By Gia Myers • Posted August 8, 2024

A dedicated group of staff and supporters from St. Edmond’s Home for Children gathered on July 22 for the blessing and dedication of a new community-based home for young adults with disabilities.

Located in Villanova, the residence is called Mary’s House, and it’s the second of its kind to be opened by the Developmental Programs Division of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS). In October 2020, St. Edmond’s opened its first adult residence, St. Philomena Cottage, in Newtown Square.

Purchased in May 2023 by the Women’s Auxiliary for St. Edmond’s Home, Mary’s House will provide care to four young adult women with disabilities who formerly resided at St. Edmond’s Home and aged beyond that facility’s care model.

>>PHOTO FEATURE: Blessing of Mary’s House Marks Second Home for Young Adults with Disabilities

The fully renovated ranch-style house meets accessibility standards set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Key features include a beautiful home environment, private bedrooms, and a therapeutic bathtub.

St. Edmond’s Home first opened in 1916 to meet the needs of children afflicted by polio. Today the ministry provides residential care, education, and support to residents, who range in age from six weeks to 21 years old, affected by a range of profound physical and intellectual disabilities.

“Once they graduate, then we need to transition them to an adult placement,” says Denise Clofine, administrator of St. Edmond’s Home.

Mary’s House and its programs will provide the residents with a continuum of care with dignity that supports their need for independence.

Though CSS provides many placements in caring locations such as The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence, some individuals have spent almost their entire lives at St. Edmond’s, and their families desire to maintain this relationship.

One of the four female residents of Mary’s House “came to St. Edmond’s at the age of 1 , so she’s lived here for 20 years,” says Clofine. “She’s known the staff, and they’ve become an extension to her family.”

Clofine calls the opening of Mary’s House “such a blessing; it’s really a gift,” especially since the project encountered challenges along the way.

“For our population, most of them are in wheelchairs, so you have to find a home that’s one level.  We like to find a home that’s close to St. Edmond’s so if they need support, we can send someone over to help,” says Clofine.

Also, the St. Edmond’s team was searching for a house at a time when the real estate market was experiencing high levels of demand.

Despite much competition, the sellers of the ranch-style home now called Mary’s House were “really touched” by the plan for the community-based home and selected the  St. Edmond’s team over other potential buyers.

Reflecting on the experience, Clofine says, “There were a lot of kind people along the way,” including the real estate agent who didn’t take commission, the lawyer who worked pro bono on zoning, and the contractor whose bid was $100,000 less than the competition.

Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre (left), St. Edmond’s Home for Children Administrator Denise Clofine (center) with members of the Women’s Auxiliary for St. Edmond’s Home for Children. The Women’s Auxiliary purchased Mary’s House in May 2023.

Though Clofine says the greatest assistance came from the ever faithful Women’s Auxiliary, which tirelessly fundraised to purchase the home and complete the renovations.  Established in 1917, the auxiliary has contributed generously over many decades to capital projects and program enhancements benefiting the St. Edmond’s community.

Clofine says she’s also grateful to Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre. He He presided over the blessings of both Mary’s House and St. Philomena Cottage.

Clofine attributes the many displays of great generosity to the children of St. Edmond’s community, saying that they “bring out the best” in everyone around them.

“I think that’s their gift that God has given them.”

While enjoying their new, comfortable home, the residents of Mary’s House will also enjoy activities and community events. Clofine says that favorites activities include adaptive bowling, visits to the Camden Aquarium and Philadelphia Zoo, and music concerts at Rose Tree Park in Media.

In the entrance of Mary’s House – named after the Blessed Virgin Mary – visitors first encounter a painting of the Blessed Mother hanging on the wall with her statue nearby.

Both serve as a reminder of the presence of Blessed Mother Mary “constantly watching over her children,” Clofine says.