Supporting Families Throughout Oswego County
Spring 2013 Volume 13, Issue 1
CYO a Vital Program for the Community and its Youth
For decades, the CYO program at Catholic Charities of
Oswego County has been an oasis for youth in the greater
Fulton area. While times have changed and many fads have
come and gone, one constant resonates with youth today as
much as it did years ago….CYO is a FUN place to go!
Whether it is an adult who visited CYO 50 years ago or a
second grader who just discovered CYO, the reasons why
they come are still the same. It’s fun! I meet new friends! I
love playing basketball!
For Mike Pollock, President / CEO of Fulton Savings Bank,
his memories of CYO always make him smile. “Having
attended Holy Family grade school, I was introduced to the
CYO program at an early age and began visiting the CYO
regularly when I was in fourth grade. My friends and I
couldn’t wait to go to CYO. We use to sit in the stairwell
and wait for the doors to open. And while there were
activities like billiards, ping-pong, and even archery, what
kept us coming back was basketball. We had our own teams
and our own league, and every Saturday morning there was
no doubt where you headed or what you were going to do…
go to CYO with your friends and play basketball!” said
Pollock.
Mike Pollock (r),
President / CEO,
Fulton Savings
and Member of
Catholic Charities
Board of Directors
recently stopped by
Catholic Charities
CYO program to
tour the facility
and learn about the
latest programs that CYO is offering to area youth.
With Mike is CYO Coordinator, George Timmins.
CYO Assistants, Cody Richardson and David Williams
and Coordinator, George Timmins welcome youth to the
CYO program. From left are: Levi Yablonski, Bernie Roe,
Sierra Van Meter, Tiffany Broadwell, and Kellena McCann.
As it did years ago, the CYO program offers youth the
perfect blend of a casual atmosphere and just the right
amount of supervision. “We liked that there wasn’t a strict
schedule to adhere to. We could do what we liked for
fun and spend time with our friends in a safe, welcoming
environment. I always felt comfortable at CYO. The
supervisors kept us in line when they needed to and were
always available for you if there was anything you needed to
discuss or wanted advice on,” added Pollock.
George Timmins, coordinator of the CYO program and CYO
Assistants, David Williams, a student at Cayuga Community
College, and Cody Richardson, a senior at G. Ray Bodley
High School, are continuing the tradition of providing
supervision judiciously.
“We want to help CYO participants build confidence in
themselves and develop a healthy sense of self-esteem.
We give them the opportunity to make their own decisions as
they learn how to socialize, get a long with their peers, and
make new friends.
(continued on page 3)
A Message to Our Friends..
Since our inception, Catholic Charities of Oswego County’s programs have
touched the lives of thousands of families and individuals. While our many
programs provide vital services to our community, none are more respected or
recognized than the CYO program and Emergency Services.
CYO has been a haven for youth in our community for decades. Day after
day, year after year, youth of all ages rely on the CYO for recreation and
socialization. Over a number years we have added of activities and events to
our CYO program. From basketball, dodgeball, kickball, and billiards to arts &
crafts, video games, special themed fun days, and our newest activity, flag
Mary Margaret Pezzella-Pekow
football. CYO offers something for everyone.
Executive Director
While the activities vary greatly, and the our participants range from 2nd
grade to 12th grade, the reasons for coming to CYO are the same today as they were decades ago...”It’s fun and I
meet new friends!” I can’t think of anything better to offer our youth than a safe environment that allows them to
do just that. Our staff does its best to ensure that every participant enjoys their time at CYO and receive just the
right amount of supervision to make them feel comfortable and welcomed.
With the end of school fast approaching CYO is gearing up for its busiest season. The CYO Summer Program
will soon be underway. The wildly popular Summer Program entertains dozens of youth every day and offers the
opportunity for occasional special outings.
CYO is a program that has touched lives for generations and has created cherished memories for countless adults
in our community. Inside this newsletter you’ll have the opportunity to reminisce yourself as one of our former
CYO members shares memories of his days at CYO.
Like our CYO program, our Emergency Services program has also made a difference in the lives of families and
individuals and has strengthened the communities that we serve. Our food pantry continues to offer food subsidy
to dozens of families and individuals every day. Since the beginning of the year we have provided more than
97,798 meals to hungry families. As the demand rises, these numbers continue to increase and we anticipate
another challenging holiday season.
Our CYO and Emergency Services programs could not exist without the generous donations we receive from
caring community members like yourself. Costs for equipment, staff and other supplies continue to increase.
Your support is vital to the continuance of these programs. With your help, our CYO program can continue to be
a haven for our youth. A place where they can thrive physically, mentally, and socially as they create their own
memories and develop lifelong friendships!
I offer you my sincerest thanks for your continued support and encourage you to share our newsletter with a
friend and tell them about Catholic Charities and the many people whose lives are touched by our efforts. Make
Catholic Charities your mission!
CYO a Vital Program for the Community and its Youth
(continued from page 1)
As a result, our CYO participants are
open to establishing a relationship of
mutual respect with the supervisors
and are appreciative of the fact that
we really connect with them so that
they may enjoy quality recreation
time in a safe, caring environment”
said Timmins.
Bernie Roe, a second grader at Granby
Elementary School started attending
CYO just this year. While he was quiet at
first, he soon felt comfortable and is now
looking forward to visiting CYO. “It’s a
good place to have fun. There’s lots to do,
I get to make new friends and I get help
with my homework if I need it,” said Roe.
For CYO Assistants, Dave Williams
and Cody Richardson, relating to
youth at CYO comes naturally. “I
started going to CYO at about the
same age as today’s kids, and for the
same reasons, spending time with
my friends, meeting new friends,
playing basketball and other games,
and participating in the many
other activities CYO offers, ” said
Williams. “We want to make coming
to CYO as much fun for them as it
was for us when we were younger,”
added Richardson.
For Kellena McCann and Tiffany
Broadwell, both 10th graders at G. Ray
Bodley High School, going to CYO is the
perfect way to end their day. “We enjoy
spending time at CYO. It’s a great place
to go after school and spend time with
friends,” said McCann.
“CYO is as important today as it
was years ago. Kids get to have
fun, meet new friends and learn
something about life. It’s a good
place to grow up!”
Mike Pollock
In today’s fast past world of cell phones,
I-Pads, Facebook, and a host of activities
from dance class and soccer, to karate and
lacrosse, Catholic Charities CYO program
remains relevant and still fills a need in the
community.
Participants in the CYO Program
enjoy some creative time in the
Arts & Crafts room
In addition to the ever-present lure
of basketball, CYO has expanded the
amount of activities and games that
are available. Dodgeball, kickball,
foosball, flag football, access to
video games and computers, and
the popular Summer Program has
broadened the appeal of the CYO
program and as a result there is an
increase in the number of girls and
younger children that are attending.
CYO Coordinator, George Timmins, offers
advice to CYO participant, Chucky, as
they play a game of pool in the CYO game
room.
Mike Pollock, President / CEO,
Fulton Savings and Member of the
Board of Directors for Catholic
Charities of Oswego County, shows
off his form during a recent visit to
the Catholic Charities’ CYO program.
Mike stopped by to share some
fond memories of when he and his
friends came to CYO as kids to play
basketball.
When it comes to the impact that
the CYO program continues to have
on the community and the youth it
serves, Mike Pollock sums it up best.
“The more things change around
it, the more CYO needs to remain
the same. It’s a throwback, it is as
important today as it was years ago.
CYO is open to everyone and it’s a
great place for kids to get together in
a safe, welcoming environment. It
helps them physically, mentally and
socially. They get to have fun, meet
new friends and learn something
about life. It’s a good place to grow
up!
Catholic Charities Seeks Volunteers
Looking for a productive way to
share your time to help others?
Catholic Charities is currently
looking for volunteers for its food
pantry and thrift store.
“To meet the increased demand for
food subsidy and affordable clothing
we wish to make our client choice
food pantry and the thrift store
more accessible. To do that we need
volunteers,” said Helen Hoefer,
supervisor of Catholic Charities
Community Services.
“Volunteering provides
the opportunity for
social interaction and the
satisfaction of knowing that
you are helping to make a
difference in someone’s life.”
Helen Hoefer
“The demand on our food pantry
and the need for our thrift store
continues year round. Support from
caring individuals who volunteer
their time to help others makes it
possible for us to extend the hours of
our food pantry and our thrift store
and maintain that schedule.”
Happy to Serve: Volunteers re-stock the shelves at the Catholic Charities’ food pantry.
Catholic Charities is currently in need of additional volunteers for the food pantry and the
thrift store. From left are Food Pantry Assistant, Danielle Lundy Losurdo and volunteers,
Marge Corsoniti, Phyllis Kelsey, and Elizabeth Stine.
Hoefer said that those who do volunteer
at Catholic Charities food pantry and
thrift store find it to be a very rewarding
experience.
We welcome volunteers of all ages and
appreciate whatever amount of time
they feel comfortable sharing with us.”
said Hoefer.
“Volunteering provides the opportunity
for social interaction with others and the
satisfaction of knowing that you are helping
to make a difference in someone’s life.
For more information on becoming a
Catholic Charities volunteer contact
Helen Hoefer at 315-598-3980 or visit
us at www.ccoswego.com.
Fulton PBA Supports Food Pantry
Members of the Fulton Police Benevolent Association
presented Catholic Charities of Oswego County with a
donation to help the agency restock its food pantry.
“The food pantry fills an important need in our community.
Catholic Charities do a great job during the holiday season
and beyond as the need for food subsidy is here year round.
We are happy to be able to help others by supporting
Catholic Charities’ food pantry,” said Investigator Michael
Curtis of the Fulton Police Department. From left are:
Lt. Bill Clark, Executive Director of Catholic Charities,
Mary-Margaret Pezzella-Pekow, Supervisor of Community
Services for Catholic Charities, Helen Hoefer, Michael
Curtis, and Lt. Ralph McCann.
Family Education and Partnership Helping Parents and Youth
Catholic Charities’ Family Education
and Partnerships program (FEP)
provides parents, caregivers, and
siblings of children and adolescents
with a mental health, or emotionally
disturbed diagnosis with a number of
resources that reduce stress through
empowerment.
According to Program Supervisor,
Gail Cooper, the Family Education
and Partnership program does much
more than provide information and
access to resources. “The personal
touch that the Family Education
and Partnership provides is what
makes the program so effective,”
said Cooper. “Our educational
sessions, skill building exercises,
guest speakers, and family activity
events offer parents, caregivers, and
siblings the opportunity to meet other
families who share the same concerns
and discuss their experiences. It’s
an important part of the program
as it may be the only chance that
families with children or adolescents
with a mental health, or emotionally
disturbed diagnosis have to network
with each other.”
Families in Catholic Charities of Oswego County’s Family Education and Partnership
program and Family Support Services recently gathered for a bowling party at Lakeview
Lanes in Fulton. The outing was one of the many activities and groups that the program
offers to help families network with each other and develop a support system.
CYO Hosts Easter Fun Day
Dozens of families visited the CYO program to enjoy a variety of Easter
themed activities during the CYO’s Easter Fun Day. Children made their
own Easter basket; decorated Easter eggs; had their picture taken with the
Easter Bunny; and made their own picture frame. The CYO program, located
inside the Catholic Charities building at 365 West First Street in Fulton, offers
youth an array of activities and recreational development in a safe, supervised
environment. All activities are free of charge and are supervised by a trained
staff.
Paxton and Aiden get a photo
with the Easter Bunny during the
CYO’s Easter Fun Day!
Abby and Alyssa enjoy some
time in the CYO Arts & Crafts
room.
Great Eastern Whiteout Benefits CYO
The Catholic Charities of Oswego
County’s CYO program recently
received a generous donation of
sporting goods supplies courtesy
of the Fulton Area Snow Travelers
Snowmobile Club.
Catholic Charities was one of several
organizations that benefited from the
Great Eastern Whiteout, the club’s
annual vintage snowmobile show
and race held at the Fulton War
Memorial. Established in 2000 in
Sandy Creek the event relocated to
Fulton in 2010 and draws more than
400 snowmobiles each year.
Strong supporters of the CYO
program, Fulton Area Snow Travelers
Snowmobile Club have made regular
donations to the CYO program
including game stations and video
games, sports equipment and more.
“Each year proceeds from our Great
Eastern Whiteout are used to benefit
the youth of our community. As a
boy I remember how much I enjoyed
going to the CYO program at Catholic
Charities. I know that today the kids
still love going to CYO after school
to be with their friends and they enjoy
participating in the many games and
activities that CYO offers for both
boys and girls, ” said Tracy Doyle,
Members of the Fulton Area Snow Travelers club present CYP Program Coordinator,
George Timmins with a donation of sporting goods for the CYO program. From left are:
Mike Schmidt, Bill Monette, George Timmins, Tracey Doyle, and Ken Wheelock.
Snow Travelers member and owner of
Doyle’s Bike Shop.
“We are very appreciative of the donation
we received from the Snow Travelers.
Their donation included flag football
equipment, which the kids have been
asking for and are excited that we will
add that to our list of activities,” CYO
Coordinator, George Timmins.
Open to youth in grades 2 – 12, the
CYO program is available: Monday
through Friday, 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. and
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Activities include; basketball, foosball,
dodge ball, ping-pong, billiards, video
games, and more, including a number
of computers available to youth for
assistance in doing their homework.
Step By Step Wellness Program Empowering Young Adults
Catholic Charities’ Step By Step
Wellness Program recently hosted an
open house for community members
interested in learning more about the
program’s Young Empowered Adults
(YEA!) group and the benefits it
offers participants. YEA! is designed
for young adults between the ages of
18 and 25, who have been diagnosed
with a chronic mental illness and are
beginning to live more independently.
The program provides young adults
with an opportunity to meet with
other young adults for peer support
and programming designed
to meet their unique needs.
For more information and a
schedule of activities contact
Pam Peeling at
315-598-3980, ext. 251.
Pam Peeling (l), Coordinator
of the Step By Step Wellness
Program joins staff members
Desiree (seated) and Lee Ann
in preparing goodie bags for
participants in the Young
Empowered Adults group.
George Timmins to Lead CYO Program
Executive Director of Catholic
Charities of Oswego County, MaryMargaret Pezzella-Pekow announced
that George Timmins has been named
CYO program coordinator.
Countless numbers of adults in the
community, myself included, have many
fond memories of coming to the CYO
program when they were younger.
Meeting new friends, playing basketball,
Timmins, who most recently worked as and participating in the many other
a senior account clerk with the agency, activities that CYO offered was an
important part of their youth. I want to
has worked with youth in many
ensure that today’s youth who visit CYO
capacities over the years, not only
will enjoy the same memories some day.”
in Central New York but in the inner
city of Detroit as well. He is looking
In addition to sports, arts and crafts, and
forward to drawing from his vast
experience of working with youth and other leisure time activities that CYO
is excited about the opportunity to lead provides for area youth, Timmins will
be focusing on the aspect of character
the CYO program.
development. “I want our youth to
know that CYO can be more than just
“I’ve always enjoyed working with
a place to have fun with their friends. I
youth of any age,” said Timmins.
want my staff and I to be able to really
“From coaching sports and working
with Parks and Recreation in Lysander, connect with the youth who visit CYO.
We want to do more than offer them
to being involved with the Jump Start
quality recreation time in a safe, caring
for Education program in Detroit, to
environment. My goal is to help them
raising my son and daughter, I have
build confidence in themselves, develop
been involved with youth at many
a healthy level of self-esteem, and gain
different levels.”
a thorough understanding of the team
As for taking over the helm of Catholic concept…qualities that will serve them
Charities CYO program, Timmins sees well as adults,” said Timmins.
it as a chance to not only continue the
Knowing the positive impact that CYO
tradition of the CYO but also build
has on the community, Timmins said that
upon it.
it is important that both CYO members
and community members recognize the
“Jim Smiley and Stacie Roberts did a
great job developing the CYO program mutual benefits that CYO offers. “The
CYO program instills a sense of pride in
and making it what it is today.
New CYO Coordinator, George Timmins
(c), and CYO Assistants, David Williams (l)
and Cody Richardson (r) welcome youth to
the CYO program
its members, and in turn, pride for their
community. Moving forward the CYO
program will have more interaction with
the community. We will encourage
CYO members to become actively
involved with community issues where
they can make a difference. Our CYO
program has plenty of potential and I
am pleased to be able to be part of its
future,” added Timmins.
“We are happy to have George as
coordinator of our CYO Program,” said
Pezzella-Pekow. “His enthusiasm for
the program and his willingness to help
our youth will serve him well in his new
position.”
I’m OK Program Celebrates 2nd Anniversary at Fulton Mill Apartments
Representatives from The American Red Cross of Central New York and
Catholic Charities of Oswego County celebrated the second anniversary
of the I’m OK Program at the Mill Apartments in Fulton. The program
provides a non-intrusive level of reassurance that helps seniors live safely
and independently. The I’M OK Program at The Mill Apartments was made
possible through a collaborative effort between Fidelis Health Care, who
provides funding for the program, Catholic Charities of Oswego County, and
the Red Cross. Seated from left are Residents Betty Graham, Marjorie Foil,
and Mary Hoyt. Standing from left are: Supervisor of Community Services
for Catholic Charities, Helen Hoefer; Danielle Lundy Losurdo of Catholic
Charities; Director of the Oswego Branch of American Cross of CNY,
Danielle Hayden; Emergency Services Manager with American Red Cross
of Central New York, Susan Pope; and Resident Services Coordinator, Ann
Casey.
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Please remember to support the United Way
of Greater Oswego County. As a primary
source of funding, their support makes our
efforts to serve the community possible.
Catholic Charities Supports Community Garden
As part of the Nutrition Collaboration of Oswego County, Catholic Charities
is once again co-sponsoring the Fulton Community Garden project. Located at
John Lincoln Park, the project provides participants the chance to have their own
garden bed where they can grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers that will be theirs to
enjoy. The garden has expanded to 24 beds allowing more community members
the opportunity to participate in the project. There will also be one bed with herbs
for the participants to enjoy herbs at their leisure. Fulton City residents interested
in participating in the project and having their own garden bed for vegetable,
herbs, or flowers should contact Helen Hoefer at 315-598-3980.
Community Garden Committee: Jan Smith, master gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension; Lori Halstead, OCO Nutrition
Services; Amy Roland, director, OCO Nutrition Services; Helen Hoefer, supervisor, Catholic Charities Community Services; Lois
Luber, resource development director, United Way of Greater Oswego County; and Cindy Walsh of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Catholic Charities of Oswego County Board Of Directors
Brian Caswell,* Chairman
Steve Frawley* Vice Chairman
Jerome Mirabito,* Past Chairman
Frances Lanigan* Secretary
James Mirabito, Treasurer
Archie Fiorini
Paul Foster
Mark Slosek
*Executive Committee
Rev. Moritz Fuchs
David Dano
Michael Pollock
Sean Broderick