Spring 2021 Efforts Result in $1,740 Impact in Local Community

April is National Volunteer Month, and Trocaire is marking the occasion by highlighting some of the recent good work by the college’s Mercy Action Project (MAP).

What is MAP?

Service is in Trocaire’s very DNA as a college founded by the Sisters of Mercy. As part of Trocaire’s commitment to its Mercy heritage and the impact service makes in the community, every student must participate in MAP before graduation.

This co-curricular learning experience provides local service opportunities that integrate Trocaire’s mission while connecting that service to a student’s career path. The purpose of MAP is to promote a campus culture committed to personal enrichment and service in the spirit of the Sisters.

Spring 2021 MAP students had the opportunity to serve in a group project supporting (JFS).

Immigrant and Refugee Resettlement Project

One of the ways JFS assists the local refugee, immigrant and asylum-seeking population is by welcoming them to their new homes and providing household necessities to get them started. This spring, MAP students—with help from the generosity of the Trocaire community—collected 20 baskets of household goods to help that effort, which will be placed in houses awaiting their new refugee and immigrant residents.

MAP students raised more than $1,000 worth of basket items, in addition to $500 in gift cards that will allow JFS Resettlement Project families to purchase items needed to settle into their homes themselves.

Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, would be proud as our students committed to working in the name of one of the Sisters’ Critical Concerns, Immigration,” said Colleen Steffen, coordinator of community-based learning at Trocaire. “These baskets give dignity to those needing it most by helping them to set up their home with blankets, comfort items, cleaning supplies and emergency items as they begin new lives.

COVID-19 Relief Fund

MAP students also supported JFS’ COVID-19 relief fund by selling 48 succulents in one week, resulting in $240. These funds will go to benefit the three groups JFS has identified as suffering most as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: children, families and senior citizens.

COVID-19 has definitely shifted the way service and volunteering looks in our world,” said Steffen. “Despite this adjustment, our Spring 2021 MAP students have stepped up and made a difference. We each have the power to carry the Mercy legacy forward, and I am proud to see our students make this impact in our community.

The post National Volunteer Month Spotlight: Mercy Action Project (MAP) appeared first on About.

Mercy Heritage Week 2020 is upon us! Though our celebration might look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent need to maintain social distancing for everyone’s safety, Trocaire’s Office of Student Affairs still has a full week of Mercy-centered programming planned.

Each Day, Trocaire will focus on one of the of the Sisters of Mercy. Click the links below to check out what each day will hold!

Monday, Sept. 21: Nonviolence

Tuesday, Sept. 22: Immigration

Wednesday, Sept. 23: Earth

Thursday, Sept. 24 (Mercy Day): Women

Friday, Sept. 25: Racism

The post Mercy Heritage Week 2020 appeared first on About.

This week allows the entire Trocaire community to come together in big ways and small and embrace the values on which the college was founded by the Sisters of Mercy. From “meeting the unmet need” of our students and the wider community to advocating for the , we invite everyone to participate in as many Mercy Heritage Week activities as they can.

Throughout the Week

• Back Foyer:
  • Balloon Arch
  • Tea with snacks (different snack each day)
  • Mercy Artifacts
  • Non-perishable food drive for Catherine’s Cupboard (orange collection boxes in back foyer and around campus)

• Commons:
  • Candy tea cups
• Sacred Space (Room 316):
  • Looping videos on Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy
• Activity sign-in (end of the week drawing for prizes)

��

Daily Event��Schedule

Each day focuses on a different Critical Concern of the Sisters of Mercy.

Monday 9/23
Critical Concern: Non-violence

All Day: Personal Pledge of Non-Violence (Commons)

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Prayer Flag Activity (Commons)

10:30-11:30 a.m.: Buffalo Peacekeepers (Commons)

Noon-1 p.m.: Toward the Common Good Luncheon (Room 260)
Topic: Aiming for Sanity: Confronting the Gun Violence Culture

Tuesday 9/24 (Mercy Day)
Critical Concern: Women

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Sacred Space Open House and Interfaith Trivia with prizes (Sacred Space)

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Chocolate Crosses & Questions with Sisters of Mercy (Commons)

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: A Comfortable Cup of Tea with snacks (Library)

11:45 a.m.: Mass (Sacred Space)

Wednesday 9/25
Critical Concern: The Earth

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Catherine’s Cupboard Open House (Room 340)
Refreshments & snacks will be served

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Pledge to Care for Our Planet (Courtyard)

Noon-1 p.m.: Speak for the Earth (Courtyard)

Thursday 9/26
Critical Concerns: Immigration and Racism

11 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Where is YOUR passion?” Meet and greet Mercy Sisters Janet Korn and Mary Marvin and hear the Sisters’ stories regarding their civil disobedience on behalf of the treatment of immigrant children in ICE detention facilities, and how that landed them in jail. Sisters will be Room 303 at 11 a.m. and then in the Commons starting at noon (all welcome to both sessions)

Friday 9/27
The Mercy Charism: Our History and Heritage

1-2 p.m.: Tour of the Mercy Center. Meet in front of the bookstore at 12:45 p.m.
Registrations are encouraged but not required. To register, contact Bob Shearn (Mission Office) at x2483 or��shearnr@trocaire.edu.

The post Slate of Events Scheduled Sept. 23-27 to Celebrate Mercy Heritage Week appeared first on About.

Ģ����ý held a panel discussion on human trafficking titled “The Trauma of Human Trafficking: A Healthcare Response” on April 25. More than 40 people from both the college and the outside community attended.

Trocaire draws inspiration from its founding ����and Catholic social teaching, with its emphasis on human dignity and the common good. Organized by the college’s Office of Mission, Ministry and Service, this event also speaks to the Sisters’ five Critical Concerns, two of which are supporting women and advocating for non-violence.

“Traffickers prey upon the vulnerable. They deceive, coerce, and abuse their victims,” explained Bob Shearn, Trocaire’s director of Mission, Ministry and Service. “Consequently, victims are often deeply traumatized and typically bear deep psychological and emotional scars from the trampling of human dignity, in addition to any physical wounds.”

Panelists at the event included:

Julie Palmer, executive director of����(People Against Trafficking Humans), a faith-based not-for-profit organization working to end human trafficking in Western New York and beyond through education, prevention and restoration.

Kelly Galloway, executive director of��,��a Christian organization in Buffalo that works to help those exploited through human trafficking through housing, a 12-month healing program, life skills and coaching sessions, and awareness efforts.

Cheryl Catuzza, MSN, RN, Nursing faculty at��Ģ����ý. Cheryl has worked extensively in the public health sector over the past seven years, especially among the youth detention population. She has seen firsthand the devastating effects of human trafficking on its victims and has worked to help heal and restore their lives.

Mary Jo��Gugino-Colligan,��Mercy associate and president of����a Christ-centered non-profit in Rochester dedicated to helping women and girls achieve freedom, dignity and restoration locally, across the nation and around the world.

“Our panel of experts represented a wealth of experience and distinct perspectives on working with victims of human trafficking, both from a healthcare and human services perspective,” Shearn said. “They helped attendees explore the world of trauma and offer approaches to identifying, treating, and hopefully, restoring the lives and dignity of those who have been affected.”

Those in attendance heard about how these organizations are working on the front lines to provide vital services to victims, and the panelists also inspired attendees to raise questions, offer comments and share their own stories about human trafficking and its devastating effect on the community.

The post Community Experts Take the Floor at Trocaire’s Human Trafficking Panel appeared first on About.

One of the best parts about working at Ģ����ý is the ability to connect and engage with our Buffalo and Western New York communities. Whether it’s as a faculty or staff member, working here is the chance to be part of an institution that possesses a mission that truly encourages participation such as volunteerism, civic engagement, and other means of engaging and interacting with members of our community. This environment is influenced by our founders the , their , and because of their influence and the college’s heritage, it’s truly a great place to work.

As we are always looking for amazing people to join our college community, if you are interested in job opportunities with the college, !

How I’m Involved- National Federation for Just Communities of WNY (NFJCWNY)

One of the ways I am active in my community is as a Board of Directors member of the (NFJCWNY). All of the organization’s programs promote understanding and respect among people of all races, religions, and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution, and education. In accomplishing our work, we seek first to raise awareness and then to educate and empower our youth, as well as emerging and community leaders to become agents of change in transforming our society. To accomplish our goals requires the dedication of the organization’s hard working staff, my fellow board members, and volunteers, as well as the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations. We actively open dialogue in the community others may be hesitant to discuss in safe, respectful forums. This work is meaningful and crucial given today’s divisive political and social climates.

The NFJCW recently and it was a wonderful opportunity to hear a bit about his personal and professional journey, and how he has made an impact within higher education and our community.��Individuals are awarded this citation based in part to their devotion to the spirit of human relations. In addition to Dr. Deeb, this year’s honorees were: Pamela Jacobs Vogt (Community Leader), Gary P. Hall (WTS, Inc.), and Dr. Sol Messinger (Community Leader). Each are inspirational leaders and it was a wonderful celebration of their contributions to our community. Ģ����ý was honored to be included in the festivities!

I’m very proud of my board membership and of the activities and events of the NFJCWNY. They are truly working towards greater understanding within our community, and the work they do could not be any more important than it is today. If you’d like to learn more about them, make sure to check out their website or on and !

What it all Means to Me

When I began my work at Ģ����ý, I had no idea how the five critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy would affect me so deeply. Getting to know the mission and values of Trocaire and seeing them in action every day on the job while working with staff, faculty, and students, I recognize now that I identify with and care deeply about those critical concerns and feel passionate about making sure that I weave them into my everyday life and work. That’s why I’m involved with organizations like the NFJCWNY and that’s why I’m proud that my college community encourages my active participation.

Working toward greater good in Buffalo and Western New York makes me happy and makes me feel as though I am putting my skills and education to good use, making a positive impact and a difference in my community. Working at Trocaire allows me to do that and so much more. I am working somewhere that changes people’s lives. That is because our students choose their individual career-oriented path here, and through hard work and perseverance they go on to change the trajectory of their lives and that of the members of their families, many of them going on to have one-on-one contact in the healthcare professions, taking care of our citizens and making their own unique positive impact on our community and the world.

Coming to work every day is challenging, rewarding, and a wonderful way to make an impact and I’m glad to be a part of this very unique college community.

The post Community Relations: NFJCWNY | Guest Blog Post: Emily Burns Perryman appeared first on About.

Presentation is Monday, May 6

Ģ����ý�� Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Allyson Lowe��and Sandi DiMola, J.D., Chair,�� Programs in Government and Management at Carlow University, will present “The Use of Service-Learning in Teaching Conflict” on Monday, May 6. This event will take place in the Mary Clare Development Center (Main Campus Room 460) from 2-3:30 p.m., and all are invited to attend.

Lowe and DiMola wrote about the presentation topic in a chapter of “”

“A frequent criticism of field-based learning is that what students are learning, as well as how they are learning it, differs so much from their other courses that it feels like a one-off occurrence. In designing two different service learning experiences, we were intent on using the field experiences to augment what students of political science were learning about conflict,” the authors explain in the book’s introduction.

“Their courses were designed to involve students in deliberative democracy and community conflict resolution and to connect these experiences directly to theory and case studies on the topic. At the same time, the service aspect of the courses reflects the commitment of the universities to civic engagement and community service understood through both secular and religious lenses.”

Both Trocaire and Carlow University were founded by the Sisters of Mercy, whose include nonviolence, anti-racism, earth, women and immigration.

“The May 6 session will spotlight Lowe and DiMola’s research and publication, which demonstrates scholarship rooted in the Sisters of Mercy values,” said Dawne Bost, MCDC faculty success coordinator.

Please contact Bost with any questions.

The post VPAA Allyson Lowe to Speak on the Use of Service Learning in Teaching Conflict appeared first on About.

A Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Trocaire draws inspiration from Catholic social teaching with its emphasis on human dignity and the common good. This event also speaks to the Sisters’ five Critical Concerns, two of which are supporting women and advocating for non-violence.

Human trafficking, a form of modern slavery, affects mostly women, but also children and men from all walks of life, race, ethnicity and socio-economic strata.

“Traffickers prey upon the vulnerable. They deceive, coerce, and abuse their victims,” explained Bob Shearn, Trocaire’s director of Mission, Ministry and Service. “Consequently, victims are often deeply traumatized and typically bear deep psychological and emotional scars from the trampling of human dignity, in addition to any physical wounds.”

Panelists at the event will include:

Julie Palmer, executive director of (People Against Trafficking Humans), a faith-based not-for-profit organization working to end human trafficking in Western New York and beyond through education, prevention and restoration.

Kelly Galloway, executive director of , a Christian organization in Buffalo that works to help those exploited through human trafficking through housing, a 12-month healing program, life skills and coaching sessions, and awareness efforts.

Cheryl Catuzza, MSN, RN, Nursing faculty at Ģ����ý

Mary Jo��Gugino-Colligan, Mercy associate and president of a Christ-centered non-profit in Rochester dedicated to helping women and girls achieve freedom, dignity and restoration locally, across the nation and around the world.

“Today’s panel of experts have a wealth of expertise dealing with victims of human trafficking, both from a healthcare and human services perspective,” Shearn said. “They will help us to explore the world of trauma as it pertains to victims of human trafficking, and offer approaches to identifying, treating, and hopefully, restoring the lives and dignity of those so victimized.”

“The Trauma of Human Trafficking: A Healthcare Response” will take place at the Mercy Center auditorium, located at 625 Abbot Road in Buffalo (across the street from Trocaire’s main campus). Attendees are welcome to park on the streets around the Mercy Center, and there will also be shuttle service from the parking lot of the Salem Lutheran Church on the corner of Whitfield and McKinley Parkway.

The post Trocaire to Hold Public Panel Discussion on Human Trafficking & the Healthcare Response; Event is 4/25 appeared first on About.

• Karen Clinton Jones, Ph.D., Chief Diversity Officer/ Title IX Coordinator at Buffalo State College
• Wookoo Kim, MSW, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the SUNY at Buffalo School of Social Work
• Michael Martin, Executive Director of Native American Community Services
• Casimiro Rodriguez Sr., President of the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY Inc.
• Thomas Vane, MS, Director of Student Engagement at Ģ����ý

Click here for full bios on all the panelists.

“With a focus on power, privilege, and oppression, panelists will discuss efforts to build a more just culture on our campus, in our communities, and as a nation,” explained Director of Student Engagement Thomas Vane. “An anonymous Q&A session, facilitated by technology, will follow the discussion to continue the dialogue.”

This workshop, as part of the C3 program, will be livestreamed through Zoom. To receive the link to the livestream, please email Tom Vane.

*Reminder: this panel is open to the entire Trocaire community. You do not have to be registered in the C3 program to attend.

The post C3 Committee to Host Panel on Social Justice, Racism on March 28 appeared first on About.

Community relations and community outreach refers to the various methods used to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with the community and Trocaire’s most important stakeholders.

Part of that work ensures that Trocaire is well represented and that our college community makes positive contributions to the community we are a part of. We can’t accomplish that unless we head out into Western New York and meet with and talk to people and organizations to learn about them and identify where there may be opportunity to connect and collaborate.

Recently, Trocaire’s Director, Marketing and Public Relations made contact with several amazing Western New York nonprofit organizations that are doing incredibly important work within the community. In fact, many of their missions and visions align well with the of Trocaire’s founders and thus, you can see a Mercy spirit alive and well within many areas of Buffalo Niagara.

Here are a few of the organizations she got to know better. Check them out to learn more about the ways they contribute to our community and make sure to contact them if you are interested in learning more!

– aims to increase access to and the utilization of preconception, prenatal,��perinatal��and postpartum health care services within vulnerable populations to enable improved birth outcomes.

–
Raises awareness, develops systems and provides advocacy that improves engagement and outcomes with
restorative solutions for offenders, victims and community.

works to integrate foreign born Western New Yorkers through a diverse array of support services including those within the healthcare sector.

The post Connecting with Our Community appeared first on About.

Ģ����ý’s Office of Mission, Ministry and Service is sponsoring a panel discussion on the topic of immigration this Thursday, Nov. 15. The event will be held from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Mercy Center auditorium (625 Abbott Road, across the street from the college), and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The discussion, titled “Immigration: Welcoming the Stranger in an Age of Displacement,” will feature four panelists with unique perspectives on this issue, one of the most pressing and vital of our time. They are:

• Bassam Deeb, Ph.D., Ģ����ý President
• Solomon Nelson Ph.D., English faculty member at Trocaire
• Sister Janet Korn RSM, Director of the Institute Justice Team of the Sisters of Mercy
• Sara Safarzadeh-Amiri, MD, primary care physician and Director of Community Engagement at Jericho Road Community Health Center.

The Sisters of Mercy founded Ģ����ý, and immigration is one of the order’s . This panel discussion will allow exploration of the issue through the lens of Catholic social teaching.

“Millions of people worldwide have been forced from their homes, displaced by war, natural disasters, social upheaval, persecution, and rampant violence. Others—voluntary migrants—seek a better life and more opportunity for themselves and their families,” explains Bob Shearn, Trocaire’s director of Mission, Ministry and Service. “Both groups, upon seeking admittance to a host country, often spur questions and in some cases raise deep-seated fears among native-born citizens.”

The panel will explore many of those questions and fears as they relate to immigration within the context of the United States. Above all, the panelists will examine the particular role and responsibility of developed countries, stable societies and communities of faith as they seek to respond to the suffering and plight of the displaced who are searching for refuge, stability, hope and opportunity.

The post Trocaire to Sponsor Panel Discussion on Immigration appeared first on About.