GOSHEN – Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster is excited to announce its 2025 Caritas Award honorees. 

The awards will be presented at the 19th annual Catholic Charities Celebration of Charity and Caritas Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Receiving the 2025 Caritas Awards will be:

Fr. George Hafemann, St. John’s Church, Goshen

Mike Oates, President & CEO, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation

Kathy Sheehan, RN, Vice President of Patient Care Services & Assistant Chief Nursing Office, Montefiore 

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital 

Stewart’s Shops

The Caritas Awards are presented by Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster annually to organizations and individuals who exemplify the agency’s mission to provide help and create hope for our neighbors in need.

“Strong community partners, like the 2025 Caritas honorees, help our dedicated Catholic Charities’ team members lift up those who are struggling so that we may build stronger, healthier, more vibrant communities,” said Shannon Kelly, CEO, Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster.

Catholic Charities touches the lives of those in need of care, hope, and help. Programs include prevention, treatment, and recovery support for those struggling from the disease of addiction. Assistance with food, shelter, and other social safety-net supports helps individuals and families meet basic human needs. Christmas Giving Programs make the holidays happier for hundreds of children. Immigration legal services help people navigate their path to citizenship. Each year, Catholic Charities assists thousands of individuals and families, regardless of a person’s religion. Detailed program information is available at www.cccsos.org. 

“The spirit of generosity, commitment to community, and collaborative support displayed by this slate of Caritas honorees is a blessing to the people we serve,” said Ms. Kelly. “We are looking forward to bringing the 2025 Caritas event to a new venue for an exciting evening of Celebration.” 

The 19th annual Celebration of Charity and Caritas Awards Dinner will be held Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Epicenter at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello (located at 888 Resorts World Drive). The event starts at 5:30 pm with a social hour and silent auction, followed by a sit-down dinner and awards ceremony.

A variety of sponsorship and journal ad opportunities will be available to recognize the 2025 Caritas Award honorees and support Catholic Charities. The funds raised from the Celebration stay local to support Catholic Charities’ programs in the community. For more information about tickets, sponsorships, or congratulatory journal ads, contact Kristin Jensen, at 845.294-5124 x1005 or kristin.jensen@cccsos.org.