Catholic Charities’ Program UpdatesMarch 31st, 2021
So many wonderful things have been happening in our program over this first quarter of the year. Check out what we have been up to in these Program Updates.
Bank of America Donates 12,000 Masks and 381 Pounds of Additional PPE to Catholic Charities of Fairfield CountyMarch 24th, 2021
Bank of America’s Support Provides Vital PPE to Programs Providing Services to all of Fairfield County, as well as the Thousands of Clients in Need of Assistance
A student at Room to Grow Preschool in Norwalk uses the hand sanitizer provided by Bank of America.
Fairfield, Connecticut – Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, one of the largest private social service providers in the state of Connecticut, received 12,000 masks from Bank of America back in October. Although January 1st ushered in a new year, the pandemic lingers on as does the need for front line social service agencies to exercise precaution. With supplies running short, Bank of America came through again and on January 8th a pallet containing 500 (8 ounce) bottles of hand sanitizer and 6000 latex gloves arrived for distribution among the agencies 36 programs throughout Fairfield County.
Since the start of the coronavirus, protective personal equipment (PPE) supplies have been low and costs have been high, making it even more challenging for non-profit agencies like Catholic Charities to secure what is required to stay open for business. For an agency like Catholic Charities, closing because masks are not available is simply not an option.
This donation is part of a nationwide effort by Bank of America to immediately distribute nearly four million PPE masks to communities disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus, including communities of color, and is connected to its $1 billion, four-year commitment of additional support to help local communities address economic and racial inequality accelerated by a global pandemic. This is in addition to the four million masks the company donated earlier this year in cities across the country.
A volunteer at New Covenant Center in Stamford wears a mask and gloves provided by Bank of America.
“Bank of America is committed to working with local partners that keep our families, communities, clients, and teammates safe during the health crisis,” said Bill Tommins, Southern Connecticut market president for Bank of America. “Throughout the coronavirus, Bank of America has joined forces with local organizations to address families’ most basic needs. By supplying Catholic Charities with PPE, we’re able to help them further their mission and continue feeding families, safely, at the same time.”
“If we close, a single mother is unable to pick up groceries to feed her family. Homebound senior citizens do not receive their meals delivered to their home. A person experiencing a crisis related to depression or anxiety cannot connect with their therapist for counseling services,” said Executive Director Mike Donoghue. “Our services our vital in helping the most vulnerable populations in the communities throughout Fairfield County. We meet the most basic needs.”
Since the start of the pandemic, Catholic Charities’ programs and services have continued to thrive, but many required the vital PPE in order to remain open. The Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport remained open with a 30 – 40% increase in meal service provided through a grab and go format. The Morning Glory Breakfast Program in Danbury was closed, but provided 4,900 meals to homeless individuals who have been moved from shelters to the Super 8 Motel to ensure social distancing. Room to Grow Preschool in Norwalk reopened September 9th with 109 students in attendance. It was a state mandate for all students and teachers to wear masks throughout the day.
Chef Lorraine Kelley of the Thomas Merton Center in Bridgeport wears a mask and glove provided by Bank of American while serving lunch.
“The masks provided by Bank of America have been a blessing for our staff and clients,” said Bill Colson, Director of the Thomas Merton Center. “Many clients were unable to not only find masks, but they also could not afford them. They were at risk. This donation not only helped to protect staff while they served the clients, but it also helped the clients to stay safe while out in the public.”
Catholic Charities 36 programs provide services throughout Fairfield County. Combined, they serve over 10,000 individuals in Fairfield County, Connecticut each year. During the pandemic, Catholic Charities has been the largest food resource provider, serving well over 1 million meals throughout Fairfield County.
Immigration Services Helps Venezuelan Families Applying for TPSMarch 24th, 2021
On Tuesday, Immigration Team Member Maria Palacios and one of her clients were interviewed by Christian Colon of Channel 3 News. The interview highlighted the recent surge of Venezuelan families applying for Temporary Protective Status due to the recent changes in immigration laws under the Biden administration.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEWS IN THEIR ENTIRETY and TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE
Trumbull Teen Coordinates Food Drive During PandemicMarch 23rd, 2021
Family of Shelton man helping Merton Center in his memoryMarch 18th, 2021
The Connecticut Post featured an article on March 17, 2021 about the family of Anthony Mobilio and how they are working to help the Thomas Merton Center by raising funds to replace the soup kitchen’s broken boiler in his memory. Read the entire article here.
