By Catholic Philly Staff Report • Posted June 16, 2023

Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS) has been named as Pennsylvania’s “Service Provider of the Year” by Real Alternatives, the non-profit, charitable organization in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that administers the Pennsylvania Pregnancy and Parenting Support Services Program. CSS has now received this recognition for 11 consecutive years.

In addition to “Service Provider of the Year,” CSS’ Casa del Carmen Family Service Center, located in the Philadelphia’s Hunting Park section, received the “Site of the Year” award for serving the most number of pregnant women. Casa Del Carmen has now received this recognition for the second year in a row. For over six decades, Casa Del Carmen Family Service Center has assisted the Latino population of North Philadelphia.

Ms. Amy Stoner, director of CSS’s Community-Based and Housing and Homeless Services Division, was joined by CSS administrators and staff at Real Alternatives’ recent annual conference in Harrisburg.

 “CSS is committed to offering vital support services throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area to new and expecting mothers and their families,” said Amy. “These awards give witness to the continuous effort and dedication of our staff. We look forward to continuing to be a vessel of hope to pregnant women and provide crucial life-affirming care.”

In 2022, 6,400 clients across the five-county metropolitan area received pregnancy and parenting services. In addition, approximately 10,300 diapers and baby items were distributed to families in need.

Additional modes of support through CSS include prenatal and parenting classes; events and support groups; assistance in finding appropriate medical services, referrals for other services for the needs of the women and newborn; and access to baby food, diapers, furniture, and other essentials.