This annual award is presented to the provider agency that has served the most pregnant women in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

For the ninth consecutive year, Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) has been named as Pennsylvania’s “Service Provider of the Year” by Real Alternatives, a non-profit, charitable organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that administers pregnancy and parenting support services.

Ms. Amy Stoner, director of CSS’s Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Division, along with CSS staff were presented with the award at Real Alternatives’ annual conference on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

Amy said, “It’s an honor to once again accept this award on behalf of our dedicated staff who go above and beyond to ensure that every pregnant mother who seeks help from Catholic Social Services during their pregnancy receives the compassionate care and assistance they need.” She continued, “Over the last year, our staff has helped families parent through the pandemic by providing the support and connection that was so greatly needed and we are thankful to be able to give help and hope to mothers and families in need.”

In addition to “Service Provider of the Year,” CSS’s Northeast Philadelphia Family Service Center received its 11th “Site of the Year” award recognizing its work with pregnant and parenting mothers in the area.

For over 25 years, CSS has served as a Real Alternatives service provider providing meaningful life-affirming pregnancy and parenting support services. CSS has 21 trained Real Alternative counselors on staff.

In 2020, CSS provided comprehensive support services to 3,976 pregnant women through its Beautiful Beginnings program. Modes of support include access to free and confidential support services; prenatal and parenting education, events, and support groups; access to baby food, diapers, maternity clothing, baby clothing and furniture; assistance in finding appropriate medical services, and referrals for other services for the needs of the women and newborn.

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Editor’s Note: Attached is a photo for publication purposes with credit to Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Pictured is Ms. Amy Stoner (center), director of CSS’s Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Division; Mr. Kevin Bagatta, President and CEO of Real Alternatives; and Catholic Social Services staff.

Real Alternatives is a government-funded program of the Department of Human Services that provides pregnancy and parenting support services to women facing unplanned, crisis pregnancies which empowers them to choose childbirth over abortion. For more information, please visit https://www.realalternatives.org/.

For more information on Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.