Caring Connections
Caring Connections serves residents of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties and is offered to individuals and families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Assistance includes a listening ear, referrals to and education regarding existing programs and services, budgeting assistance, advocacy, and when needed, material goods and financial assistance. Caring Connections only provides financial assistance and material goods when no other program and/or service is available to meet the need. Caring Connections seeks to be a program that enhances and supports existing services available in our region and not duplicate already existing programs and resources.
Examples of material assistance that Caring Connections offers include: bus passes and gas cards to provide transportation assistance for essential appointments, baby supplies such as diapers, wipes, baby clothing, and blankets, winter items such as hats, coats, and mittens, milk cards, and emergency food boxes. Material goods that are provided by the Caring Connections program are dependent on donations.
Financial assistance can include: assistance with utilities including electric shut-offs, housing assistance, trasnportation assistance, and assistance with paying for essential medical costs.
Individuals and families who are in need of accessing the Caring Connections program are required to come to their local Catholic Charities office and complete an application for assistance. Some back-up documentation is required. All available programs and services to meet the need must be exhausted prior to Caring Connections being able to assist. It is best to call your local office to make an appointment, however, walk-ins are welcome.
Volunteer opportunities exist for this program. Please see the Volunteer page for more information.
The Caring Connections Program is funded in part by the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties.