After more than 100 years, the work of Catholic Charities is deeply woven into the fabric of our community, providing hope for all neighbors in every corner of Western New York.

Every day, Catholic Charities’ staff and volunteers provide the vital services on which so many depend. It could be a meal, professional counseling, or job training, but it’s something that gives someone the hope they need in that moment.

And that’s what the annual Appeal is all about – ensuring that both help and hope can continue through these crucial programs and services.

The Appeal helps fund more than 50 Catholic Charities programs and services that assist our neighbors who may be struggling to make ends meet, or who are facing challenges impacting their health and well-being. As the region’s most comprehensive human services provider, Catholic Charities offers behavioral health services, basic emergency assistance, food pantries, education and workforce training, family safety and stabilization programs, and so much more. We are the boots on the ground – being called to serve our neighbors.

Appeal 2025 recently announced a goal of raising $8.5 million. While this goal considers the challenges and economic realities faced by our community, the need for Catholic Charities’ services continues to grow throughout the region. Last year, we served more people than we did the previous year. This year, our neighbors are facing more difficulties as prices have increased, family budgets are tighter, and many have been faced with recent job cuts.

Gifts to the Appeal have slowed in recent years, corresponding to declines in the number of Catholics and this has forced us to operate with a laser focus on efficiency. In doing so, we were able to touch the lives of more than 147,000 children, families, individuals and seniors in need. But efficiency has its limits and even at the $8.5 million goal, our capacity to provide services will be greatly tested. The annual Appeal provides critical funding to ensure our programs continue.

We’re not just a Catholic institution, we’re a Western New York institution, and while our Catholic base always comes through with tremendous support, this year especially, support from the community at large is crucial. We serve all and are encouraging all to give.

Our community rallies to save and support the things that matter and we need them to come through again. By supporting Catholic Charities, we have a chance to save each other – from poverty, loneliness, broken families, troubled minds, lack of job skills, destructive relationships, hunger, and despair. Most importantly, we have a chance to provide hope.

Appeal 2025, the 101stt annual campaign, runs through June 30.

Deacon Steve Schumer is president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Buffalo.