A Report to the Community

As I stand on the threshold of retirement and reflect on this incredible journey of service, I find myself looking back on the extraordinary journey that has brought me here, and the immense blessings that have come with it. When I first joined Catholic Charities in December of 2019, I could never have imagined all that would unfold in the years ahead. What began as a leap of faith quickly became one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Just months after I started, the pandemic turned the world upside down. What could have been a time of retreat became one of renewal. Our staff and volunteers found creative ways to keep serving— delivering food, counseling clients remotely, and offering hope to neighbors in need.

In those early days, I witnessed their unwavering dedication, compassion, and faith. Even amid uncertainty, they showed up every day for those who needed them most. That spirit of service has defined my six years here, a constant reminder that Catholic Charities endures through people rooted in the Gospel call to love as Christ loves. From that season of uncertainty emerged deeper faith, stronger purpose, and a renewed commitment to love and serve our neighbors in their time of greatest need.

Each day, Catholic Charities meets people where they are, from gathering food for a family struggling to make ends meet, providing a listening ear to someone going through a difficult season of life, extending a helping hand to a parent looking to strengthen their relationship with their child or a starting a new friendship with an isolated senior. Every act of kindness, every service provided, is made possible by the compassion of this community. The generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the prayers of our supporters sustain this ministry. Together, we embody Christ’s call to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and bring comfort to those in distress.

As I look ahead, I am filled with HOPE. We have built a strong, faithful, and compassionate team, one that will continue to respond to the evolving needs of Western New York with integrity and grace. I am confident that, with the continued partnership of this remarkable community, Catholic Charities will not only endure but flourish.

It has been a profound honor to serve alongside so many who make this mission possible. Though it is bittersweet to step away, I do so with peace and gratitude, knowing that the Lord will continue to guide this ministry and those who support it. Together, we will keep being the hands and feet of Christ in Western New York — a beacon of HOPE, compassion, and faith for generations to come.

Peace and Blessings,
Deacon Steve Schumer

“I’m not your guy.”

A lot of times when discussing career paths and vocations, people will divulge that they felt a “calling” or compelled to step into a various role or line of work. For Deacon Steve Schumer and the role of president & CEO of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, this was simply not the case.

“It was an interesting turn of events. I did not seek this role actively,” he said. “At the time, there was all sorts of turmoil going on … it was a really difficult junction for the agency and the Diocese. But someone suggested that I apply for the job, and I said, ‘Well, thank you, but that’s a really difficult position right now. I really don’t think that I’m up for that.’”

Despite his initial hesitancy and general leaning that this wasn’t part of his plan, Schumer met with the search committee for the role, but even then, he expressed his trepidation.

“I explained to them that I’m not your guy. All my experience is in banking. I really don’t have experience in human services,” he said. “I felt that this really wasn’t the right place for me, but the search committee, after meeting with me a couple of times, said, ‘Well, you know, we’ve interviewed all these other people, and we think you’re the best fit.’”

But as the saying goes, if you want to make God laugh, you tell him your plans. On January 6, 2020, Deacon Steve arrived for his first day on the job as Catholic Charities’ president & CEO – something he attributes to the Holy Spirit. He solidified the moment with a brief presentation and a selfie with a room full of staffers.

Just 10 weeks later and barely shy of three months on the job, his office would be empty. A global pandemic stealing all sense of normalcy and sending any immediate plans adrift.

The Pandemic Changes Things

Instead of the familiar sounds of keyboards clicking, phones ringing, and the banter of colleagues, it was just the sound of his own footsteps on the carpeted stairs up to his office. And it was in that early unknown that one of the skills from his previous career burgeoned unassumingly to the forefront as a top priority: conference calls.

“The first thing we had to do was learn how to do telephone conference calls, which was something we had not done here. Just the habit of how you simply do a conference call, take attendance, things like that. I had to guide people,” he said. “It was something I had done for years at the bank because we were spread over multiple states, but this was something that the agency hadn’t done.”

Beyond that, he recalls delaying introductions with several key leaders in the local nonprofit world and dozens of staff until nearly a year and a half into his role. The pandemic once again turning things upside down.

“I should have been making my way around Western New York, having coffee with the leaders of the other large not for profits that we work with. But, once again, you don’t have coffee during the pandemic,” he laughed. “There were people who I didn’t meet until a solid year, year and a half later, once we felt comfortable seeing people face to face again. It was wild.”

But more or less, that uncertainty and unconventional ways of doing things from those earliest days at Catholic Charities have been a reoccurring theme throughout his six years with the agency.

Facing seemingly one obstacle after another – the pandemic and its aftermath, the Diocese’s bankruptcy, local and country-wide economic hardship, the closure of parishes, and the continued impact of the sex abuse scandal – Schumer’s tenure has been marked by challenges. When asked how he continued to find motivation and forge ahead, his answer was simple: the people.

The Thread That Carries Him Through

“From the very beginning, when I first started to seriously consider the idea that I might actually come to work here, I’ve always been just impressed and in awe of the people who serve here,” he said. “Before I came to work here, as a deacon, I was assigned to give homilies at Mass for Catholic Charities. I knew enough about the agency to be able to give these homilies during the Appeal, but I didn’t have the benefit of experiencing it firsthand.”

Coming in as CEO, diving into the world of Catholic Charities and seeing what the agency does at a ground level has been profoundly inspiring, he said – and that inspiration has carried Schumer through the years, even as one seemingly insurmountable obstacle arises after another.

“When I started to meet the people and go visit the sites and meet clients and really understand firsthand what we do, I fell in love,” he said. “I continue to be so in awe of all the beautiful things that we do here, and so, it’s not hard to stay motivated when you understand what we’re doing. I’ve internalized that, and when things are tough, it gives me the motivation to sort of lean in a little harder, and say, ‘We need to find a way through this.’ And we have.”

A Legacy to Leave Behind

When it comes down to what legacy Schumer wants to leave behind, it centers back on the people. As he looks back over his time at Catholic Charities, he’s proud of the caliber of people he’s brought on – whether they’re staff, board members, or volunteers – and bringing them into the fold of the agency.

“As I think back over all the things I’ve tried to accomplish, I think the best and most lasting is the team of people that I’ve been able to invite into this into this ministry. Trustees, volunteers, and employees” he said. “Over the time I’ve been here, almost all the Board of Trustees is new. Most naturally timed out as they fulfilled their terms, but because of that, I’ve had to invite new people. With management, there have been many new faces coming on over the last few years. Of course, this is not all completely on me, but I’ve been involved and had a hand. So, it’s really the people, the people, the people.”

Beyond that, Schumer hopes the agency continues to grow and flourish, and always live the mission, vision, and values of Catholic Charities.

“I hope that we have continued to grow in living the values that we have posted on the walls of our locations,” he said. “If we can live those values a little bit more, and if I’ve been able to help us continue to stay true to those in service of the mission and the vision, then I would be proud to say, ‘Okay, I’ve done my turn.’”

Change is not just something happening around us—it’s something we are leading. This year, Catholic Charities of Buffalo has embraced change with an adaptive leadership model, a strategic shift that honors the agency’s long history while welcoming new ideas and approaches. This intentional evolution allows the organization to strengthen its operations, remain nimble, and ensure that its programs continue to meet the changing needs of the community.

A key area of focus has been behavioral health services. The agency is expanding its clinic in Cheektowaga, relocating to a new site in Lockport, and renovating existing clinics in Buffalo and Niagara Falls to create more welcoming and efficient spaces for care. With an expanded New York State Office of Mental Health licensure, Catholic Charities can now serve adults in Erie and Niagara Counties. Additionally, the agency is implementing an evidence-based model that centers on domestic violence and women’s healing, further strengthening its commitment to holistic support.

Catholic Charities is also taking steps to address operational challenges proactively. The agency is transitioning its district programs to more efficient methods, incorporating screening and navigation through the New York State 1115 Waiver. This approach helps connect Medicaid members to community-based organizations that address health-related social needs, tackle root causes of instability, and improve overall health outcomes.

Innovation is reshaping how the organization delivers basic needs services. Out of nine food pantries, two new spaces have been added, and a pop-up pantry model has been introduced— allowing the agency to respond quickly to urgent food shortages or special events. Over the next year, Catholic Charities hopes to launch a mobile pantry, increasing its flexibility and reach. A new digital platform is being rolled out across pantry sites to enhance real-time data tracking, reduce errors, save staff time, and streamline service delivery.

In partnership with the Niagara County Department of Health, Catholic Charities delivers its Early Childhood Support Program (ECSP), providing IEP counseling services within preschool settings. Through this program, licensed clinicians support young children with identified developmental and social-emotional needs, collaborate closely with families and educational teams, and help strengthen skills essential for early learning, regulation, and successful participation in the classroom.

These initiatives reflect Catholic Charities of Buffalo’s commitment to both honoring its mission and embracing innovation. By combining a strong foundation with forward-thinking strategies, the agency is ensuring it can continue to provide meaningful, life-changing support to individuals and families throughout Western New York—today and for years to come.

After five years of extraordinary leadership, Mike Quinn, Chief Financial Officer, retired from his role at Catholic Charities in December 2025. Mike joined the agency in 2020 following a distinguished 25-year healthcare executive career with institutions including Catholic Health, University at Buffalo, and Roswell Park. His impact extended far beyond traditional CFO responsibilities, providing expert fiscal oversight of a $35+ million budget while also guiding Information Technology, Facilities Management, Procurement, Grant Administration, Central Billing and the Monsignor Carr Institute, among other critical operational areas, helping the agency navigate some of its most complex and fiscally challenging seasons. He championed major agency milestones including facility renovations, strategic lease and sale negotiations, and campus transitions that strengthened Catholic Charities for the future, embodying a rare blend of compassion, strategic intellect, and steadfast integrity. Director of Finance Bob Hasselbeck will succeed Mike in the CFO role, bringing proven financial expertise to lead the agency’s next chapter. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mike for his years of dedicated service, transformational leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission, and offer our sincere thanks as we wish him a long, healthy, and well-earned retirement filled with continued community involvement and joy.