Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless and re-dedicate Saint Gabriel's Hall, to mark the completion of a $12 million renovation of this landmark facility which sits on 180 acres in Audobon, Montgomery County. For more than 100 years, Saint Gabriel's Hall has provided a safe, caring place to live for court adjudicated young men between the ages of ten and 18 where they receive educational, recreational, social work and mental health services. There are approximately 200 young men, most of whom are from Philadelphia, currently in residence.

Saint Gabriel's Hall is the residential component of Saint Gabriel's System, which includes community-based treatment and serves more than 2000 young people each year. Saint Gabriel's System is sponsored by Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and operated by the DeLaSalle Christian Brothers.

Cardinal Bevilacqua will preside at the re-dedication service which will be followed by lunch and tours.

Wednesday, June 25, 2003
11:00 a.m.
Saint Gabriel's Hall
1360 Pawlings Road (approximately one mile from Audubon Road)
Audubon, Montgomery County

The multi-million dollar upgrade to the four story facility was funded through a bond issue and includes a new roof, updated fire protection and electrical services, an elevator and the renovation of the kitchen. It also includes the repair and/or replacement of over 400 windows as well as the addition of air conditioning. Renovations to all eleven dormitories provide more efficient use of space and a warmer, more home-like environment for the students. The project also included a new ranch style home for The Mitchell Program, a residential farm-based community for 24 young men in short term stays.

This major renovation, which began in May 2000, demonstrates the ongoing commitment to youth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Christian Brothers. The mission of Saint Gabriel's has remained the same since its founding in 1898 by Archbishop Patrick John Ryan, "For the protection and education of troubled youth." The students, most of whom are non-Catholic, remain at Saint Gabriel's Hall for approximately ten months to one year. They attend classes year round in the Saint Gabriel's Hall school, located in the main building.

This is the third of seven major projects to be completed by Catholic Human Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2003.



Major Projects of Catholic Human Services
of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2003
$41 MILLION TOTAL IN 2003 PROJECTS

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

St. Gabriel's Hall, Audubon, Montgomery County
On June 25, 2003, Cardinal Bevilacqua re-dedicates St. Gabriel's Hall, which has undergone a $12 million renovation. St. Gabriel's System, which includes St. Gabriel's Hall as well as community based services, provides residential education and treatment to more than 2000 court-adjudicated delinquent youth each year. Saint Gabriel's Hall, founded in 1898, currently cares for approximately 200 boys, ages ten to eighteen, most from Philadelphia. Included in the renovations is a new ranch style home for The Mitchell Program, a residential farm-based community for 24 young men in shorter term stays. The project also includes renovations to other residential units, roof replacements and kitchen renovations.

Kensington Transitional Housing and Community Center, Kensington, Philadelphia
In November 2003, $5.2 million project to be completed. 18 new units of transitional housing offering a safe haven for mothers and children moving from shelters. Community Center will be located at the site of the former Starlight Ballroom which has been abandoned for years and will include a new gymnasium and recreation space for the community as well as meeting rooms and office space.

St. Vincent's, Tacony, Philadelphia
Renovations costing $3 million are underway at this comprehensive, 75-bed emergency shelter for dependent, neglected boys and girls, ages 2-15.

St. John's Hospice, Philadelphia
Renovations costing $625,000 are underway at this 40-bed shelter for homeless men which provides housing and 6000 meals per month.

Mercy Hospice, Philadelphia
Renovations costing $325,000 are underway at this 50-bed shelter for homeless women and children.


CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE SERVICES

St. Francis - St. Joseph Homes for Children, Bensalem, Bucks County
On April 4, 2003, Cardinal Bevilacqua dedicates new $7.5 million complex. St. Francis - St. Joseph Homes for Children cares for 50 dependent and neglected children, all of whom are from Philadelphia. The campus includes five new residential cottages, each housing ten boys, a school building, a gymnasium/recreation complex and an administrative building.

Villa Saint Martha, Downingtown, Chester County
On March 27, 2003, Cardinal Bevilacqua dedicates the new Villa Saint Martha, the first supportive independent living project to be undertaken by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Villa Saint Martha offers independent living apartments as well as assisted living suites and a unit providing assisted living with memory support. Villa Saint Martha welcomed its first residents in January 2003. The 120 bed supportive independent living community in Downingtown, Chester County is adjacent to Saint Martha Manor, a nursing home which opened in 1989.

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