News
June 16th, 2025
Our Visit with Catholic Charities of Tompkins & Tioga
Catholic Charities is deeply embedded in the Tompkins and Tioga counties, driven by a mission to uplift the most vulnerable in the community. Through a range of social services—from food security and housing assistance to counseling and disaster relief—they function as a vital safety net for local residents. Their hallmark, though, is a commitment to holistic, person‑centered care, meeting people where they are.
A standout feature of the visit was learning about their robust Refugee & Immigrant Services. This program supports newly arriving families in several critical ways. They assist clients in finding housing, enrolling in schools, accessing public benefits, and navigating healthcare systems—offering continuous guidance for the first 90 days and sometimes longer. The staff emphasized their commitment to ensuring newcomers land on their feet and empowering them to actively contribute to our community.
What I love most and is near and dear to my heart is the clothing closet. New to Ithaca in 2015, as a fulltime student and single mom, Catholic Charities was my first stop. I got the services and referrals I needed, and continued to use the clothing closet until I graduated in 2019! Catholic Charities has become a trusted partner for all their clients and is a cornerstone of the region—anchored in compassion, action, and collaboration. For all stakeholders—from residents to local leaders—it’s clear: by standing together, the region becomes stronger. Written by, Gloria Coicou