-
In late October, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM), held its 2022 Champions for Catholic Charities Virtual Gala to raise awareness about their work and to inspire individuals to become financial supporters.
“The agency is mission driven, providing services to the poor and devalued, providing both concrete as well as social and emotional [support]. This nonprofit agency is dedicated to service and outreach to community members, especially people who are poor and in need of help,” said Marci Booth, a licensed clinical social worker and associate executive director, CCDOM.
The centerpiece of the virtual event was the debut of the group’s 2022 video highlighting the work of CCDOM in the wake of Hurricane Ida. On Sept. 2, 2021, the tropical storm pounded New Jersey with heavy rains. Some areas were inundated with floodwaters so high that it poured into homes, destroying them and making roads impassable. Some people lost their lives as the flood waters rose to dangerous levels.
“When Ida first hit, I was literally brought to tears…one house after the other was [reduced to] sheetrock and furniture.” said Maria Hunter, director, Office of Parish Social Ministry at CCDOM.
Arlivia C., a client of CCDOM, spoke about his experience in the video: “The water came in real quick. There was about eight feet of water...almost the entire apartment complex was covered in water. We lost everything.”
The next morning, Arlivia called Catholic Charities for assistance. “They were there for me,” he said.
Cecilia Mbui, a case manager in the Family Financial Stability Program at CCDOM, said that Arlivia was positive throughout his recovery, even though he lost everything except for his life. “We were able to jump in and put together a recovery plan to help him get back on his feet,” she explained, by providing housing assistance, emotional support, and more.
Another client, Jennifer L., also recalled how Catholic Charities came to her aid after the storm when no one else did. Her home was flooded and without heat. She was afraid and didn’t know what to do. Shortly after contacting Catholic Charities, the agency paid for a contractor to replace her heater. “My landlord didn’t care…but Maria [Hunter] did,” Jennifer said. “I just owe them so much. There are no words that you can say -- that’s how grateful I am.”
Hunter added that supporting clients is far from a transactional experience. “I think [Catholic Charities] really treats people with dignity and respect to help them. It’s a journey with them. It’s not just a one phone call thing.”
Serving people more than just when there are natural disasters, Catholic Charities helps clients yearround, regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or income, said Julio Coto, a licensed clinical social worker and executive director, CCDOM.
In 2021, the agency provided services to more than 63,000 individuals in the counties served by the diocese -- Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Warren. That is about 113,000 hours of direct service to clients. More than 15,000 household received bags of food, said Coto, and 193,000 pounds of food was distributed in New Brunswick alone. Moreover, the group gave almost $600,000 in rental assistance to those in need.
None of this good work is possible without support, however. In fact, one of the biggest challenges facing groups like Catholic Charities is funding. “The needs that are presented far exceed the resources we have, especially these days,” Hunter said.
“I’ve seen other groups lose funding. And unfortunately, when you lose funding, the program goes away,” said Mbui. “To all the donors that donate to Catholic Charities…I just want to tell you that your donations are highly appreciated by the clients that we serve. And for those of us that provide the services, we really, really greatly appreciate you and your deeds.”
Coto explained that donations help provide people in a need a place to live, food, health and wellness support, affordable child care, help with an addiction or problem, and much more. “Donations are important because if a shelter needs more beds, or a client needs more food, or more counseling is needed, I can use funds for those needs,” Coto explained.
Bishop James F. Checchio, concluded the video by saying, “It’s so important that we have the resources we need because Catholic Charities is transforming our diocese through their work…spiritually, physically, emotionally — all different kinds of ways that Catholic Charities steps forward to be presence of Christ through us, thanks to your generosity.”
To become a Champion for Catholic Charities, visit www.diometuchen.org/champions learn about employment opportunities with the group, visit https://ccdom.org/careers.
