Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will bless and rededicate the Delaware County Family Service Center located in Chester City. The center and its programs are operated by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS).
The rededication ceremony marks a significant investment of $200,000 in capital upgrades over the past year. They will positively enhance the site and benefit men, women, and children in the community who receive services from CSS.
Upgrades include the addition of two new half bathrooms to assist with the site’s day services program for those experiencing homelessness; new flooring and painting throughout the building; and a new fire alarm system to keep clients and staff safe.
Friday, September 9, 2022
9:30 a.m.
Delaware County Family Service Center
130 East 7th Street
Chester, PA 19013
Mr. James Amato, Secretary for Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Chester Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland; Mr. Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County District Attorney; Dr. Monica Taylor, Chair of Delaware County Council; and Ms. Sandra Garrison, Chief of Delaware County Department of Human Services and Community Supports will all be in attendance.
In Chester City, approximately 30% of residents live below the federal poverty line. Modes of support at the site include parenting and prenatal support and education; a diaper and infant need pantry; feminine hygiene pantry, and food pantry, among other vital social services. In addition, CSS’ drop-in day program, Chester City Coffee Club, offers coffee, hot meals and snacks, fellowship, and assistance four days a week to those in need and experiencing homelessness. This includes access to showers, laundry, mail, and other services at no cost.
The capital upgrades were made possible by generous gifts from the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia’s Catholic Charities Appeal CSS annual fund. This financial support enables CSS to continue its longstanding commitment to serving those in need throughout the five-county region.
In addition, the ceremony will officially welcome Vagabond Missions to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Vagabond Missions is an initiative of young people set out to invite inner-city at-risk youth into a relationship with God through outreach and mentorship. Missionaries will utilize the Delaware County Family Service Center for its weekly outreach youth activities.
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Editor’s Note: For more information on Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.
For more information on Vagabond Missions, please visit https://www.vagabondmissions.com/.