Mary’s House, named for the Blessed Mother, will provide care and independence for young adult women with disabilities.
Today at a special ceremony, Saint Edmond’s Home for Children, part of the Developmental Programs Division of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), blessed and dedicated Mary’s House, a community-based home for young adults with disabilities. The residence is the second of its kind opened by Saint Edmond’s.
Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, the Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia who oversees the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services (CHS) as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, presided over the blessing.
He was joined by Mrs. Denise Clofine, Administrator for Saint Edmond’s; Mrs. Phyllis Hart, President of the Women’s Auxiliary for Saint Edmond’s Home for Children; members of the CSS Board of Directors; members of the Women’s Auxiliary; as well as the young adult residents and their families.
Mary’s House will provide care to four young adult women with disabilities who formerly resided at Saint Edmond’s. These young women aged beyond the care model at Saint Edmond’s. This new facility, and its programs, will provide them with a continuum of care with dignity that supports their need for independence.
“With all the challenges the children and young adults we serve face on a daily basis, they have this wonderful ability to teach us what is truly important in life. And that is a respect for life. They teach us about faith, hope, charity, and love. I am blessed to be a part of this strong and loving legacy,” said Mrs. Clofine. “I am deeply grateful to the Women’s Auxiliary of Saint Edmond’s Home for Children for their faithful commitment to our mission. I am fortunate to have met an entire group of women who exemplify dedication, charity, and love.”
In November 2017, the Women’s Auxiliary purchased Saint Philomena Cottage in Newtown Square (Delaware County) to serve as a community home and extend the scope of Saint Edmond’s care for residents over the age of 21 who have not found adult placement to meet their medically complex needs. The Women’s Auxiliary has contributed generously over many decades to capital projects and program enhancements benefiting children in need. Due to the success of Saint Philomena’s Cottage the group purchased a second home, Mary’s House, in May 2023.
Located in Villanova (Delaware County), the fully renovated house meets accessibility standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Key features include a beautiful home environment, private bedrooms, and a therapeutic bathtub. Residents will retain round-the-clock support professionals as well as a nurse to meet their complex medical needs.
A replay of the blessing can be viewed later this week on CSS’ Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cssphiladelphia.
Background Information about Saint Edmond’s Home for Children
Saint Edmond’s Home for Children, located in Rosemont (Delaware County), was founded by Archbishop Edmond Prendergast in 1916 to meet the needs of children afflicted by polio. First located at 44th Street and Haverford Avenue in Philadelphia, the home was administered by the Sisters of Bon Secours and was the first Catholic home of its kind in America. Over 100 years later, Saint Edmond’s Home for Children is a residential home for children and young adults with severe and profound intellectual and physical disabilities. The facility’s primary role is to provide an exceptional range of services and compassionate, quality care for medically fragile children up to 21 years of age. For additional information about Saint Edmond’s Home for Children, please visit https://stedmondshome.org/.
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Editor’s Note: For more information on Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.
Attached is a photo for publication purposes with credit to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Pictured left to right is Father Amalraj Sawarimuthu, S.d.C.; Deacon Franz Fruehwald, Chief Financial Officer for Catholic Human Services; Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia; Mrs. Phyllis Hart, President of the Women’s Auxiliary for Saint Edmond’s Home for Children; and Mrs. Denise Clofine, Administrator for Saint Edmond’s Home for Children.
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