Over 2,254 people volunteered at CSS centers and programs throughout the Philadelphia region last year
Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia marked the closing of National Volunteer Recognition Week (April 10-16) by recognizing its Volunteer of the Year, Reverend Anthony Orth, Pastor of Saint Gabriel Parish in Norwood (Delaware County). Each year CSS recognizes a dedicated volunteer who has made significant contributions to a particular program.
Today, Father Orth was presented with an award by James Amato, Secretary of Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Amy Stoner, Director of CSS Community Based and Homeless Services Divisions, and Ed Lis, Director of CSS Mission Effectiveness and Communications. It was presented in recognition of his exemplary service as one of over 2,200 volunteers who assist at CSS programs throughout the five-county Philadelphia region.
Father Orth has been volunteering at CSS’ Chester City Family Service Center for four years in support of its Coffee Club, a drop-in service for the homeless and needy. He travels three days a week from his parish to Chester, one of the poorest cities in the state, to provide pastoral support and encouragement to individuals who are homeless, unemployed, recovering from addictions, or suffering from mental illness. Father Orth has been credited by administrators with providing compassionate care to countless program participants that has enabled them to take the steps necessary to improve their lives. The Coffee Club has over 100 regular members and receives over 30 visitors on an average day. All receive services at no cost.
Beyond his work with CSS Chester City Family Service Center, Father Orth regularly visits inmates at the local prison, and co-facilitates an annual “Women in Transition Retreat” for residents of CSS homeless shelters among other projects.
National Volunteer Week is promoted each year by the Points of Light Foundation, it seeks to inspire, recognize and encourage people to engage in volunteer service and make a difference in their local communities.
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Editor’s Note: Catholic Social Services’ volunteer program, under the direction of its Volunteer and Community Relations Division, is responsible for providing support and assistance to CSS service based and ministerial outreach programs by recruiting, screening, matching, and monitoring appropriate volunteers. For additional information on volunteer opportunities, please call 215-854-7058, or email [email protected]. To learn more about CSS, please visit www.cssphiladelphia.org.
Contact:Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747 (office)