Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will dedicate the newly renovated cottage that houses The Mitchell Program at Saint Gabriel's Hall, part of Saint Gabriel's System. Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and operated by the DeLaSalle Christian Brothers, Saint Gabriel's System provides educational and mental health services to court adjudicated young men.

The Mitchell Program cottage houses up to 28 male residents, who are ages 13 to 18. The cottage includes classrooms, laundry facilities and staff offices. Youth in The Mitchell Program live as a farm based community. They receive experience in farming and animal husbandry in addition to the more traditional educational and therapeutic treatment services offered at Saint Gabriel's Hall.

Reverend Monsignor Timothy C. Senior, Secretary for Catholic Human Services will preside at the dedication service, which will also be attended by Reverend Monsignor John C. Marine, Regional Vicar for Montgomery County and by residents and staff, local clergy and civic leaders.

Tuesday, October 2, 2001
11:00 a.m.
Saint Gabriel's Hall
1360 Pawlings Road (approximately one mile from Audobon Road)
Audobon, Montgomery County

The Mitchell Program was established in 1998 and named in honor of Brother Cyril Mitchell, F.S.C. (1900 - 1977). Brother Cyril lived at Saint Gabriel's Hall from 1918 until his death in 1977 and was in charge of the Saint Gabriel's Hall working farm. He was so successful that the crops and livestock at Saint Gabriel's Hall fed 450 people every day. The farming done today through The Mitchell Program at Saint Gabriel's Hall is for therapeutic purposes and is also community service based. Surplus vegetables are donated to a food bank in Phoenixville, Chester County.

The cottage renovation cost approximately $750,000. It is Phase One of a $12 million total renovation project at Saint Gabriel's Hall. The total renovation is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2003. Other projects include renovation of other residential units, roofing replacements and repairs and kitchen renovations. Saint Gabriel's System has served the needs of troubled youth and their families for more than 100 years since its founding in 1898. Its facilities serve approximately 2,000 young people each year.

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