This past week, the city of Erie faced relentless snowstorms, high winds, and blizzard conditions that left many of us digging out and staying home. With the city in a state of emergency, these extreme conditions tested everyone’s resilience — but they did not stop our team at Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services from fulfilling our mission to serve those in need.
Through innovation and unwavering dedication, we found ways to ensure our services remained available to the community:
Counseling Services: Our therapists continued meeting with clients via telehealth, providing vital substance abuse and mental health support to individuals and families from the safety of their homes.
Adoption Services: Despite the challenges, our adoption team successfully held virtual meetings with families, keeping the momentum moving forward for those pursuing the joy of building their families.
Refugee Resettlement Services: Perhaps the most extraordinary effort came from our reception, placement, and housing staff, who braved the snow-covered streets and blizzard conditions to safely and effectively collect two client families. These incredible team members worked tirelessly and safely to connect with families, ensuring they had the resources and support they needed despite the storm.
This was truly a demonstration of service above all else. Our team’s commitment to our mission, even during such extreme circumstances, highlights the heart of what Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services stands for: compassion, perseverance, and care.
While the weather may have slowed the city, it could not stop the work of serving our community. We are proud of our staff’s efforts and thankful for the trust our clients place in us.
Thank you for your continued support, which allows us to remain a constant in people’s lives, no matter the obstacles. Together, we continue to bring hope and healing to those who need it most.