October 2025
We’re so glad to be providing you updates on all the wonderful things happening at St. Catherine’s Center for Children – all of which are made possible through “Friends of St. Catherine’s” – like you! Thank you for your support. We hope you enjoy our newsletter!
Kids’ Corner
Copson House Zoo Outing
Children in our Residential Program had a great time visiting the Utica Zoo! What started as a rainy day turned into an exciting adventure. As they explored the exhibits and learned about a variety of animals, the sun came out along with smiles and laughter. A huge thank you to our Copson House staff for spearheading these great memories for the children in our program!
Event Recaps
The 7th Annual Dr. Arthur J. Wallingford Memorial Golf Tournament
Thank you to all of our golfers, volunteers, and sponsors who gathered for the 7th Annual Dr. Arthur J. Wallingford Memorial Golf Tournament!
Your support and generosity enable us to continue providing essential programs and services that make a positive impact on the lives of the children, families, and individuals we serve.
The 3rd Annual Lansingburgh Connects Hockey Clash
Thank you to everyone who came out to watch, our participating teams, and our sponsors of the 3rd Annual Lansingburgh Connects Hockey Clash. A special thank you to Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello for dropping the puck at our championship game!
With increased participation we were able to raise DOUBLE what we did last year! All funds went directly to our community outreach program, Lansingburgh Connects, designed to link students and families to mental health and social supports to bolster student educational achievement and improve health and well-being.
LANSINGBURGH
Ways to Donate
Memories of happy holidays aren’t always a reality for parents like Sasha and David, who have two young girls and found themselves in a homeless shelter last year. For 8-year-old Aidan, who was removed from his home after suffering years of neglect, it won’t be a happy holiday season until he finds a safe and happy home with loving caregivers.
ARENA
The Foundation of
St. Catherine’s Hope for the Holidays program offers a variety of ways you can help.
For more information on how you can give back this holiday season, click below to get started!
Hope for the Holidays
WAYS TO GIVE BACK 5
Adopt-a-Child/Adopt-a-Family Reach out to us and we will match you with a child or family in need. Needs may include food, household items, clothing, or toys. Please plan for donations to be delivered by Dec. 6.
Donate a Holiday Meal
A bag of groceries is all you need to make a memorable holiday meal for a family or someone in need! Our staff will personally deliver your meal(s).
Holiday Gift Catalog
Use our Holiday Gift Catalog to make donations to support children, adults, and families in need. Call (518) 641-6802 to be added to our catalog mailing list.
Host a Children’s Holiday Party
Hosting a party for children is always a great way to bring holiday cheer! Call us if you’re interested to discuss the details.
Holiday Tree
Starting in mid-November, St. Catherine’s will collect gifts through our Holiday Trees. Visit our website for participating locations!
Executive Corner
Michele Puleo O’Hare, Executive Director, SCCC Foundation
Dear Friends,
I am privileged to witness, firsthand, our organization’s unique and transformative impact on the lives of vulnerable children, families, and adults. St. Catherine’s has been a steadfast beacon of hope, providing essential services and support to those facing some of life’s most daunting challenges. Our mission is rooted in a legacy of compassion, integrity, and advocacy. We offer a wide range of comprehensive programs tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual we serve. These programs include supportive child and family care, community-based programs, educational services, and homeless services.
Each initiative is designed with one goal in mind: to nurture and uplift children and families, helping them realize their full potential. The heart and soul of our agency have always been the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to create a nurturing and inclusive environment. Their unwavering commitment ensures that every child and family receive the care, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether providing a safe and loving home for a child in foster care, counseling a family in crisis, or supporting a child’s educational journey, our team is there every step of the way.
However, we cannot do this alone. The depth of our services are made possible through the generous support of individuals like you. By contributing to St. Catherine’s Center for Children, you are not just making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families in our community, you are becoming an integral part of our mission. By donating to our Thanksgiving Food Drive, or contributing to our Hope for the Holidays fundraiser, you are making an enormous difference to those who need it the most.
Please consider donating today. Together, we can create a brighter future for the children, families, and adults that we serve. Thank you for your continued support of and participation in our mission to transform lives.
With gratitude,
Michele Puleo O’Hare Executive Director, St. Catherine’s Center for Children Foundation
