Catholic Charities promotes Elise Pogorzelski to senior director

Catholic Charities of Buffalo has announced the promotion of Elise Pogorzelski to senior director, school-based services. In this new role, she oversees Catholic Charities’ school-based offerings, which include the in-school social work, Closing the Gap, and foster grandparent programs, as well as works toward expanding partner networks and community-based service collaborations.

“In her well-deserved new role, Elise will continue to guide our school-based services staff in providing the extra supports needed to help students overcome obstacles they may face in achieving success in the classroom,” said Deacon Steve Schumer, president and CEO, Catholic Charities.

With more than a decade of social work and school counseling experience, Pogorzelski joined Catholic Charities in 2020 as clinical supervisor for the in-school social work program. Holding roles of increasing responsibility over the past few years, she was most recently director, school-based services. Pogorzelski is a resident of Buffalo.

Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment, and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success. An excellent steward of the contributions it receives, Catholic Charities earns the highest rating, four stars, from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. 

For more information, visit ccwny.org.