Our Mission

Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse (Catholic Charities of Broome County) is dedicated to caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice. We strive to empower those served to transform their lives in the spirit of God’s love and compassion.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

2024 has been a year of great change in the agency. We wished our previous Executive Director, Lori Accardi, much success in her retirement and I stepped into what I believe will be the most rewarding position I have ever held.

The agency had to face many challenges during the year. We met those challenges united as a team. We reorganized and restructured many programs and departments with the goal of creating efficiencies that would strengthen our ability to carry out our mission to Create Hope and Transform Lives. We expanded the leadership team to ensure the voice of the staff were heard. Their experience and input were building blocks for positive change. All staff rallied behind these efforts—working hard to do more, at times with less, and to be visible in our community. We reached out and participated in many community events. We shined a bright light on the heart of our agency, the caring hearts of our staff, volunteers, board members and generous supporters. 

I want to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all who helped us carry out Christ’s mission. Your support is vital in helping us strengthen our work and build a community we can all be proud of. I also want to recognize our Board of Directors and the role they play in the success of our agency. They help guide our mission and lead initiatives that make a difference, not just within our agency, but across Broome County. 

In the pages of this report, you’ll see how our shared commitment and belief in our vision are making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. 

With gratitude,

Tonya Brown

Youth, Family & Community Services Division

The Youth, Family, and Community Services Division is dedicated to supporting individuals and families through counseling, education, and essential resources. Our programs provide guidance to navigate life’s challenges, strengthen relationships, and promote overall well-being. By fostering resilience and healthy lifestyles, we help families and individuals build brighter, more stable futures within their communities.

The Jack O’Rourke Family Counseling Program

Our Family Counseling Program focuses on strengthening families, supporting healthy relationships, and guiding individuals through life’s toughest challenges. We provide marriage and relationship counseling, parent-child counseling, and intensive individual therapy to help clients navigate major losses and life’s hardships with resilience. Last year, 8% of our clients were at or below the poverty level, 10% received means-tested government assistance, and 38% of adults we counseled faced economic stress. Additionally, 46% of adults reported that a physical or medical condition contributed to their stress, highlighting the vital need for compassionate, comprehensive support

Parenting, Pregnancy, and Adoption

We maintain adoption records for adoptions completed through Catholic Charities of Broome County and St. Mary’s Orphanage, ensuring all requests for identifying or non-identifying information follow proper procedures. Those seeking identifying records can register with the NYS Adoption Registry for access, providing a secure and structured way to reconnect with their history

Functional Family Therapy (FFT)

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) provides weekly in-home or office-based counseling for families with children at risk of out-of-home placement or involvement in the juvenile justice system. Through structured support, FFT helps families strengthen communication, resolve conflicts, and create a more stable, positive home environment—keeping families together and empowering them to thrive.

Gateway

Gateway provides a wide range of services designed to support individuals and families in need. These include case management, counseling, and various psycho-educational groups such as parenting and anger management programs. The program addresses a variety of challenges, with the most common issues being education and vocational struggles, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship conflicts, parent-child conflicts, financial stressors, and the impact of growing up in an environment with alcohol or drug abuse. For parents, Gateway offers STEP classes for children from birth to five years of age, aimed at improving parenting skills and strengthening relationships, as well as STEP Elementary for parents of school-age children. Anger management groups, featuring interactive activities, help both youth and parents learn practical skills for fostering positive behavior and managing emotions.

Family Navigator

The Family Navigator program provides short-term case management and parent support services, helping families navigate various community resources. It offers assistance with referrals, transitional services following hospitalization or placement, and outreach to connect individuals with providers they may not otherwise have access to. This program aims to support families in accessing the services they need for stability and growth.

Family Peer Supports and Services

Family Peer Supports and Services—through the Broome County Mental Health Department (BCMH)— provides parents and caregivers with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to navigate challenges and support their child’s well-being. Through skill development, community connections, and parent/caregiver training, Family Peer Advocates (FPAs) help families build confidence, strengthen natural support systems, and advocate for their child’s needs. Whether guiding parents through school and mental health systems, offering emotional support, or connecting families to vital community services, FPAs play a crucial role in empowering caregivers to create a more stable and supportive environment for their children.

Children & Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS)

Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) provide essential mental health and support services to children and families, helping them build skills, strengthen relationships, and access the care they need. These services include: 

• Other Licensed Practitioner (OLP): Provides clinical assessments, therapy, and treatment planning. 
• Community Psychiatric Supports and Treatment (CPST): Helps children develop coping strategies, manage emotions, and improve daily functioning. 
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR): Focuses on skill-building to enhance independence and social engagement.
• Family Peer Supports and Services (FPSS): Offers guidance, advocacy, and emotional support to caregivers navigating their child’s mental health needs. 

Together, these services empower families to create a stable, supportive environment where children can thrive.

Sharing Hope And Inspiring New Energy (SHINE)

The SHINE program provides intensive case management and support services for youth and families involved with the Department of Social Services (DSS) or Probation. The program helps prevent placement, reduce replacement, and improve school attendance, family functioning, and overall well-being. Families work with an Intensive Family Worker for up to 18 months, receiving services such as in-home coaching, parent support, skillbuilding, crisis response, and coordination of additional services. SHINE also supports youth during placement and helps prepare for a successful transition back home

Family Care Management

The Care Management program is a strengths-based approach that brings together a team to support a youth and their family in identifying and accessing necessary services, such as medical and behavioral healthcare, social services, education, financial assistance, vocational support, housing, and more. The Care Manager oversees the coordination of care, ensuring that the team collaborates effectively with the child, their parent or guardian, family supports, and service providers to address the family’s needs and improve overall health and well-being.

With the support of Care Managers, clients have enhanced their socialization skills and made positive connections with other peers by being referred to and connected with various community programs and organizations throughout Broome County. They’ve also learned coping skills to help them handle their emotions in a positive way. Care Managers have reported that clients are able to be discharged because of the positive changes that the client is making, which has resulted in clients improving their behavior within school and at home

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.) empowers older adults to make a meaningful impact in their communities by connecting them with volunteer opportunities that match their personal interests and skills

Emergency Services

Food Pantry System

Our pantry system serves as a vital resource for individuals and families in need, providing food, clothing, and essential support. A dedicated team of staff and volunteers operate two locations (the Community Empowerment Center on 100 Main Street and Mother Teresa’s Cupboard) to offer more than just supplies—they provide hope, dignity, and a helping hand to those facing hardship. 

Our pantries are serving a growing number of non-Englishspeaking individuals. To ensure everyone feels welcome and supported, we’ve introduced printed materials and flyers in multiple languages. Additionally, a dedicated cell phone is now available to help pantry workers and clients access interpreter services, making communication easier and more inclusive.

Emergency Financial Assistance Program

The Emergency Financial Assistance program provides short-term financial support to individuals and families facing urgent, unforeseen circumstances. Designed to help those in crisis, the program offers limited assistance to cover essential needs, such as housing, utilities, and other critical expenses, to ensure immediate safety and stability. By offering a lifeline during emergencies, the program helps individuals and families regain their footing and work toward long-term solutions.

Residential Services For Youth

Teen Transitional Living Program (TTLP)

The Teen Transitional Living Program (TTLP) provides a safe and supportive home for unhoused youth ages 16-21, helping them build a path toward independence. Through intensive case management and a range of services, TTLP empowers young people with the skills they need to transition from crisis to stability. From meeting basic needs to career planning, independent living skills, and community connections, TTLP equips youth with the tools to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term success

Boys of Courage – Community Residence

Boys of Courage is a New York State Office of Mental Health-certified residential program designed for adolescent males ages 12-18 with a primary mental health diagnosis. The program provides comprehensive restorative services, including socialization skills, independent living skills, behavioral management training, counseling, health services, daily living skills, medication management training, and family support. Through structured support and guidance, Boys of Courage empowers youth to develop the skills and resilience needed for a brighter future.

Residential Services Division

Certified Apartment Program (CAP)

The Certified Apartment Program (CAP) offers safe housing for individuals 18 and older who are diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness. This program is designed to support and assist individuals in achieving their goal of community integration. Residential staff work closely with clients to create personalized goals that align with their desires, abilities, and readiness to live independently in the community. CAP offers a range of restorative services, including community integration, socialization, medication management, and daily living skills, all aimed at promoting independent living and helping clients to thrive in their own homes.

Supportive Housing Program (SHP)

The Supportive Housing Program (SHP) is a person-centered initiative that empowers individuals to choose where and how they live. Designed for adults 18 and older with a primary mental health diagnosis, SHP supports participants in securing safe, affordable, and permanent housing in their preferred location and living arrangement. The program provides assistance with apartment setup, including furniture, household expenses, and rental stipends. Beyond housing, SHP helps residents build community connections and achieve personal goals, fostering long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

Warehouse

The Catholic Charities of Broome County warehouse was developed to provide individuals in our Residential Mental Health programs with quality, affordable household items from dishes, brooms, coffee makers to furniture for every room in the apartment. This start up service is provided to our Certified Apartment and Supportive Housing program individuals. It allows clients quick access without waiting for companies to order these items and then schedule delivery dates. Our staff work with the clients’ time constraints and deliver items when it is best for them. This gives the clients options, choices and comfort as their residential support staff are there to help with the delivery and setting up of the apartment if the individual requests help.

Individual Residential Alternative (IRA)

Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs) are small, community-based homes with 3-8 beds, designed to provide adults with developmental disabilities a safe, supportive environment where they can develop skills, integrate into the community, and work towards greater independence. These person-centered residences offer permanent housing and 24-hour staff support tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Through supervision and personalized assistance, IRAs help residents thrive in their daily lives and in their community.

Community Health Services Division

The Community Health Services Division is dedicated to assisting individuals facing mental health challenges by providing a wide range of supportive services designed to enhance recovery, promote well-being, and build independence. Through a combination of peer support, resource access, and individualized care, the division offers programs that address critical needs such as employment, housing, transportation, and mental health treatment.

Assisted Competitive Employment (ACE)

The Assisted Competitive Employment (ACE) program supports individuals with a mental health diagnosis in obtaining and maintaining integrated and competitive employment. ACE provides a comprehensive range of services to help individuals succeed in the workforce. The program focuses on: 

• Identifying vocational strengths and interests
• Developing resumes and completing applications
• Practicing interview skills 
• Managing benefits 
• Providing ongoing mental health support
• Training and coaching on-the-job skills 
• Assisting with promotions, career advancement, or job searches

Protective Services for Adults (PSA)

Protective Services for Adults (PSA) is a comprehensive program designed to support vulnerable adults and ensure their safety and well-being within the community. The program focuses on preventing neglect, exploitation, and abuse by providing individuals with the necessary services and resources to maintain their independence and quality of life. PSA works closely with individuals to assess their needs, offer protection, and connect them with appropriate community services, all while respecting their dignity and rights.

Peer Support Partnership with Broome County Public Library

The Peer Support Partnership is a collaboration between Catholic Charities and the Broome County Public Library, aimed at providing vital support to library patrons and vulnerable individuals in the downtown community. The program offers a safe, non-judgmental space for anyone seeking assistance—whether they need a moment of rest, a referral, or simply someone to talk to. Peer Specialists, trained and certified professionals with lived mental health experience, play a pivotal role in making individuals feel comfortable and understood. The peer staff have helped a handful of unhoused individuals secure housing and find competitive employment. They’ve also assisted with everyday tasks like completing benefit applications, setting up phones and emails, providing walking directions to food pantries and clothing banks, helping obtain identification, and offering a listening ear to those in need.

Four Seasons Social Club

The Four Seasons Social Club is a peer driven program that provides a safe environment for individuals with a mental illness to socialize with others while focusing on recovery through community inclusion. The Club is a place for individuals to live and learn new life skills related to daily living, volunteerism and employment. Members are at the heart of everything we do—shaping activities, offering support to one another, and building a sense of belonging. Through time, friendships are formed and members learn how supporting one-another can make a difference on the overall wellness and well-being of others.

Stepping Stone-Drop In Center

Stepping Stone Drop-In Center is a welcoming, judgment-free space for individuals living with mental illness who prefer a low-pressure, flexible environment. There’s no attendance requirement—just a desire for connection and support. Run entirely by peer staff, Stepping Stone offers a place to relax, build community, and take part in self-help groups, one-on-one support, and optional outings and activities. Whether someone wants a quiet space, a listening ear, or a warm meal (lunch is served daily!), they’ll find it here. It’s a place where healing happens naturally, at your own pace, with people who truly understand.

Transportation

Our Transportation Program provides affordable access to public transit for adults living with mental health challenges. Whether it’s a ride to a medical appointment, the grocery store, or a support group, this service helps make daily life more manageable. By reducing transportation costs, the program promotes greater independence, social connection, and active participation in the community—because everyone deserves the freedom to move forward. In addition, the program offers van service to members of the Four Seasons Club. This essential support allows individuals—who may face barriers related to mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, or physical limitations—to attend Club activities they would otherwise be unable to access

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT Team)

The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team provides comprehensive, community-based care for adults with Serious Mental Illness (SMI). This multi-disciplinary team offers personalized psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to help individuals achieve recovery, manage wellness, and address key needs like employment, housing, and social connection. Designed for adults with long-term or frequent hospitalizations, the ACT Team provides the intensive, ongoing support needed to thrive outside of institutional settings, ensuring individuals have the resources and guidance they need to lead fulfilling lives in their communities

Adult Health Home Care Management

Adult Health Home Care Management provides individualized, person-centered support to help adults with chronic medical and/or behavioral health conditions navigate their recovery journey. Care Managers coordinate access to a wide range of services, ensuring comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of a person’s health and well-being. This includes connecting individuals with needed resources and supporting them in achieving their recovery goals. Additionally, Consumer Care Managers offer peer support, complementing the continuum of care to guide individuals through their recovery process.