Company's Donation Brings New Light to Shelter

         The residents of Dorothy Day House will be a little warmer this winter thanks to Pella of CNY, a regional Pella Window and Door distributor, who has recently joined with Catholic Charities of Onondaga County to aid in remodeling the house.

            Dorothy Day House serves as temporary housing and a safe haven for women and their children in crisis, who in addition to shelter, receive meals, counseling and assistance.  The recipient of approximately 60 windows donated and installed by Pella of CNY, Dorothy Day House will now be able to provide services in a much more comfortable environment.

          The generous donation comes under the leadership and direction of Jim Farrell, owner and president of Pella of CNY.

          "It gives us a high degree of comfort knowing that there is real need and meaning in what we are doing for Dorothy Day House," said Farrell.  "As a local company we want to support the local community.  Prior to becoming involved, I had no idea of the breadth of services provided by Catholic Charities.  They have a long history of doing the right things for the right reasons."

          Brian Walton, executive director Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, expressed his thanks for the donation. "We are so grateful to Jim Farrell for this generous donation. His generosity of spirit and caring truly will make a significant difference to the women and children at the shelter."

            Mary Driscoll, director of Dorothy Day House, echoed the sentiments, saying: "The windows are beautiful, a vast improvement that really makes the house stand out. It almost makes me look forward to winter!"

            Farrell, who is County Legislator for the 4th District, previously served as Mayor of the Village of Liverpool from 1997 to 2001.  Prior to opening the Pella distributorship, he held various management positions in the construction industry in Central and Northern New York as well as in Austin, Texas.

           He is a member of the Development Committee of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County and chair of the Ad-hoc committee for Ophelia's Place, a support center for people with eating disorders. Farrell has also been actively involved in supporting our youth, as a Boy Scout leader and coach, and is currently a member of the Liverpool Rotary.

Regarding his philosophy of giving and community service, he said: "There are no real profound words, it is just life. You are given a lot; you give back.  It is that simple."