Serving the Community Year-Round

During the holiday season, the need for food, resources, and community support in Rockland County becomes even more essential as food prices continue to rise, the recent disruption to SNAP benefits has left lasting impacts, and many families are facing increased financial strain. Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland (CCCSR), an agency of Catholic Charities of New York, works year-round to ensure that vulnerable individuals and families have access to essential services, while fostering dignity, choice, and hope. The agency’s mission is rooted in the belief that every person deserves care, respect, and the support needed to thrive, particularly during times of hardship.

Bridging the Gap with SNAP Support

Jillian O’Donohoe, NOEP Coordinator at CCCSR, plays a key role in helping residents navigate the SNAP program, providing access to essential nutrition resources. “We go out to meet people where they are, making sure they know about the program, helping them learn if they might be eligible, and assisting with applications,” Jillian explains. Her guidance is especially critical for immigrant families and households with mixed immigration statuses.

“The SNAP program is vital for food access, but it’s paperwork-heavy and can be hard to navigate,” Jillian notes. “I help make the system more accessible so people can get at least a little extra money to put food on the table.” Beyond practical support, Jillian emphasizes the broader impact of CCCSR. “Without someone guiding them to the resources available, families might not know how to access help. Our work helps people get by a little easier and gives them the opportunity to improve their own lives,” she says.

Nourishing Families Through the Food Pantry

Rebecca Schepis, Food Pantry Coordinator, oversees operations that directly address food insecurity in Rockland County. The pantry serves hundreds of families each month — 478 in September, 472 in October, and over 368 by mid-November — providing essential staples such as oatmeal, rice, frozen meat, eggs, and canned vegetables. Rebecca coordinates donations from local farms, stadium events, and parishes, ensuring the pantry remains stocked year-round.

“We wouldn’t be able to meet the needs of the community, especially during the holiday season, without donations,” she says. Through her relationships with pantry clients, Rebecca ensures that families’ unique dietary and household needs are met, from baby formula to pet food, and even non-food items like toiletries.

The Heart of Volunteerism

Bonnie Koop, Dorothy O’Neill, and Jerilyn Delia help pack food bags multiple mornings each week, preparing for pantry distribution days. “It’s rewarding,” says Dorothy O’Neill “We all enjoy it and look forward to it. Occasionally we get a call that we don’t need to come in, and it’s like, oh, what am I going to do now?”

Jerilyn adds, “I feel good about volunteering. “I’ve been doing it for about a year and feel good about it.” 

“Everyone is giving from the heart, whether it’s time or money,” said Bonnie. Beyond supporting clients, volunteering builds social connection and strengthens a sense of community, something especially meaningful as many people continue to rebuild those  the isolation of the pandemic. 

Meeting Holiday Needs

The holiday season brings unique challenges and opportunities. With colder weather, seasonal work fluctuations, and the need for those in the community, CCCSR prepares with targeted initiatives. Families receive special Thanksgiving distributions, including turkeys and supplemental food items, while the Christmas “Adopt a Family” program connects donors with households in need, providing gift cards so families can select meaningful presents.

“Even if someone doesn’t have the resources for holiday traditions, we help make it possible for them to participate, enjoy the season, and feel included,” Jillian explains. The agency ensures that families can celebrate and enjoy time with loved ones without worrying about basic needs.

Strengthening the Community Through Partnership

Community partnerships are essential to CCCSR’s mission. 

Collaborations with local parishes, schools, nonprofit organizations, and donors help the agency expand its reach and create a continuum of care. “When people are in need, it’s rarely just one need,” Jillian says. “By working together with other organizations, we address the whole spectrum of challenges a person or family may face.”

This collective effort allows CCCSR to respond quickly to crises, such as SNAP pauses or increased food demand, while building long-term solutions for food security and community well-being.

A Message of Hope

For Jillian, Rebecca, and the volunteers, the goal is to provide hope as much as resources. “Even the smallest difference can mean the world to someone,” Jillian says. “We want families to feel respected, supported, and cared for, especially during the holidays.” Rebecca adds, “People already seem really grateful for what we’re able to give them. Our goal is to make them feel safe, welcomed, and valued.”

The work of CCCSR demonstrates the power of community, compassion, and generosity. From year-round SNAP support to holiday distributions and volunteer programs, the agency ensures that families in Rockland County can meet basic needs while also participating in the joy and traditions of the season.

How You Can Help

This holiday season, CCCSR invites everyone to be part of its mission, through volunteering, donating, or simply supporting neighbors in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps transform lives, build stronger communities, and bring hope to Rockland County.

We count on your support to make services like this possible. You can provide help and create hope.  Make a generous, tax-deductible gift today.