May 13, 2015

OGDENSBURG- Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, has announced the distribution of $71,000 from its Community Grant Fund to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Ogdensburg to support its Healthy Families/Healthy Communities program.

“We are most grateful to Fidelis Care for this substantial grant to Catholic Charities for its Healthy Families/Healthy Communities counseling program here in the Diocese of Ogdensburg,” said Bishop Terry R. LaValley. “This is but one example of how Fidelis Care continues to assist the Church here in the North Country in our common mission of extending Christ’s love and care to the vulnerable among us.”    

Sister Donna Franklin, LCSW, Diocesan Director, added, “The support from Fidelis Care is critical in supporting Catholic Charities in its mission to shine the light of hope on the dark places of poverty, emotional stress, social marginalization, and other behavioral health issues.”

The Healthy Families/Healthy Communities program provides counseling and casework for   individuals and families who may not have access to other resources. The goal is to help them build bridges to healthier lives.
“As a supporter of this Catholic Charities program for a number of years, we believe in the positive impact it has on some of the most vulnerable residents in the Diocese,” said Rev. Patrick J. Frawley, Fidelis Care President and CEO. “We are grateful to be able to provide assistance as they improve the lives of others.”

This is the 11th consecutive year that Fidelis Care has awarded grants to non-profit organizations that share similar missions and values of service to care for the poorest and most vulnerable populations.

The grants are made in coordination with the bishops in New York State’s eight Roman Catholic Dioceses. The local grant is part of the $2.5 million being awarded Statewide by Fidelis Care through the Fund this year.

About Fidelis Care:
As the New York State Catholic Health Plan, Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life, including products available through NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace

With more than 1.2 million members Statewide, Fidelis Care was founded on the belief that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance. For more information, call Fidelis Care at 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Fidelis may be followed on  Twitter at @fideliscare and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare.