“To welcome the stranger” is right in line with our values as a Matthew 25 Presbytery and so we are forwarding the opportunity described in the following message for your consideration:

Hello Friends,

Many of you have been asking us: “What can we do to help those who helped our troops, those in crisis, who are trying to flee Afghanistan?” At Catholic Family Center, we provided services to over 22,500 people in 2020. Our mission is to partner with people – especially the vulnerable and those facing poverty – to help them achieve their full human potential. We respect all people based on our belief in the inherent human dignity and worth of clients, colleagues, and community members. We offer hope to everyone regardless of race, religion, sex, age, range of ability, or culture.

CFC and our partners are ready to welcome those Afghan interpreters and others who provided support to the U.S. Armed Forces or at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, as part of the US State Department Special Immigration Visa (SIV) program. Rochester is one of 25 cities in the US to welcome families in this situation, and many of them are grateful to now call Rochester their new home. We are asking for your help as we welcome these families that are facing such loss. We are in desperate need of essentials to help these families get settled here in their new home.  The good news is, there are several ways you can help, including the simple act of checking in on your Afghan neighbors to offer your support, and to keep all affected by this situation in your hearts, and in your prayers.

Donate Items: we are seeking donations of NEW:
• Cleaning sprays/disinfectant wipes
• Laundry Detergents
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Dish soap
• Baby Diapers of any size
• Baby wipes
• Sponges
• Garbage bags
• Body wash 
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Pillows
• Basmati Rice
• Gift Cards to Price Rite

Donations of new or very gently used items:
*Our guidance for donated used items is “if it is to your standard that you would give it to a friend or family member, isn’t ripped, stained, or fraying, we would be happy to take them.”
• Boxed fans or table fans
• Plates, bowls, cups
• Blankets
• Bedding (pillow cases, fitted and regular sheets-twin, double or queen only)
• Small garbage cans
• Good quality pots & pans
• Hand & bath towels

Please note: we are unable to accept used donations of the following:
• Clothes
• Furniture (Please contact Saint’s Place in Pittsford. We partner with Saint’s Place to provide home furnishings for our Refugee families)

Where to drop off your itemsAll donations can be dropped off to 87 N. Clinton Avenue, Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm. Our entrance is on Pleasant Street, where you are able to park in the designated parking zone. Upon entering, please let the front desk staff know that you are donating items for Ally Ewing. 

Or, you can donate items via our Amazon WishList!
If you want to support CFC but aren’t able to drop items off, please click HERE to shop our Amazon Wish List. Once you have all items you want to donate in your cart, please select the below shipping address, and all items will come directly to our office so we can deliver to clients.

Your Direct Gift of Support (money)
If you would like to make a monetary donation, please visit HelpCFC.com. There is an option to choose a program “I’m most interested in,” where you will find the option, Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Programs, that will direct your donation specifically towards this effort. Or, you may send your donation to CFC: Catholic Family Center, Attn: Fund Development, 87 North Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604

Other Fundraising Options
Please see this resource document to learn other ways to support Catholic Family Center year-round. This Fundraising Catalog is a wonderful resource for groups, clubs, teams, offices, or seniors who need to complete a capstone project! Learn more about Refugee Resettlement in RochesterCFC is proud to play a part in helping refugees pursue their dreams. Our Refugee Resettlement programs offer a broad set of services that help refugees make the most of the fresh opportunities available to them in the Rochester community who for more than 100 years have welcomed them with open arms.

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn how you can support our efforts. If you have any questions, please contact Ally Ewing at [email protected].  We appreciate your generosity as we support families arriving in Rochester! In gratitude,
Lisa HoytDirector, Refugee and Immigration Services