CSS is a division of Catholic Human Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia

FAMILIES HEALTHY & STRONG

2012 Annual Report

connections

PROVIDING HELP - CREATING HOPE

cssVol. 16 issue 1 - Spring 2013

CatholicSocialServices

2 | CSS connections

This year the universal Church warmly embraced a new shepherd in Pope Francis, who quickly won the hearts of millions worldwide with his simplicity, warmth, and deep love for the poor and disadvantaged. In his hom-ily during the Mass inaugurating his Petrine ministry, our new Holy Father spoke of St. Joseph as “protector” of the Holy Family and the Church, and called us all to embrace that same vocation of protecting every person, especially children, the elderly, and those in need. Pope Francis specified that this “means caring for one anoth-er in our families: husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves, in time, protect their parents…. we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness.”

I am pleased to present the 2012 Annual Report of Catholic Social Services (CSS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, entitled Families Healthy and Strong. The mission of CSS – to provide help and create hope for those in need – envisions a just and compassionate society where every individual is valued and families are healthy and strong. In these pages you will read the inspirational stories of families of all shapes and sizes who have been protected – kept together, restored, and strengthened – through the services and support they receive while in our care. These are just a few of the thousands of people in family households through-out the region who have turned to us for help amidst

difficult times or challenging circumstances. Through its wide array of creative and effective programs, CSS offers supportive and caring environments where people can grow, flourish, and more fully realize their God-given potential.

The compelling testimonials and impressive outcomes contained herein demonstrate the profound impact of the works of charity in which CSS is engaged every day throughout Philadelphia and its suburban counties. We are grateful for the selfless generosity of many bene-factors who support these efforts through their legacies and bequests, donations to the Catholic Charities Appeal and annual funds for specific CSS programs, the Archbishop’s Christmas Benefit for Children, and the United Way Campaign. The vital funding support of various governmental agencies helps us to continue to deliver quality services to so many. In particular I offer heartfelt thanks to the professional staff and volunteers who are our most valuable asset in accom-plishing the mission God has entrusted to us. To all, I reiterate the exhortation of our Holy Father: “In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be protectors of God’s gifts!”

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap.Archbishop of Philadelphia

a message from

The Archbishop

CSS connections | 3

a message fromThe Secretary for Catholic Human Services

On a beautiful spring afternoon recently, I enjoyed time walking around downtown Philadelphia with one of my daughters and her young son. As we went our way, with me proudly pushing the stroller bearing my precious grandson, I was filled with gratitude for the gift of family. It was so real and vivid to me – I had been entrust-ed by God with a beautiful child that I cherished and raised with all my love and strength. Now that little girl was a grown woman with a beloved child of her own, doing for him what I had done for her.

These are challenging times for family life – there are more obstacles and dangers involved in raising children, and it is certainly more expensive than in the past. Sadly, many children grow up in less than ideal circumstances, some with parents who are unprepared for or unwilling to accept the responsibilities of creating the family life that every child deserves. How many social problems might be avoided if families were supported to become healthier and stronger?

Early in his pontificate, Blessed John Paul II emphasized this point in his Apostolic Exhortation On the Family: “The future of humanity passes by way of the family.” The US Bishops issued a pastoral message to families that nearly twenty years later is prophetic in reminding us that “the family exists at the heart of all societies ...There is nothing more fundamental to our vitality as a society and as a Church.” Now more than ever, good family life must be the center of our lives.

This Annual Report details five stories of families who are indeed healthy and strong because they received support and assistance from Catholic Social Services. They represent just a few of the nearly 160,000 people who benefitted from our many programs and ser-vices, which have been consistently recognized for their high quality and positive outcomes.

Outreach and support to families is fundamental to our Catholic identity and mission, as we have always been about this work. Our dedicated staff and volunteers, supported by governmental partners and private donors, are vital to our unfailing commitment to work toward a world where ever more families are healthy and strong.

Joseph J. Sweeney, Jr.

IN THIS ISSUE...........................St. Vincent Homes

Residential Youth Services

Pages 4-5

Divine Providence VillageDevelopmental Programs

Pages 6-7

Foster Care & AdoptionCommunity-Based Youth Services

Pages 8-9

Visitation HomesHousing & Homeless Services

Pages 10-11

Casa del Carmen Family Strengthening Center

Community-Based Services

Pages 12-13

Financial Highlights

Page 14

Community ImpactPage 15

Board MembersPage 16

Edward J. Lis - Editor

Tina Colvin - Graphic Designer

...........................

4 | CSS connections

all else, even a boyfriend. The SVH team rallied around her: “We held out hope until she had the strength to believe in herself and she never gave up. Ruth was so open to the support we offered her.” Sr. Jean sees Ruth as a good example of the importance of forming rela-tionships with these young women, empowering them to see that there is hope.

Ruth’s stepfather Miguel welcomed her into his home to raise her child, saying she is like a daughter and now has her family’s help. He is grateful for how St. Vincent Homes helped her: “These nuns have done a wonderful thing in supporting her; she knows that they really care about her. God knows you are doing a great thing for these girls.” Holding her beautiful daughter Lyaniiema-rie, Ruth admits that while not easy, it is worth the sac-rifices she has made: “It gives me joy to see my daughter smile at me every morning. St. Vincent’s [Maternity Residence] guided me in how to be a good mother. They did a lot for me. I am happy and ready to make a life for us now.”

At age 16, Ruth came to St. Vincent Homes due to personal issues and family problems. Suffering from severely deteriorating eyesight, she was scheduled for surgery until she became pregnant. The baby’s father did not want the child, and urgings to abort came from various quarters. Doctors warned she might lose her vision if she put off surgery, which posed a risk to the child. In that difficult moment, Ruth’s faith and char-acter showed through: “I knew that decisions I made were not the baby’s fault, and it was on me to have the strength to follow through with what I started. A baby is a gift from God, no matter what. My baby comes before anything. I was taking a risk, but I had so much support and help around me that I never looked back.”

Pastoral minister Sr. Barbara Zurine, SSND found Ruth a shy, delightful girl who loved writing poetry. Learning of her pregnancy, Sister says Ruth never wa-vered in her intentions to have the baby, despite being called crazy: “that decision was totally her own from the start. I just helped her to cope with her fears, listening for hours at a time, letting her know she was loved. We always began and ended with a prayer – she liked that.” Her counselor Sr. Jean Santarone, SSJ saw maturity and resilience in Ruth’s choice to put her baby before

Ruth Maya, a 15-year-old pregnant teen with deteriorating eyesight, had the courage to say “yes” to the child in her womb, thanks to the supportive care of St. Vincent Homes, and a loving stepfather.

Fam

ilies

H

ealth

y an

d St

rong

“Ruth’s prayer was just to see her child’s face. When she delivered a healthy, beautiful baby and saw her face - I shed tears of joy. That will be my reward forever.” - Sr. Barbara

CSS connections | 5

1,797

3,785Clients in Youth Services

Family Members Benefitted

6 | CSS connections

For nearly three decades, Barbara Daley has lived at Divine Providence Village, a residence for women with developmental disabilities, enjoying a comfortable and full life that includes regular homes visits with each of her five siblings.

The youngest of six children, Barb Daley has lived at Divine Providence Village (DPV) since it opened in 1984. She is active in nearly everything that DPV has to offer, from Irish dancing to being an altar server, going to workshop and having a part-time job at the local Hungry A Deli. As her brother Tom sees it, “She may not know how good she has it there, but we sure

do. Divine Providence gives Barb the structure and purpose she needs to keep on track and moving in a positive direction. That is important for Barb, and we as a family appreciate it.” Tom’s wife Barbara Jean extols the staff as “very caring, committed and nurturing” which translates into Barb being truly happy and content with her life at DPV.

Fam

ilies

H

ealth

y an

d St

rong

Clients in Developmental Programs

Family Members Benefitted

883

1,856

CSS connections | 7

Tom and his wife enjoy having Barb come for regular weekend visits, as do brother Chas and sister Maureen, who live locally. Barb even gets to make yearly trips to visit a brother in Erie and a sister in Seattle! Tom observes that when Barb comes to their home it is always special: “We can spoil her a bit, take her out for a nice meal. She gets excited about visiting, and after a few days she is ready to return to DPV to get back to her routine. Barb really likes having her own personal time and space.”

Maureen says Barb is very conscious and protective of all her relationships. When Barb visits, she loves to tell them about the people and activities at DPV that make

her life full and pleasant. As Maureen puts it, “I don’t know what we would done without DPV. They made it possible for us to enjoy relating to Barb as our sister without the challenges of being her primary caregiver.” Barb has developed a good friendship with Teresa Park-er, who has worked for 10 years at the “Yellow Cottage” on DPV’s campus, where Barb resides. Teresa recounts that at first Barb kept to herself: “But with time she came to tell me about her family, her job, and of course her movies – Star Trek and Rocky are her favorites.” When Barb’s stepmom, with whom she was very close, died last year, she began trying to “set up” Teresa with her dad, and even starting calling her “momma – be-cause I really love you.” Teresa sees all the ladies like her own daughters, but admits “Barb and I just have some-thing special, and I am so glad that she is comfortable enough to come and talk to me about whatever is on her mind. The love and affection we share is precious.”

Barb’s sister Maureen comments: “The staff and residents at DPV have been like an extended part of our family – together we are all part of what I call ‘Team Barb.’”

After having three children of their own, Paul and Maureen Zielinski opened their hearts and home to four more through CSS Foster Care and Adoption Services, working together to keep fraternal twins and another brother and sister together, all under one roof.

Fam

ilies

H

ealth

y an

d St

rong

8 | CSS connections

446

947Clients in Foster Care & Adoption Services

Family Members Benefitted

Maureen has shown great respect and loving concern for the birth mothers: “While unable to raise their children, they are still mothers with hopes and desires for them. One day I cried when I realized I was raising another woman’s child and I can’t mess that up; I have a sacred responsibility before God to that mother.” She stresses the importance of giving their children the best of them-selves while still respecting “where and who they came

from.” She stays in contact with the birth moms, tells them how their kids are doing and sends them pictures.

All the adopted Zielinski children are African American, yet the family is so well integrated that no one seems to notice the differences. CSS case manager Sonja Jamison remembers how Maureen took daughter Faith to get her hair braided and then learned how to do it herself – a good example of their commitment to embracing the cultural backgrounds of their children. They live in a racially diverse neighborhood that really helped the kids adjust. Jamison observes that in the Zielinski household, “each child receives the kind of attention and love they need. Knowing that they are cared for and loved, the kids are able to just be themselves; they smile and laugh easily and naturally. What more could you ask for?”

In a modest home in Perkasie, Paul and Maureen Zielinski daily live out their belief that “there is more than one way to create a family and care for a child.” Blessed with three – P.J., Madeline, and Teddy – they had hoped for more, until Maureen’s uterus ruptured while carrying her third. Believing it a miracle that mother and child survived, they were sad that Maureen could no longer bear children. Parishioners of St. Agnes Church in Somersville, they prayerfully offered up their desire for a larger family to God. Seeing a Catholic Social Services ad seeking foster care parents in their parish bulletin, they felt called to care for children needing a stable home. They prepped their own kids, ex-plaining that “we might have a child or two live with us for a little while. We never expected that foster care would be long-term or would lead to adoption.” They eventually became permanent legal custodians for twins – Faith and Sam – then adopted Gabriel, and now have his younger sister Samantha with them in foster care. Their household includes seven children from three different birth families, ranging in age from 15 years to 8 months.

“Some ask, ‘How you can give each child enough attention?’ Paul and I are their #1 fans, plus they have a whole cheering section of brothers and sisters. They are loved equally yet individually, and they all have to be helpers for this to work.” – Maureen

Paul is grateful that “CSS was always there with the support we needed to be good foster parents, and later prepared us to adopt. We feel we are doing something with the Church in welcoming these children into our family.” Himself one of 7, Paul says having lots of kids around was just normal. He admits that “some friends and coworkers think we’re nuts, but we never thought three kids were enough. If I’m nuts, so be it. We are in God’s hands. How can we say no to children?”

CSS connections | 9

10 | CSS connections

After a difficult time living in temporary shelters, Karimah Gillard found the safe and stable home life she desired for her infant daughter Amirah at Visitation Homes, where staff provided the guidance and encouragement to be ready to live on her own again.

Karimah grew up in Williamsport with a parent addicted to drugs, and her own struggles with substance abuse began at age 15. A good student, she completed three years of college before drugs caused her to drop out. She moved to Philadelphia, worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and later became a manager at McDonalds, but lost each job due to her recurring

addiction. She went through inpatient treatment to get clean, but along the way became pregnant and eventual-ly ended up in a homeless shelter with her infant daugh-ter: “It was rough there; we slept on cots in a basement, with only hanging sheets for privacy. It was dusty, with small bathrooms. I had to hold my daughter to bathe her while I showered.”

8,047Residents & Day Clientsof Housing & Homeless Services programs

Fam

ilies

H

ealth

y an

d St

rong

CSS connections | 11

When referred to Visitation Homes, she was grateful for the blessing of her own furnished apartment: “At Visitation I got my independence back. I was able to cook my own meals, give my daughter Amirah a proper bath, and have my own personal space.” She reassumed responsible living, paying her rent and saving money. Karimah says it made a difference being with people that really cared: “They would listen to me and inspire me to have faith. Each one saw me through my strug-gles, keeping me on track to get back on my feet.”

Thelma Wilson, who has worked at Visitation since it opened 10 years ago, said Karimah reached out when she needed to talk: “I just listened. She has gone through a lot, and I tried to be a motherly presence in her life.” She observed that Karimah and her daughter

really flourished at Visitation, taking advantage of every activity and making the most of it. When her applica-tion for PHA housing was denied due to having a criminal record, case manager Sabrina Harrison-Provette advocated for an appeal hearing, which resulted in Karimah finally getting her own subsidized apartment. Sabrina noted that Karimah followed rules, worked hard, and deserved a second chance: “It is great to see the results, when people get back up and move on. It is like a family here; we connect with thesewomen and put our hearts into this work.”As Karimah prepared to move out into her new apart-ment, she said: “I never thought this was going to happen. I thought homelessness was my story, but God had a different plan for me and my daughter. This is our story now.”

Sr. Pat Rogan SBS, says of her work at Visitation: “We affirm the good things they are doing and encourage them to make needed changes. We give them support any way we can, whether pray-ing with them, or giving them a break by watching their children.”

Loanny Vargas came to the U.S. in 2006 with no family or friends here, but through the Pregnancy and Parenting Programs at Casa del Carmen she discovered a supportive network that has helped her to build a healthy family life with her husband and sons David and Daniel.

Loanny Vargas has lived in Philadelphia for six years now, having come from the Dominican Republic with her eldest son, who was 10 at the time, and feeling very alone. Even after getting married she knew very few people, until someone introduced her to Casa del Carmen, where she has been participating in family strengthening programs since she was pregnant with her

son David, who is now 3 years old. She now has another child, Daniel, who is 3 months old.

Loanny came from a very close-knit family, and missed that support and friendship she was accustomed to back home. She attests: “Coming to Casa helped me so much, not just with what I learned from the programs,

Fam

ilies

H

ealth

y an

d St

rong

12 | CSS connections

Clients of Community-Based Services

Family Members Benefitted

44,543 86,116

but from sharing time and experiences with other women.” She now knows lots of other people through solid friendships that were born at Casa: “We met here and later realized that we were neighbors and never knew it.” Loanny participated in pregnancy groups, parenting classes, and now a “parent café.” So what do these groups do? First and foremost, they bring people together. Casa social worker Jenny Munguia explains, “We share ideas and experiences, and learn from one another, with the goal of strengthening our families.” There are nutrition, cooking and time management classes, and discussions about family life and raising children. The most important thing many gain from coming is the emotional and spiritual support they receive from one another. Munguia observes that “women find comfort knowing they are not alone, when they hear that others have experienced similar things to them.”

Participants also benefit from needed direct material assistance, being provided occasionally with diapers, small furniture items, food, and clothing. Loanny acknowledges that this has been a great support for her: “Before I did not know where to go, and now I know they can help me here, or find me help.” She has met others who likewise didn’t know where to find help and has referred them to the family strengthening programs, emphasizing how Casa has created a great network of trusted relationships for her.

Jenny sees how Loanny and others (there are groups for both women and men) have grown through the family strengthening programs: “They are able to express them-selves better, have more patience working with their children, and are eager to offer help to others because they have been helped. These are great programs, and those who participate really grow stronger as parents. They know this is a place and time just for them.”

“When I call or come to Casa, I really am en casa - at home. It is like being with my family back in the Dominican Republic. I am very thankful for all the good that Casa has brought into my life.” - Loanny

CSS connections | 13

14 | CSS connections

2012FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

79.2%

18.5%

1.8%0.6%

Revenue

1

2

3

4

41.9%40.7%

5.6%11.8%

Expenditures

79.2%

(year ending June 30, 2012)

 $2.4 million in Government Funding

 $1 million in Community-Based Services Spending

 $4 million in Developmental Programs Spending

 $1 million in Youth Services Spending

 $6 million in Archdiocesan Subsidy

COMPARISON TO FY 2011

Youth Services $ 49,796,736 St. Gabriel’s System

St. Francis-St. Joseph Homes

St. Vincent Homes

Foster Care/Adoption Services

Developmental Programs $ 48,440,788 Divine Providence Village

Don Guanella Village

St. Edmond’s Home for Children

Community Outreach Programs

Community-Based Services $ 14,016,294 Family Strengthening Centers

Senior Community Centers

Out of School Time (OST) Programs

Immigration Services Housing & Homeless Services $ 6,706,875 St. John’s Hospice

Mercy Hospice

Good Shepherd Program

McAuley House

Visitation Homes

Women of Hope

St. Mary’s Residence

Total Expenditures $118,960,693

Governmental Funding $ 94,184,334 Phila. Department of Human Services

Phila. Community Behavioral Health

PA Office of Developmental Programs

PA Department of Education

Other government contracts

Fees for Service $ 2,107,146United Way $ 658,484Archdiocesan Subsidy $ 22,010,729 Catholic Charities Appeal

Donations & Bequests

Annual Funds

Trust Fund Disbursements

Total Sources of Revenue $118,960,693

CSS connections | 15

Governmental Funding $ 94,184,334 Phila. Department of Human Services

Phila. Community Behavioral Health

PA Office of Developmental Programs

PA Department of Education

Other government contracts

Fees for Service $ 2,107,146United Way $ 658,484Archdiocesan Subsidy $ 22,010,729 Catholic Charities Appeal

Donations & Bequests

Annual Funds

Trust Fund Disbursements

Total Sources of Revenue $118,960,693

2,025 Clients in 24/7 Residential Services

498

334

443

404

346Children in Foster Care & Adoption

Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Dependent Youth

Delinquent Youth

Housing for Homeless Persons

3,100

2012COMMUNITY IMPACT

33,192Individuals Assisted withsocial work & case management or referral to social services

1,226,123 Meals Served

at homeless shelters, senior centers & residential programs for youth and the intellectually disabled

3,136 Children Educated in specialized academic or afterschool enrichment programs

117,043 Baby Care Items distributed through Family Strengthening Centers, St. Vincent Homes, and Foster Care

5,393 Persons Trained in valuable

such as financial literacy, job skills, and parenting

4,020 Clients Supported with counseling and behavioral support

59,781

1,630

46,935 Households received a week’s worth of

food & groceries

15,191 Clothing Items distributed to the homeless and needy families

10,824 Home Goods like furniture and small appliances given to households

Volunteer Hours served by

volunteers

Life Skills

Client Distribution Across the Region

4 Suburban Counties - 24,677 (45%)

Philadelphia - 30,593 (55%)

159,026 Individuals Positively Impacted

Clients Family Beneficiaries

sites across the region

61

people served daily

55,292 103,734

connections | 16

“I have been humbled to see the work of Catholic Social Services first hand over the last several years. Every day, Catholic Social Services carries out the mission of the Church to serve our brothers and sisters – especially those most in need of our help. Whether it is providing food and shelter to the homeless across our region or ensuring the aging parents of a developmentally challenged son that someone will look after him, Catholic Social Services is there day in and day out. I am very proud of the quality of service within all of their many programs. The professionalism of the men and women who work within Catholic Social Ser-vices is second only to their generosity and caring.”

Manus J. McHughCSS Board MemberDirector, Retail Strategy & Initiatives Constellation Energy/Exelon

PROVIDING HELP - CREATING HOPE

Officers

Bishop John J. McIntrye (President) - Archdiocese of Philadelphia

J. William Knott (Vice President) - Commercial Banking Group

Joseph J. Sweeney, Jr. (Exec. VP) - Secretary, Catholic Human Services

Tara G. La Fiura, Esq. (Secretary) - Associate, Blank Rome, LLP

Maura B. Kelly (Treasurer) - CFO, Pinnacle Realty Services

Members

Sr. M. Noel Albers, SSND - Benefits, School Sisters of Notre Dame

Peter T. Ancona - Manager, PECO Energy Co.

Elizabeth Harper Briglia - VP, Chester Co. Community Foundation

Marion Corbin - Director (ret.), Archdiocesan Office of Black Catholics

Michael Crofton - President / CEO, Philadelphia Trust Company

John P. Delaney, Jr. - Assistant District Attorney, City of Philadelphia

Msgr. Edward M. Deliman - Pastor, Our Lady of Fatima - Bensalem

Christopher Gigliotti, Jr. - Community Action Comm. of Lehigh Valley

Denise D. Hodgson - Community Representative

Dr. Dennis Kennedy - Associate Professor, LaSalle University

Vince Liuzzi - Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank

Manus J. McHugh - Director, Retail Strategy, Constellation Energy/Exelon

James E. Randolph - Deputy Commissioner (ret.), Philadelphia DHS

Julian Staniec - Exec. Dir. (retired), Bucks Co. Public Assistance Office

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICESArchdiocese of Philadelphia

Catholic Social Services Board of Directors

th 222 North 17 StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19103215.587.3754Fax: 215.587.2479

Check out our new website:www.cssphiladelphia.org

Catholic Social Services Corporations

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of PhiladelphiaDivine Providence Village Don Guanella VillageSt. Edmond’s Home for ChildrenSt. Francis - St. Joseph Homes for ChildrenSt. Gabriel’s SystemSt. Vincent’s Home, Tacony

St. Joseph Homes for Children*St. Joseph House*St. Vincent’s Services for Women and Children* * all fund operations of the above corporations

..............................................

professionalstaff

1800+

2012 Annual Report