Catholic Charities publishes 2025 report to community

Annual report highlights agency’s challenges & accomplishments

Catholic Charities of Buffalo Press Release 

Catholic Charities of Buffalo announced the release of its 2025 report to the community, which highlights how the agency has continued to serve those in need while adapting its programs and services to meet the changing needs of the community.

“Last year wasn’t without its challenges as federal funding streams shifted resulting in program interruptions and greater hardship for the most vulnerable populations we serve,” said Chuck Hayes, chief communications and development officer for Catholic Charities. “However, we adapted where needed, implemented forward-thinking strategies, and remained steadfast in our goal to meet clients where they are and help them to develop the tools or access the services needed for them to thrive. HOPE remained within reach for more than 136,000 individuals facing life’s most difficult moments.”

The report features a tribute to Deacon Steve Schumer who retired as president and CEO in 2025. It highlights the work of the region’s most comprehensive human services agency.

A few of the major 2025 highlights include:

•Catholic Charities served 136,679 people through its more than 50 programs across 50 locations. Programs included basic emergency assistance, behavioral health, nutritional services, school-based services, stability and connectedness and workforce development.

•Catholic Charities launched the early childhood support program (ECSP), a transformative addition to the agency’s school-based services focused on nurturing the social and emotional development of preschool-aged children. The program is currently offered to families in Niagara County.

•The emergency preparedness and response team (EPRT), which connects individuals and families to critical resources, provides guidance as they move forward, and helps them regain stability and hope continues to grow. In the year ahead, EPRT will work to deepen relationships across all eight counties served by Catholic Charities, ensuring the agency remains a trusted partner in local emergency networks.

•Catholic Charities also remains focused on expanding its behavioral health services, with new sites and renovations to existing clinics to create more welcome and efficient spaces for care. The agency has also implemented an evidence-based model that centers on domestic violence and women’s healing, further strengthening its commitment to holistic support.

To view the Catholic Charities 2025 report or to download a printable PDF version, visit ccwny.org/2025report.

For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities of Buffalo has provided hope to individuals and families of all faiths, backgrounds and circumstances. It delivers wide-ranging programs to address systemic poverty, sudden financial crisis, hunger, behavioral health, workforce readiness, family stability, legal immigration and resettlement, and help for older adults. More information can be found by visiting ccwny.org.