CCFCS: Walking with all who need us the most

Help bring hope to those we serve

Your continued support brings hope to those we serve: people like Hannah R., a young mother who turned to CCFCS for help. As someone who cares deeply about our communty, I hope that, with the holiday season here, you will find it in your heart to make a special gift to Catholic Charities Family and Community Services.

Read how your gift will make a difference

CCFCS to Launch Upward Mobility Mentoring Program

CCFCS is proud to announce a bold new program designed to reduce poverty and help low-income families achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. The Upward Mobility Mentoring Program (UMMP) pairs Mobility Mentors with program participants for up to two years, helping them develop long-term goals for housing, employment, savings and debt reduction, health, education, and supportive social networks. Mentors help participants develop the skills necessary to stay on the path to self-sufficiency. UMMP is made possible with a three-year, multi-million dollar grant from Monroe County and will focus on neighborhoods in the city of Rochester experiencing extreme levels of poverty. CCFCS is the largest of the three providers chosen by the program. Together with our partners,we'll seek to enroll up to 700 participants starting at the end of January.

Exciting Venue News for Next Year's Empty Bowls Event!

After many wonderful years at Kodak Center in Rochester, we'll be moving the Empty Bowls fundraiser to a new venue! We are grateful to Kodak for their generous partnership. Looking ahead, we're excited to begin a new chapter at the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Brighton. Mark your calendars for the 23rd annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser, November 12th, 2026!

Spotlight on Excellence

During our annual CCFCS Employee Recognition Event, we announced major awards for two long-time CCFCS employees. Joe McGee, a Behavioral Health Coach in our Supportive Services Division, is the 2025 Employee of the Year. Obaida Omar, Manager of the Refugee Health Promotion Program, is the winner of the annual Marv Mich Salt & Light Award. Joe and Obaida represent the best of CCFCS. We are proud to work with them!

SNAP Food Benefits Update

We appreciate the many donors who stepped up to help our clients during the federal government shutdown, which forced a temporary halt to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Companies like Xcelerated Solutions in Rochester collected food for the CCFCS Food Pantry in Rochester. Now that SNAP benefits have resumed, we are working with our clients to make sure they meet new federal work requirements in 2026.

Share the Joy

It's a wrap! This holiday, we are providing gifts for more than 1,600 individuals thanks to our Share the Joy gift-giving campaign!

CCFCS in the News

Trump Directive to Reassess Refugees Could Affect 2,600 Here (WXXI News, Dec. 8)

Feeding Uncertainty (Rochester Beacon, Nov. 13)

Rochester Diocese Catholic Charities Serves Thousands Yearly (Catholic Courier, Nov. 3)

Thank you

for catching up with us!

Over the past year, CCFCS has successfully navigated unprecedented changes from the federal government that have impacted our clients and programs. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to serving those who turn to us for help. Thank you to our employees, community partners, and generous supporters for allowing us to carry out our mission. May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas!

Lori VanAuken, President and CEO

www.fcscharities.org

Catholic Charities Family and Community Services

Administrative Offices:

79 North Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14604

Programs and Services:

1099 Jay Street, Bldg J, Rochester, NY 14611

87 North Clinton Ave, Rochester, NY 14604

Finger Lakes Regional Office:

2462 State Rt. 54A, Suite 209, Penn Yan, NY 14527

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79 N. Clinton Avenue
Rochester, NY | 14604 US

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