Mercy Hospice, a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), which offers stability and hope to women in recovery from substance abuse— in particular mothers with young children—will once again observe National Recovery Month by participating in this year’s virtual Pro-Act Recovery Walks sponsored by The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania. Pro-Act is encouraging supporters to walk with a few others on Saturday, September 12th or any Wednesday throughout the month.

For over a decade, dedicated staff from CSS, along with residents from Mercy Hospice and their family and friends, have participated in the annual walk which celebrates recovery and seeks to end the stigma surrounding those suffering from addiction.

All are invited to join in spirit with Mercy Hospice and walk on their own to raise awareness of substance use disorders and celebrate individuals in long-term recovery by joining as a Virtual Recovery Walk participant at https://www.mercyhospicephilly.org/walk/.

Modes of support for this initiative include planning virtual walks with Mercy Hospice during the month of September and making a donation as an expression of support for Mercy Hospice by soliciting sponsors to pledge support for your walk. Participants are also encouraged to show themselves walking for recovery on Facebook and tagging Mercy Hospice at @MercyHospicePhilly.

Through Mercy Hospice and other programs and offerings, CSS is committed to restoring and strengthening families and promoting the integral health and well-being of those who struggle with mental and substance use disorders as well as their families and loved ones.

CSS and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for the New Evangelization offer a two-pronged response to the addiction crisis, which aims to attend to the needs of the whole person – body, mind and spirit.

CSS’ Recovery and Hope page provides clinical and social service resources including several emergency numbers and contact information for county-based agencies throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. The Hope in Christ page provides resources such as retreats and evenings of reflection, ongoing support ministries, links to websites and videos, and more.

In addition to these resources, CSS refers individuals to rehabilitation treatment programs in the region, and offers recovery support through numerous programs. Outpatient counseling services are also available through Catholic Clinical Consultants to help individuals deal with stress and anxiety, relationship conflicts, and other behavioral or mental health issues.

Each September, National Recovery Month is observed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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Editor’s Note: For over 40 years, Mercy Hospice has helped assist homeless women stabilize their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. Named for its original sponsors – the Sisters of Mercy – Mercy Hospice provides housing and social services to women in recovery from substance abuse, in particular mothers with young children. Women are offered life skills, parenting education, case management, recreational and enrichment programs, and child care in a safe and loving environment. For more information, please visit http://www.mercyhospicephilly.org/

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers community-based and residential programs and services to support men, women and children in need as an expression of the charitable works of our local Church throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. To learn more about CSS programs that serve a wide variety of human needs, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.