By Gia Myers • Posted October 22, 2025

When Dee D’Aulerio walks through the doors each afternoon at Holy Innocents Catholic Elementary School in the Juniata section of Northeast Philadelphia, dozens of children run to greet her with smiles, laughter, and stories about their day.

For nearly 20 years, D’Aulerio has dedicated her life to ensuring that children throughout Philadelphia have a safe place when school is out of session where they feel loved and supported in a faith based environment.

This September marks two decades since D’Aulerio first joined Catholic Charities of Philadelphia (CCoP) as a young social work intern from Temple University. From the start, she knew she had found her calling.

After working in Emergency Services and later serving as a social worker at Northeast Catholic High School for Boys, D’Aulerio found her true home in CCoP’s Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

For the past decade, she has led the OST program at Holy Innocents. There, she and her staff welcome children each day after school with snacks, homework help, sports, and other enriching activities.

In the summer months, OST transforms into a lively camp, filled with STEM learning, field trips, literacy support, and plenty of fun.

Today, five of her summer camp counselors were once her campers themselves at the same OST program, beautifully illustrating how children who grew up in the program feel a part of the family-like environment and are inspired to give back.

“Parents need us,” D’Aulerio says simply. “They need to know their children are safe.” OST gives parents opportunities to go to work or study, and they have peace of mind knowing their kids are cared for in a Catholic environment.

OST is free of charge, thanks to CCoP and the generosity of its donors. For many families, it’s the lifeline that allows them to keep their children in Catholic school. Without it, D’Aulerio says, “most families would have to leave Holy Innocents.”

Her work is deeply rooted in her own Catholic upbringing and faith. “I feel like the Holy Spirit is guiding me every day,” she says.

The children sense it too – often asking questions about prayer and faith, knowing D’Aulerio and her team are always ready to listen.

One of the many joys of the job, she says, is seeing new families join the OST program.

“We had 10 or 12 new families join this year. Seeing the little ones smiling and happy – that makes it all worthwhile. When the parents feel comfortable and supported, I know we’re doing something right.”

Recently, one particular family reminded her of why this work matters. A mother enrolled her young daughter in OST’s summer program even though the little girl was nervous about attending camp. Before long, she was smiling, learning, and making friends.

That stability became a blessing when the mother’s brother fell gravely ill. With her daughter safe at OST each day, the mother was free to travel to Delaware to care for her brother, while also studying for her nursing board exams.

“The mother is just so thankful and appreciative,” D’Aulerio said. “That’s the difference this program makes.”

Her long commute home each night doesn’t bother her. She uses the time to think about new ways to support the children and families she serves.

“It’s a lot of planning,” she admits, “but when the kids are happy, the work is all worthwhile.”

For two decades, D’Aulerio has strengthened and supported at-risk children, youth, and families, offering resources and bringing Christ’s love to life. Programs like OST help these families, giving them the hope and security they need.

***

This piece was previously published in Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Fall Magazine. View the full magazine here.