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Over 50 moms and their family members attended the event at Northeast Family Service Center in Philadelphia.

Throughout the summer, NDS has been providing partnering sites with activity resources to help promote unity not only at the sites, but also within the families and cities where the children and youth reside.

Saint John’s Hospice, one of Philadelphia’s leading providers of residential and day services for individuals experiencing homelessness, recently marked 60 years of service to vulnerable and marginalized Philadelphians.

In 2023, a highlight for senior citizens at the Saint Edmond Senior Community Center was the fashion show, which featured creativity and participation from many members. Saint Edmond, one of four senior centers operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS), is located in the Point Breeze section of South Philadelphia and provides a broad range of services for those 60 years of age and older. CHCS senior centers offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness, and independence. The centers feature a broad spectrum of activities such as art classes, trips, health education, nursing services, exercise programs, and wellness initiatives. “We host fashion shows throughout the year with different themes,” says Kimberly Beatty, Saint Edmond Center Manager. “Such events not only offer entertainment but also create a sense of community and shared celebration.”

From Turkey giveaways to "Friendsgiving" celebrations, the holiday season is a busy time for Catholic Human Services' three agencies: Catholic Social Services (CSS), Catholic Housing and Community Services (CHCS), and Nutritional Development Services (NDS).

Bucks County Family Service Center recently held a giveaway event to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in their PC-IRU program, a case management program for Ukrainian newcomers. Over 100 families received a turkey and a gift card to Mary’s Cupboard, the food pantry that operates out of the center. The case management initiative is a 3-month program that allows Ukrainian newcomers to receive help and guidance. This includes assistance with applying for Social Security cards, obtaining an employment authorization card (EAD), applying to receive cash assistance, school enrollment, English language training, and registering for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In addition, clients will also receive enhanced cultural orientation to learn about U.S. laws, culture, and the community.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of the month, St. Edmond and Star Harbor Senior Community Centers, operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services, hosted special events throughout a designated week in October. Activities included wearing pink all week and crafts designed to bring awareness to the disease. In addition, center breast cancer survivors and those currently battling were recognized and honored.

Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia celebrated National School Lunch Week which took place October 9-13, 2023. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Level Up with School Lunch,” highlighted the importance of a healthy school lunch to student success in and out of the classroom. “Recent research shows that many children are getting their healthiest meals at school. National School Lunch Week highlights the benefits of the meals available daily,” said Lizanne F. Hagedorn, Executive Director of NDS. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) offers students fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and milk as part of every lunch. Evolving federal nutrition standards ensure that these meals are age appropriate for calorie levels while limiting both unhealthy fats and sodium.  The program plays an important role in improving children’s diets and combatting food insecurity. Hagedorn added that National School Lunch Week is an opportunity to learn more