Catholic Charities receives $1.7 million in grants from Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

Nutrition education, re-entry services and school-based services funded

Catholic Charities of Buffalo has been named a first-round grantee of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, receiving a total of $1,743,204 from the foundation to establish or expand three programs focusing on aspects of education and training.

The foundation awarded nearly $150 million across New York in its first round of grants for health improvement and well-being initiatives for low-income and underserved communities.

Catholic Charities’ grants provide for the continuation and expansion of the in-school social work program, and the establishment of the CORE (creating opportunities and restoring equity) and Nutrition~Simply Said programs.

“Through the generosity of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, we’ll be able to serve distinct, in-need populations in our community while removing barriers to achieving health and wholeness. We will help young students who need additional support and guidance to achieve their fullest potential, help individuals to avoid recidivism through re-entry services, and teach community members the benefits of nutrition education and shopping on a budget,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, Catholic Charities president and CEO. “We are deeply grateful and excited for the positive impact we will make together in Western New York.”

“We are honored to support such a wide range of organizations doing critically important work to improve the lives of New York's most vulnerable communities,” said Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., CEO of Visa and chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Board.

The in-school social work program received $413,000 to continue (it had been previously funded through Fidelis Care), and $637,905 to expand the program into more Catholic schools across Western New York. For 15 years, the program has provided school-based character development and clinical social work services to students who display a need. With the new funding, the in-school social work program will support students in 21 schools and is on track to be in 25 schools by the end of this school year. This is an increase of 11 schools over the prior 14 schools served.

The agency also received $514,029 to establish the CORE program, which assists those who have been involved in the criminal justice system by offering temporary transitional employment to qualified candidates, along with job coaching and career development. The program created seven staff positions within the agency and has served 20 individuals since its inception in October 2019. Catholic Charities’ CORE provides many of the re-entry services for Peaceprints of Western New York’s “Project Blue” program, which was established at the same time last year.

Last, Catholic Charities received $178,468 to create a basic nutrition education program. Nutrition~Simply Said offers community members hands-on learning about healthy eating, shopping on a budget, and nutritious cooking through a series of trainings. Participants receive a free book of healthy recipes and a reusable grocery bag. Trainings, which are underway at Catholic Charities’ food pantries, are free and open to the public.

For more information on Catholic Charities or any of the programs listed above, visit www.ccwny.org.

Catholic Charities is a comprehensive human service provider covering all of Western New York, serving people of all ages, races, faiths and walks of life. It has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment, and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of the vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. The foundation – which is named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children and the poor – provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York. For more information, visit cabrinihealth.org.