Most Reverend John J. McIntyre to Bless Catholic Social Services’ Youth Skills Building Program and Building

The newly launched trade education program aims to reduce risk factors for Philadelphia youth.

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) will hold a special blessing of the Youth Skills Building Program (YSBP), a new after-school ministry in South Philadelphia.

The building development involved rehabilitating the former Saint Gabriel Parish Elementary School in Grays Ferry. Funded by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS), YSBP is a new after-school ministry of CSS’ Youth Services Division that aims to reduce risk factors for Philadelphia youth.

YSBP provides youth aged 13-18 with the opportunity to acquire new skills, including carpentry and home repair. Program participants will use their newly learned skills to repair vandalized homes throughout the City. In addition, the program provides young people with transportation to and from the building, meals, and a weekly stipend.

Most Reverend John J. McIntyre, an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia who oversees the Secretariat for Catholic Human Services (CHS) as part of his administrative and pastoral responsibilities, will preside over the blessing.

He will be joined by Mrs. Heather Huot, Secretary for CHS; Dr. James Black, Director of CSS’ Youth Services Division; Kimberly Ali, DHS Commissioner; members of the CSS Board of Directors; local government officials; staff members from the program; and community supporters.

Monday, June 24, 2024
11:00 a.m.
2917 Dickinson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146

Following the blessing and dedication, Bishop McIntyre and attending dignitaries will tour the building and join CSS staff for light refreshments.

For those unable to attend in person, a video replay will be posted later to CSS’ Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cssphiladelphia.

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Editor’s Note: For more information on Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit https://cssphiladelphia.org/.

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Contact:
Katie Rogers
Media and Events Specialist for Catholic Human Services
215-587-3747 (office)