It is an honor to shine this month’s SobelCo nonprofit spotlight on Child Care Services provided by Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM).
It is under the guidance of the Executive Team, comprised of Julio Coto, Executive Director, Marci Booth, Associate Executive Director, Marie Zissler, Chief Financial Officer and Christine Salimbene, Director of Compliance, that Catholic Charities is able to accomplish its goals. Working closely with an extraordinarily committed and passionate Board, led by the Board of Trustees President, The Most Rev. James Francis Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen and Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., CEO, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, CCDOM has become well-regarded for the Child Care Programs it has developed, fostering and supporting the youngest members of the family in a warm and nurturing environment.
A mission and vision
The leadership of Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen has never strayed from its mission and vision while also upholding the core values that bind them together. Driven by Catholic social teaching, Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen provides quality services including Child Care, that is delivered with dignity and respect to the poor, vulnerable, and all people in need and partners with families and communities to improve the quality of life.
Likewise, the leadership is committed to ensuring the continuity of a vibrant, dynamic Agency dedicated to helping all individuals and families reach full potential while advocating for a more just and compassionate society. The first place to begin this journey is with the parents and children who depend on CCDOM’s Child Care Programs.
A lesson of values
Across the Diocese, every staff member and volunteer holds fast to basic beliefs that place the highest value on the:
- Freedom of individuals to pursue their full potential
- Dignity and fullness of all human life
- Poor, the vulnerable and the devalued
- Differences of others
- Sanctity of the family
With a culture that guarantees that justice and compassion be administered to all, CCDOM has had a significant, positive impact on the individuals, families and neighborhoods it serves.
CCDOM is family focused
The person is not only sacred but is also recognized as a social being. As such, marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. People have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable with an extra concern for society’s very youngest.
Excellent Child Care is at the core of a strong family
From the highest levels, there is a deep understanding and acceptance that a successful, vibrant community is founded on strong family units. That is why one of the most important aspects of the Agency is its dedication to providing excellent Child Care.
With over 30 years’ experience in offering high quality affordable Child Care and enrichment, Catholic Charities is dedicated to ensuring all children develop to their fullest potential in a nurturing, safe, and family friendly environment. Promoting age appropriate opportunities utilizing the latest research, their experienced and dedicated staff members give parents peace of mind while supporting school success.
The impact is far reaching
The statistics are awe inspiring! Overall, 1,438 children were enrolled in Catholic Charities Child Care Programs in fiscal year 2020, including children enrolled in Early Learning Centers, school age Child Care, and Summer Camp Programs. With over fourteen locations in four counties, Catholic Charities Child Care Programs provide continuity of services for children throughout their preschool and elementary years, the most crucial time for developmental growth. Backed by research based curriculum and State quality standards, the Child Care Programs provide individualized programming that meets the needs of the children and provides various opportunities to gain future life and leadership skills.
Secretariat for Charity
Coming together and working as one in the community, the Diocese of Metuchen created the Secretariat for Charity to uphold the vision and integrate the Church’s essential mission of charity in all that they do. It further seeks to advance a civilization of love and to rekindle a deeper desire to put love into action. Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen operates within the auspices of the Secretariat for Charity under the direction and leadership of Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., Diocesan Chancellor, and Chief Executive Officer.
While many organizations provide Child Care, CCDOM has established and continuously follows a high standard of care with special attention to the needs of young children and their families to help them succeed in today’s challenging world. As one parent wrote: “Your Program is rare and above all others! I have experience with other Programs, and there really is no comparison! Your staff training and attention to detail makes all the difference.”
