anniversary last year and have grown the enrollment 25 percent each year for the past four years,” Callaghan said. When not hosting youth, Camp Nazareth is available for rentals between June and September to area businesses, groups, or individuals looking to experience the Adirondacks at its best.
Catholic Charities of Onondaga County executive director, Mike Melara, said that he appreciates the work done at the Oneida/Madison Counties Catholic Charities. “They provide excellent services to some of the most vulnerable members of the community while always operating with great humility and sense of purpose,” he said. “Catholic Charities in this region has been a trusted community partner for many years, tackling some of the most difficult challenges. This approach starts at the top with Jack Callaghan’s leadership and his senior team. We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone with them.”
To learn more about the agency and its programs, call (315) 724-2158 for the primary office in Utica or visit https://www.catholiccharitiesom.org/aboutus.
