The Social Outreach Committee at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church presented a $5,000 check May 8 to the Contigo Youth Club co-founders and directors, Mariah Naegele and Bulay Miñano. Contigo Youth Club is a Catholic program for first through ninth graders that enriches them in Catholic values through a range of after school activities.
Contigo was created in 2021 and it is designed to improve youth outcomes with caring and trained adults who are positive role models and provide a safe and supervised place to grow spiritually and academically. Housed in St. Anthony’s of Padua Church in Falls Church, more than 100 children received assistance already this year with an anticipated total of 70 children signing up for the summer camp programs.
The donation is from the estate of a former committee member, Arlene Griff. It is a lasting reminder of her commitment to the community that extends beyond a lifetime.
The presentation took place at Msgr. Heller Hall in St. James Church in front of the Social Outreach Committee with Father Paul Scalia, pastor of St. James, recognizing the effort of the Social Outreach Committee in partnering with many local Falls Church charities on behalf of St. James parish. Through this committee, St. James Church also sponsors a monthly food distribution for more than 100 families.
