Director of Operations Jeff Chesebro and Executive Director Robin Cotter announced Catholic Charities of Chenango County has raised enough money to purchase and renovate the property located at 103-105 Leilani Lane. This building will be the new home to the Roots and Wings programs as well as other community partners. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)

NORWICH – Catholic Charities of Chenango County, based out of Norwich, has reached the $1 million mark in their fundraising efforts to relocate and enhance emergency services programs. This includes the agency’s well known Roots and Wings Program.

A committee of Catholic Charities administrators and members of the board of directors met to review the ongoing needs of individual programming. During that time, it was identified that the Roots and Wings facility, currently located on Berry Street in Norwich, was in need of significant upgrades in order to maintain safety and security at the facility for the people who are being served there.

The agency worked with a local architect to review the needs of the facility and it was decided that due to the costs associated with upgrading the existing facility, it would be more cost effective to relocate to a new facility.

After careful consideration of available commercial properties in the area, Catholic Charities selected the property located at 103-105 Leilani Lane and began the process of applying for funding.

Roots and Wings is most commonly known for their food pantry and thrift store. However the program also includes the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program and SNAP Enrollment, Prescription Assistance Program, and Emergency Housing Programs.