Genesee Sun

New Administrator for Catholic Charities in Mount Morris

LIVINGSTON COUNTY— Catholic Charities, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to alleviating poverty in Livingston County has a new agency administrator, Tabitha Brewster.

Catholic Charities is dedicated to alleviating poverty in Livingston County. The organization, which is a branch of the Diocese of Rochester, helps support those in a time of transition or need.

"Many people come to us that are in between jobs or have fallen behind on some bill payments." said Brewster. "Our goal is to help people get back on their feet."

One of the services that Catholic Charities offers is mediation between bill collectors. For example, if a a family falls behind on their gas payment Catholic Charities helps the family negotiate a payment plan to help them get back on track so that there heat does not get turned off during the winter.

Brewster replaces former agency administrator Carlos Garcia who left for medical reasons.

In addition, the organization helps support the local food pantry. when you enter their office you see loaves of bread stacked in the lobby for those with some sparse cupboards.

One program that is in need of volunteers is the peer mentor program. A qualified volunteer works with a kid between the ages of 6-14 and serves as a roll-model and friend for the youth.

According to the program leader, Carrie Lyons, there are over 50 kids on the waiting list in need of a mentor. In addition to a background check, there is a 3 hour training session required to serve as a peer mentor.

Whether in need or looking to volunteer the Catholic Charities is living up their motto, "Help that works, help that lasts."