NORWICH – Catholic Charities of Chenango County, renowned for its role in assisting the needs of many county residents, welcomes a new executive director to the organization.
Robin A. Beckwith, longtime resident of Chenango County, has pledged her services and experience to Catholic Charities, hoping to move the non-profit agency forward with its mission. She succeeds longtime director Dr. Jane Coddington, who left the agency in July. Beckwith, who has a background in education, counseling and administration, said she is committed to the cause of Catholic Charities and is excited about her new role and the impact she’ll have in the community she loves.
“I was looking for a mission that cumulated my past experiences and education,” said Beckwith. “Instead, I felt Catholic Charities found me.”
Beckwith said she is grateful for the opportunities presented by her new position. As the previous director of mental health and developmental disabilities at Catholic Charities, she has formulated her own objectives for the organization and expresses eagerness to share her vision with the community.
Her past positions include extensive counseling work in the Otselic Valley and Oxford Academy school districts, and nursing experience at Pathfinder Village and Chenango Memorial Hospital. Additionally, she was director of education at Springbrook Kids Unlimited Preschools. She is a registered nurse and has completed a Bachelor of Science in Community and Human Services and a Masters in Science in Counselor Education.
Beckwith takes pride in the Chenango County region and praises the programs Catholic Charities makes available. Despite the economic hardships that forced the organization to previously make tough decisions, Beckwith remains optimistic about the agency’s ministry and its existing programs.
“The economic environment has forced us to streamline and re-evaluate many of our programs,” said Beckwith. “We will continue to create and develop programs as a result of a community in need.”
According to Beckwith, the organization maintains a vital purpose in Chenango County regardless of economic ails. She said she recognizes the vitality of existing campaigns like Roots and Wings and also wishes to promote new operations such as the Family Support Services Grant, which offers services to the developmentally disabled over the age of 21. Beckwith shared that Catholic Charities is always looking for ways to expand services. “I really want to move the agency forward.”
“I have come to appreciate that Catholic Charities is always responding to the needs of the most vulnerable and needy in our society,” said Beckwith. “We help to meet people’s immediate needs and put them on the path of independence.”
For more information regarding Catholic Charities of Chenango County, call 334-8244 or visit catholiccharitieschenango.com.