Our 26th Annual Sister Rachel Campaign “Caring Beyond Belief”, is now underway.
All dollars raised by this effort stay in Herkimer County and go directly to the support of our local programs like RISE Recovery Community Outreach Center.
As the holiday season is approaching, it is common this time of year for us to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. We give thanks for our health, our families and loved ones, for our prosperity. However, there are individuals and families in Herkimer County who are not as blessed as we are. Some who are struggling with addiction, homelessness, and trauma and have limited financial and moral supports.

Read a testimonial from Paul, a RISE volunteer
After struggling with substance misuse for 30 years, Paul was referred by his treatment provider to RISE Recovery Community Outreach Center a program of Catholic Charities for ongoing support in his recovery journey. At 14 years old, Paul started using substances for “fun”. It took Paul “a long time” to realize he was using to self-medicate for an undiagnosed mental health issue. Paul suffered from childhood trauma, and drugs helped to numb his feelings.
Paul joined RISE in May 2022 and has been an active member. He volunteers his time to plan and assist with sober events and activities, such as our annual Celebrate Recovery Event, participates in all aspects of the center and offers peer support to fellow members. With RISE’s help, Paul is also pursuing his Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Credential so he can use his lived experience to help others in need. Most importantly, Paul is currently 7 months substance free and his enthusiasm for continued recovery is contagious.
Paul states, “RISE is a God send. It is a safe place where I go and get support, something to eat, someone to talk to who understands the problems I face in my recovery. RISE has shown me that I can have sober fun and still focus on my recovery. It is comforting knowing I can come to RISE and not be judged. I can honestly say I would not be where I am today without them.”
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is now open and taking applications. To apply or for more information visit otda.ny.gov/ERAP or call 844-NY1RENT (844-691-7368

Our Office remains open but services will be coordinated over the phone. Clients should call ahead in at 315 894-9917.
- NOEP/SNAP Food Stamps Please call our office at 315 894-9917
- Ilion/Frankfort Food Pantry - (for Ilion /Frankfort Residents) Remains open. Guests should call ahead at (315) 894-9917 for an appointment
- Kateri Thrift Store - Open Tues-Fri 11am-2pm. Donations of gently used items accepted at store.
- Domestic Violence Support - Hotline available 24 hours at 315 866-0458
- Runaway & Homeless Youth Hotline - available 24 hours at 315 894-1112
- Emergency Assistance Program - please call 315 894-9917 ext. 248
- HIICAP counselors available by calling 315-894-9917
VALLEY TOUGH
Meet Brennen Thompson
Follow Brennen's Journey at Valleytough.com, Facebook, or Youtube. Click here to donate to his Go Fund Me page.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany is one of the largest, private, social service agencies in the region, helping more than 84,000 people each year in the fourteen counties of the Albany Diocese. Our motive is simple: to address basic human need at all stages of life regardless of race, religious belief, ethnicity, or lifestyle with special emphasis on the poor and vulnerable in our society.
Mohawk Valley Gives Food Insecurity Challenge Initiative
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