For more than two decades, Holly Piccirelli has dedicated her life to helping men and women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) live with dignity, joy, and community.
Today, as Director of Professional Services and Performance for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s (CCoP) The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence Village, she oversees residential programs that serve more than 160 individuals in the Philadelphia and Delaware Counties.
“I like to think that I grew up here, right out of college,” Piccirelli said. “And I’ve been here ever since. I believe in the mission. I’m excited that I’ve been able to move into different roles within the same organization.”
Her journey began almost by chance. As a college student, she tagged along with her roommate to volunteer at Divine Providence Village through Villanova University’s Project Sunshine. That one visit changed everything.
What started as volunteer work soon became a calling. In 1999, she accepted a job as a Direct Support Professional at Divine Providence Village. Although her degree was in advertising and public relations, she quickly realized her future lay in serving others.
“I just really enjoyed it. I found it fulfilling,” she said. “Both of my parents worked in education, so I had been around education services. And I just really liked the idea of being around these individuals to enhance the quality of their lives.”
Over the years, Piccirelli worked as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional, then as a Program Specialist and Coordinator, before stepping into her current leadership role just two months ago.
No matter her job title, she continues to find the greatest joy in simple human moments.
“The time that I get to spend with the individual — seeing them accomplish things, enjoying themselves — I think that is the most fulfilling part of my job.”
Faith, she says, is at the core of her work.
“When I look at the core values we have in our mission — charity, compassion, dignity — I think they go hand in hand with our Catholic faith,” she explained.
Just as she attends Mass and retreats for her own spiritual growth, individuals at The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence Village are encouraged to grow in their own faith journeys.
“Spirituality is important, and it’s offered throughout the individual’s life,” she said.
Clarence is one client story that stands out in Piccirelli’s mind. He grew up at Don Guanella School and later transitioned into a community living home.
For years, he had minimal contact with his family — until recently, when his sister became active in his life again. Clarence had always dreamed of living with family, and after one special visit, he and his sister decided he would move in with her permanently.
“As much as I miss him, I’m really excited and happy for him,” Piccirelli said with a smile.
“He’s doing wonderful, and he still keeps in touch with us here,” she said. “It’s the ultimate success story — he was able to grow up here, and then he was able to move in with his family,” thanks to the life skills he gained through the program.
The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence Village are the only homes that many of the residents have ever known.
“A lot of our individuals have been here for a significant amount of time, and it’s all some of them know,” Piccirelli said. “Over the years, they’ve lost family members, and we’ve become their family.”
That’s why she cannot imagine the doors ever closing. CCoP currently operates 25 community homes, as well as programs like Life Sharing, Day Services, and In-Home Support. Without these services, many would be left without a place to live, without care and without the community that sustains them.
“I wouldn’t like to think what would happen if these communities closed their doors,” Piccirelli said. “Because this is their home.”
For Piccirelli, the work is not just a career. It’s a vocation — one that empowers individuals with IDD, transforming lives and building homes that bring hope.
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This piece was previously published in Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Fall Magazine. View the full magazine here.
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