It’s been a challenging year for many in our community facing price increases, tighter budgets, and job cuts and the need for Catholic Charities’ services only continues to grow here in Chautauqua County.

For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities has provided HOPE to our neighbors who may be struggling to make ends meet, or who are facing challenges impacting their health and well-being.

Catholic Charities’ programs offered in Chautauqua County gave HOPE to more than 13,100 individuals of all ages and across all faiths last year alone. These programs include basic emergency assistance such as support for food and resources for housing, administering the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) federal nutrition program, in-school social work program in a local Catholic elementary school, and working with domestic violence offenders for systemic social change.

However, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the continued generosity and support from the community. The annual Appeal helps to fund the many programs administered by Catholic Charities in addition to several ministries through the Fund for the Faith. To provide HOPE for all, we need help from all our neighbors to reach and surpass Appeal 2025’s goal of $8.5 million by June 30.

Your financial support is deeply appreciated, and we hope that all our neighbors in Chautauqua County know that if anyone is in need, you can call us at 716-366-3533 to find help through Catholic Charities. We have offices in Dunkirk and Jamestown.

Molly Oliver is Chief Operating Officer for Catholic Charities.