Posted December 1, 2022

The Fatima Catholic Outreach Center hosted a Nov. 19 celebration marking the recent beautification and maintenances of its buildings and grounds. The upgrades were made possible by generous donations and the work of over 150 parish volunteers and community group members.

The outreach center, a parish-based ministry in partnership with Catholic Social Services (CSS) and Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church located in Bensalem, offers assistance and support to individuals new to the country.

The center has served approximately 3,800 individuals in the community this year.

Upgrades to the site include enhancement of the soccer fields; building façade upgrades; cleanup and painting of the community center and adjacent building; indoor and outdoor upgrades of lighting fixtures and electrical repairs; and landscaping and end of season cleanup of the Center’s large community garden. 

Special recognition was given to Mr. Joseph White, CEO of Thomas Edison Electric Company, whose company donated nearly $14,000 to help the center pay for labor and materials needed to upgrade lighting.

Some 150 volunteers also received certificates of recognition during the celebration.

Mr. James Amato, Secretary of Catholic Human Services, and Reverend Philip M. Forlano, Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church were on hand for the celebration along with CSS administrators, staff, instructors, and volunteers.

Those in attendance enjoyed Latin food catered by two of the center’s certified community food vendors who obtained their food certification with the aid of the Center’s education and finance program.

Modes of support at the site include social work, community immigration resources, accompaniment, Domestic Violence Advocacy, seasonal English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and interpretation services. Additional programs include gardening and arts programs, financial education, immigration legal services and more.