Catholic Charities' call to care continues under new leadership

OGDENSBURG | Now under new leadership, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg is continuing to build on its 106 years of being a beacon of hope in difficult times. The new executive director, Father Scott R. Seymour, pastor of St. André Bessette Parish in Malone, took the helm of the agency in January. In his role, Father Seymour is responsible for overseeing the agency's programs and staff across multiple counties, identifying sources of funding and resources to meet local service needs, continuing and cultivating relationships with partner agencies and ensuring Catholic Charities stays committed to and consistent with the agency's mission and Catholic values. While the methods of service delivery and the programs offered have changed over the years, Catholic Charities has continued to respond to Jesus Christ's call to care for those in need and love our neighbors. Catholic Charities currently maintains five offices across the Diocese of Ogdensburg, serving Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence counties and the northern portions of Hamilton and Herkimer counties. Currently, Catholic Charities offices and/or services are open in Malone, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Tupper Lake, Watertown and Port Henry. Catholic Charities continues to provide case management services in all locations. Staff work with the individuals served to meet their identified needs, whether through referral to a partner agency or using Catholic Charities' resources. All the agency's locations also offer emergency food bags and baby supplies, informal counseling and donated clothing and household items. Catholic Charities is also the E-EMDT hub in Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties access. That program works to address elder abuse, including financial abuse. Referrals to that program are made through law enforcement, financial institutions, attorneys, human services agencies and/or medical professionals. E-MDT does not offer direct service or self-referral. Additionally, Catholic Charities, working with AmeriCorps Seniors, continues to run its Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Essex and Franklin Counties. That program connects individuals ages 55 and over with meaningful volunteer activities. The Foster Grandparent program also continues to serve the North Country and is coordinated through the Catholic Charities Tupper Lake office. That program, also run in conjunction with AmeriCorps Seniors, connects volunteers ages 55 and over with children who need support, mentorship and friendship. Volunteers are placed in a classroom setting with a child or children in need of emotional support, development of basic learning skills, friendship, companionship, encouragement, individual attention and unhurried help. In Ogdensburg, Catholic Charities continues to offer Seaway House Club, which is designed to promote recovery, and assist individuals in developing or re-establishing a sense of self-esteem and group affiliation. Based on the Fountain House Model of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, our services cater to the ever-changing needs of our participants. Catholic Charities will soon begin its annual Mother's Day appeal, a fundraiser that enables the agency to continue serving. To learn more about Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, or to make a donation, visit cathcharities.org. Bishop Terry R. LaValley, bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, said, "Since his ordination in 1999, Father Scott has consistently demonstrated deep faith, interpersonal and leadership skills, empathy and compassion – skills and virtues that embody the mission of Catholic Charities. He brings the gifts of faith, love, humor and peace to those around him. These natural abilities have greatly benefited the many parishes, programs and communities he has faithfully served. "In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are reminded that we are all pilgrims on a journey, and we don't journey alone. Catholic Charities is there to share the journey and be a beacon of light and hope to our North Country neighbors." Father Scott R. Seymour, executive director, said, "We're here to serve, and we will be here for years to come. We have new leadership, and we continue to move forward working with our compassionate and experienced staff and working with our partner agencies. We want to be a beacon of hope in difficult times for the people of the North Country. We're doing great things all in the name of Jesus, and we're doing it with great love. "We see a lot of need. While it doesn't look like it did even just a few years ago, Catholic Charities continues to work to meet those needs as Christ called us to do. More than ever, we rely on the support of our North Country neighbors as we work to meet those needs."

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Catholic Charities' call to care continues under new leadership

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