News & Updates

Catholic Social Services’ Out-Of-School Time Programs (OST), a ministry of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will celebrate the summer with a day of fun at its 9th annual Out-Of-School Time picnic. Nearly 550 children and youth from OST programs located throughout the City of Philadelphia will attend. Friday, July 19, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Neshaminy Shore Picnic Park 13 Beaver Street Hulmeville, PA 19047 Festivities at this year’s picnic will include entertainment, sports, games, rock climbing, swimming, face painting, miniature golf, and more. In addition, those attending have the opportunity to enjoy the park’s ample green space and recreational offerings. For more than 20 years, CSS has served at-risk children and youth in grades K-12 through its OST programs. During the school year, the programs provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop the social, emotional, physical, and academic skills vital to future educational achievement. Throughout

“The Challenger League,” formed by residents of DGDP, was inspired by the Little League Challenger Division, the adaptive baseball program founded in 1989 for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP), part of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services (CSS), along with volunteers and students from Cardinal O’Hara High School recently celebrated the season ending of its 2019 wiffleball league with an awards banquet. More than 100 participants and volunteers were in attendance including Father Dennis M. Weber, Director of Ministry and Mission for DGDP, and Mr. Jim Gula, volunteer, supporter, and founder of the DGDP Challenger League. All DGDP athletes received recognition for their hard work and commitment. In addition, the “Spirit of Don Guanella” award, given to those who demonstrate the spirit and commitment to help others by putting their faith into action through service, was presented to

Catholic Social Services’ Immigration Legal Services Program will join the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, HIAS/PA, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Nationalities Service Center, and the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians in support of The Museum of the American Revolution’s U.S. Citizenship Initiative. This initiative, consisting of a total of eight sessions, will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from July 15th - August 7th. It will help permanent residents prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization exam at no cost. July 15, 2019 – August 7, 2019 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Museum of the American Revolution 101 South Third Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 This program will also offer helpful resources on the application process, eligibility screening and the personal interview. For more information and to register, please visit www.amrevmuseum.org/citizenship. # # # Editor’s Note: Catholic Social Services, a ministry of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia,

Men and women from The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP), part of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services (CSS) recently celebrated their annual spring formal at the Drexelbrook Special Event Center in Delaware County. This year’s theme was “Sea of Dreams.” Approximately 435 individuals were in attendance, including those served by DGDP as well as their families and caregivers. Highlights of this year’s event included entertainment and dancing, pictures, dining, and beach themed favors. The evening was made possible by numerous community sponsors. This annual event provides men and women living with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to socialize with friends. In addition, the evening promotes the concepts of independence and personal choice, which are integral to the services provided by DGDP. The Communities of DGDP are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Dedicated staff and volunteers provide a continuum

The “Family Fun Days” will be held on five consecutive Tuesdays beginning on June 25th The Bucks County Family Service Center, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host “Family Fun Days” on Tuesdays throughout the summer. Each session will offer a fun, educational day for families and consist of hands-on interactive activities. All five “Family Fun Days” are open to the public and will take place at the following location. Fatima Catholic Outreach Center 2915 Street Road Bensalem, PA 19020 (Bucks County) The first day in the series is detailed below. Tuesday, June 25, 2019 Theme: Summer Water Safety (Water Play) Time: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Additional days include: Tuesday, July 9, 2019Theme: Fun in the Sun Summer Safety (BBQ and Lawn Games)Time: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2019Theme: Family cooking with Shara Aaron, Registered Dietitian at Saint Mary Medical Center Time: 10:00

The Northeast Family Service Center (NEFSC), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), will host its fourth annual Senior Community Services Fair. Friday, June 21, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Northeast Family Service Center 7340 Jackson Street Philadelphia, PA 19136 Older adults from the local community will be in attendance as well as staff from NESFC. The fair will help connect seniors to resources such as home health agencies, adult day care centers, financial and meal assistance programs, and more. Highlights of the day will include refreshments, raffle prizes, and live music. Ms. Beth Wood, Administrator at NEFSC said, “Senior citizens are a vital part of our community.  We celebrate them and enjoy offering them time to spend together. Providing them with resources assists them in living productive, safe, and healthy lives.” NEFSC is the first point of contact for individuals, families, and parishes

Today, Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) along with Saint Charles Borromeo Parish in Bensalem (Bucks County), and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) welcomed community partners and supporters at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new 10,000-square-foot community garden at the Our Lady of Fatima Worship Site. Most Reverend Edward M. Deliman, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, blessed 44 garden plots that will provide local families the opportunity to grow fresh food while adding greenery to a central gathering space for the community. CSS board member Mrs. Jacki Delaney; Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services; and Mr. Matt Rader, President of PHS were all in attendance. Matt Rader, PHS President said, “Community gardens are vibrant, dynamic spaces that provide significant impacts on health, increase access to fresh food, and build deeper connections between neighbors. We were honored to work closely with the families of Saint Charles

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), along with the Office for the New Evangelization, will host the inspirational series, “We Thirst,” a comprehensive educational retreat program. This series is designed to educate and spread awareness about the topic of addiction from a Christian perspective. It is an opportunity to explore the nature of addiction and our responsibility as followers of Christ in responding to those who are suffering. All five sessions are open to the public and will take place at the following location. Archdiocesan Pastoral Center 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 222 North 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 The first session in the series is detailed below. Wednesday, July 24, 2019 Presenter: Nina Marie Corona Session Topic: Biology Time: 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. About the Presenter Nina Marie Corona, M.A., C.R.S. is the author and facilitator of “We Thirst.” She is pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry

The “Write Brain” literacy program, made possible through a grant from the Mayor's Fund, teaches writing strategies and techniques to children through the use of games and activities.

Casa del Carmen Preschool Academy, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, recently received a $20,539 grant from The Archdiocesan Educational Fund for the 2019-2020 academic fiscal year.