(Photo: Joe Bradley/Bradley Digital)
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year, the theme was “Building A Hopeful Future Together.” It focused on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families, especially in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. As part of its efforts to observe this month, the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection (OCYP) and Catholic Social Services (CSS) partnered to host “The Blue Drive.”
Throughout the month employees working at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center (APC) were invited to remove a tag from a giving tree in the center lobby and purchase care items to support CSS families.
On Monday, April 29th, OCYP and CSS invited those participating to gather in the APC auditorium to drop off their donation, fill out notes of prayerful encouragement, participate in raffles and giveaways, and learn more about OCYP and CSS.
“Their generous donations to CSS programs supporting mothers in need are instrumental in furthering our efforts in child abuse prevention,” said Leslie Davila, Director of OCYP.
(Photos: Joe Bradley/Bradley Digital)
OCYP is comprised of caring professionals whose purpose is to support the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s commitment to create and maintain safe environments for the children who attend and benefit from its churches, schools, and charitable service programs. The office provides compassionate and supportive assistance to individuals who have been the victims/survivors of child sexual abuse and their family members.
Davila explains, “It’s important to recognize that strong support systems for parents, particularly mothers, play a vital role in reducing stressors that can lead to situations of abuse. Your contributions directly contribute to providing essential resources and support to mothers, thereby strengthening families and communities as a whole.”
“CSS is so grateful for all of the support received from The Blue Drive. It may not seem like much, but a little goes a long way for moms who are trying to make money stretch to provide for their families,” added Kathy Bevenour, Assistant Director of CSS Community Based Service Division.
Each year, over 5,000 parents contact CSS for resources and support for their families. CSS offers over a dozen programs that help pregnant moms. Modes of support through CSS include prenatal and parenting classes; events and support groups; assistance in finding appropriate medical services, referrals for other services for the needs of the women and newborn; and access to baby food, diapers, furniture, and other essentials.
CSS hosts groups and workshops on topics including communication, stress relief, positive approaches to parenting, breastfeeding, sleep safety, car seat safety, and more to help parents gain support and build stronger families.
Family service centers are the first point of contact for individuals and families when they seek assistance from CSS. Five family service centers and two outreach programs provide education and support to parents in all areas of the city and the surrounding counties. The centers also include “baby boutiques,” where new and expecting mothers have the opportunity to earn “baby bucks” to purchase care items.
“So many women call upon us for help. It may be help with diapers and baby items, connection to resources, or education and support. Our staff know the importance of helping moms only helps families grow and become stronger,” said Bevenour. “That is what God calls us to do and that is the ‘why’ in which we do it. It is that simple.”
