By DAN MECCA

For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities has stood alongside Western New Yorkers during some of the hardest chapters of their lives.

Today, nearly one in every 10 people in our region will be touched by its work. That’s not just a statistic. It represents children, parents, seniors and neighbors who need support to steady their footing and move forward.

Hope takes many forms inside Catholic Charities.

It’s a mother receiving counseling so she can hold her family together during a time of stress. It’s an older adult who no longer has to choose between paying for medication or buying groceries. It’s a domestic violence offender finding healing and coping strategies to end the cycle of violence. It’s a young person struggling with anxiety or depression who finally finds someone willing to listen.

The need in Western New York has not gone away. In many cases, it has grown. Mental health challenges continue to rise. Food insecurity remains a daily concern for thousands of families. For some, a single unexpected expense can trigger a crisis. In moments like these, having somewhere to turn can make all the difference.

As chair of the 2026 Appeal, I’ve seen firsthand how essential this annual campaign is. The Appeal funds dozens of programs — from in-school social work and family stabilization to mental health counseling and support for older adults. It ensures that when someone walks through the door feeling scared or uncertain, they are met with compassion and practical help.

This year’s goal of $8 million reflects both the economic pressures families are facing and the very real challenges nonprofit organizations are navigating. The number of people Catholic Charities can serve is directly tied to the generosity of our community. Simply put, the support we receive determines how many lives can be changed.

Every dollar donated stays right here in Western New York. Every gift helps someone, regardless of faith or background. And every act of generosity becomes part of someone else’s story of hope.

We all want to live in a community where neighbors look out for one another. Supporting the Appeal is one way to make that belief real. Because Catholic Charities serves all, we invite all who can to give. We are counting on you to stand with Catholic Charities in helping to bring hope to Western New York – today, tomorrow, and throughout 2026.

Appeal 2026 runs through June 30. I invite anyone who is able to join us in standing with Catholic Charities — and with the thousands of Western New Yorkers who are counting on that hope.

Dan Mecca is chair of Appeal 2026.