Just before Lent began, 150 seventh- and eighth-graders at St. Raymond Parish in East Rockaway preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation learned about Catholic Charities of Long Island programs helping people with disabilities who previously were homeless. Students reached out by donating hundreds of toiletry items, which they packed into bags for Catholic Charities clients. 

Gena McSorley, program coordinator for Project Independence and Project Veterans Independence at CCLI, delivered evening presentations March 3-4. Her lessons focused on mental health, homelessness, and clients served by our housing programs. Catholic Charities assists Long Islanders in need with programs for people with disabilities who have formerly been homeless. McSorley told the confirmation candidates that this is one of the many ways CCLI employees and volunteers live our Gospel mission as we serve our clients.

During her interactive talk, McSorley asked students several questions, including how many homeless people live here on Long Island, what are some factors that may lead to an individual or family becoming homeless, and if you were previously homeless and then placed in an apartment or house, what are some basic items you would need? Many students eagerly raised their hands in response. 

Lucy Ostermann, director of religious education at St. Raymond, along with her teachers and staff, planned and facilitated the well-done project. Both Catholic Charities and St. Raymond Parish are looking forward to continuing the collaboration. 

Initial contact with Catholic Charities was made with Tricia Callahan, CCLI’s coordinator of volunteers and interns. Other Catholic schools interested in exploring a service project with Catholic Charities should contact Callahan at (516) 733-7044.