The Diocese of Albany covers fourteen counties, most of which is rural countryside. Schenectady County Catholic Charities Senior Services provides nutritious meals, support services and companionship for senior citizens who mostly live in very remote places and have no means of getting out to shop or to socialize.

Amy Williams, pictured in the center with Shirley McLaughlin, Dolores Kloczko, Arlene Tetreault and Joan Clemons, is the Senior Services meals manager in Duanesburg who organizes prepared meals for a weekly average of 75 seniors, many of whom are transported by Catholic Charities to the community center and fed delicious meals prepared by volunteer Miss Betty. Here, seniors who might otherwise be alone to fend for themselves, also find companionship and activities to enjoy. In addition, Amy organizes shopping trips for seniors each Wednesday and also assists her seniors with a variety of problem solving so that when they leave, as she says, “They will always leave smiling.”

Catholic Charities Senior Services operates four senior dining locations in the county offering meals and daily classes in wellness and exercise. For seniors who are homebound, home delivered meals are available seven days a week. Transportation services are offered to transport seniors and mobility impaired residents to medical appointments, senior dining locations and personal visits with family and friends.

More and more people in these most difficult economic times are in need of the services and programs Catholic Charities provides to enhance the quality of life and dignity of people of all ages and backgrounds.