(Photo Credit: Saint John’s Hospice/Brianna Spause)
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.
Established in 1963 by Monsignor Anthony J. O’Neill, Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Center City Philadelphia, and The Little Brothers of The Good Shepherd, SJH opened as an outreach ministry to serve and assist those experiencing homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia.
Today, this ministry of Catholic Social Services has residence space serving approximately 150 individuals transitioning from homelessness to independent living annually; meal services for more than 275 community members each day; mailroom services for more than 1,700 individuals; as well as case management, and access to behavioral and medical healthcare services.
Barry Martin, Program Director. (Photo Credit: Saint John’s Hospice/Brianna Spause)
“I extend prayerful congratulations to Catholic Social Services and Saint John’s Hospice on this milestone. For 60 years, this vital ministry has been a beacon of hope for those experiencing homelessness,” said Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez. “I reflect on this anniversary with prayerful gratitude for the countless good works accomplished by the staff of Saint John’s Hospice. All those working in this ministry are the hands of Christ for those who need His love and support the most.”
Mr. Barry Martin, Program Director at SJH, said, “Saint John’s Hospice has always believed in serving those in need with dignity,
compassion, and respect. When an individual comes to Saint John’s, they know they will come to a safe, clean, drug and alcohol-free environment and be cared for by a team of compassionate, dedicated professionals who see the dignity in every person. Those are the absolutes that have not changed and will never change about Saint John’s Hospice.”
In April, SJH celebrated six decades of service to the community. The 60th Anniversary Gala took place at the American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philadelphia.
Five organizations were recognized for their unwavering support of SJH with its Partner in Mission Award.
“Saint John’s Hospice would not be able reach the thousands of neighbors in need if it weren’t for the support of our volunteers and the organizations we honored at our gala. The Partner in Mission Award is our way of simply and humbly saying, ‘Thank you,’” Martin added.
The organizations were The Connelly Foundation; The Riley Family Foundation; The Philadelphia Phillies & Aramark; Saint Anastasia Parish (Newtown Square); and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish (Media). These organizations have provided generous support to help SJH continue to provide life-sustaining services to some of the most vulnerable, at-risk, and in need people in the City of Philadelphia.
The evening included remarks from Martin and Nikki Johnson-Alfano, SJH board member, who formerly experienced homelessness and now owns the law practice, Philly Tax Diva, in Philadelphia. Music was provided by SJH’s Good Shepherd Singers, a choral group composed of staff, residents, and alumni of SJH and Mercy Hospice.
To learn more about Saint John’s Hospice, please visit https://saintjohnshospice.org/.
(Photo Credit: Saint John’s Hospice/Brianna Spause)
