Title
Recognizing and honoring The Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center for 15 years of service to members of the Philadelphia Community.
Body
WHEREAS, On June 10, 2002, the Sisters of Saint Joseph became the proud owners of 724-728 East Allegheny Avenue in the Kensington Area of Philadelphia. What was a former funeral home and doctor's office would be transformed into the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center. After months of demolishing the old building and creating a welcoming space, a group of incredible volunteers and friends from Albania, Guatemala, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic worked tirelessly to clean and refurbish the buildings; and
WHEREAS, In March of 2003 the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center officially opened its doors under the leadership of Sister Eileen Marnien SSJ, the Director at the time, and Sisters Marian Behrle SSJ, Marie Lewis SSJ, Pat Madden SSJ and Peg Fleming SSJ who all joined together to offer classes and services for the people who needed assistance. The primary focus of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center was to focus on the needs of newcomers to our country, community and neighborhood. The Welcome Center provides educational, immigration and outreach services; and
WHEREAS, For the past 15 years, the Sisters have been offering outstanding services for immigrants in our community. The Welcome Center offers ESL classes, citizenship preparation classes as well as classes to improve computer skills. Social services are offered as well, for those who need help in navigating the City's health and education systems. The Sisters also accompany their "new friends" to clinics, banks, and stores to help them to get acclimated to their new surroundings. They strive to do whatever they can do to meet the needs of immigrants as they begin their new lives in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The present staff of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center include Sister Kathy McShane SSJ (Director), Sister Maria...
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