Our Mission
Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse is dedicated to caring for those in need while promoting human development, collaboration, and the elimination of poverty and injustice. We strive to empower those served to transform their lives in the spirit of God’s love and compassion.
Come see what we're all about
Originally founded in the 1930s as an adoption agency, Catholic Charities of Oswego County has evolved into a midsize human service agency providing many valuable programs and services to children, families, and individuals. These wide-ranging programs touch the lives of thousands of people in communities throughout Oswego County.
What is known as Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Syracuse began in 1923. Bishop Daniel Curly was the third Bishop of the Syracuse Diocese and under this direction. Catholic Charities formally began. Catholic Charities was incorporated two years later to carry on the corporal works of mercy in Central New York. The mission of Catholic Charities has not changed a great deal since 1923, many of its activities and policies have developed in a manner that has helped to more effectively minister and respond to the problems of the day.
The ’20s and 30’s saw the growth of offices in Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton, and Oswego with core services placing a great emphasis on adoptions, counseling, and emergency assistance.
As time went on, Catholic Charities grew in the Diocese so that it is presently felt throughout the Diocese by six area offices covering Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Onondaga, Oneida-Madison, and Oswego Counties.
Our Team
Mary Margaret Pekow:
Executive Director
Karen Davies-Buckley:
Program Director
Ken Dennison
Building Safety Manager
Lori Perrault
Corporate Compliance Officer
Barbara McCann
Executive Administrator
Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our society.
Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Ms. Alexandra Fitzpatrick
Chair
Mr. Sean Broderick
Vice Chair
Mr. Kurt D’Angelo
Treasurer
Ms. Lynn Toth
Secretary
Ms. Melissa Keller
Mr. Steve Chirello
Mr. Jeffrey Dean
Ms. Gail Cooper
Mr. Dan Phillips
Ms. Stephanie Davis
Ms. Amber Verity
Ms. Allison Kanaley Trudell
Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics serves as a guide to the organizational behavior and responsibilities of the staff and the agency, in carrying out the mission of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Syracuse and its member Agencies. This Code of Ethics shall be adhered to by all Employees, Volunteers and Board members of Catholic Charities, and used to apply ethical reflection to our work, policies, operations and service to the community.
Our Partners
Work alongside us to create positive changes in our community.
