A total of 82 Catholic Charities of Long Island employees were recognized for five to 30 years of service, and CEO Mike Smith worked the calculations. Their cumulative service added up to a grand total of 940 years, Smith said at the 2024 Employee Recognition Celebration on December 13 at The Heritage Club at Bethpage, where a delicious lunch was served. Smith, in his remarks, joked that he would ask the Finance Department to confirm his figures, but the sentiment behind them was clear. “Catholic Charities of Long Island is strong because of employees like all of you who have served so well over time,” he noted. “Our ministries would not be successful, or even possible, without you.”

“You are a great blessing to us, and to those you help each day. Thank you for the immeasurable good you’ve done for Catholic Charities.” Anniversary employees were cited for their work as Direct Service Professionals, for their Professional Skills and Training, and for performing Administrative and Other Professional Tasks. Paul Engelhart, Chief Operating Officer of Catholic Charities, said the number of years is being recognized along with “how they do their ministry.”

Directors and supervisors movingly described the service of 25- and 30-year honorees at Catholic Charities in the event program, which cited all anniversary employees by name.

Karina Contti, Director of Human Resources, was the day’s lead organizer with help from committee members and others. She told the honorees, "Today is a day where you can tell the love we have for you. Because of you, so many people’s lives have changed for the better.”

Contti presented the Service Awards to 5- and 10-year employees; Danielle Campbell, Director of Development and Communications, made the 15-year presentations; Jay Korth, Legal Counsel and Director of Housing, made the 20-year presentations; Richard Balcom, Chief Financial Officer, cited the 25-year employees; and Engelhart recognized the 30-year honorees. Smith posed in group photos with all those marking anniversaries. 

Before the gathering at the Heritage Club, many guests participated in a Mass of thanksgiving celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Andrzej Zglejszewski at nearby St. Martin of Tours Church in Bethpage. One of the 30-year employees, Paulette Jones, a case management program coordinator for Senior Services in Freeport, summed up the feelings of many honorees in luncheon remarks, saying, “Thirty years is beautiful when you do what you love with those that you love.”

Micheale Payne, marking her fifth anniversary with Catholic Charities, is the clinic coordinator for Mental Health Services in Medford. At the Heritage Club, she sat with Christine Lai, director of Mental Health Services, and Maureen Farrell, clinic coordinator for Mental Health Services in Bay Shore, also marking five years. At Catholic Charities, Payne says “the door is always open” if she has a question, which hasn’t always been the case at other organizations. “I can send a text saying, ‘How do I manage this?’ You get a lot of support here. That makes a big difference.” Looking around the room and seeing how many employees have served for many years at Catholic Charities, she said, “It makes me feel like it’s a place you can stay.”

Lucille Johnson, a Direct Service Professional for 15 years at Msgr. Fagan Residence in Elmont, joined the celebration after her overnight shift. She described subtle observances she makes daily with the developmentally disabled adults she cares for that guide her actions. She said it also helps to have good listening skills.

At the luncheon, she was sitting with her co-worker Valerie Okoro, marking five years with Catholic Charities. Johnson stressed that in assisting and teaching the 13 Fagan residents, she wants to help each be as independent as possible. “I let them be their own individuals,” she said. “It’s a good feeling to be recognized for all the work you do over the years,” she explained. “It lifts your spirits.”