3. In Camden, For Camden…Hope, Help, and Healing
Message from the Director and Founder
Dear Friends,
In 2015, Pope Francis visited the United States and reminded us all of God’s call to live a life of
caring for others. The most memorable moment for me was when Pope Francis came through the
doors of Independence Hall to Aaron Copland’s stirring music, Fanfare for the Common Man. Pope
Francis is so inspirational. He is a common man, following God’s call to live a life caring for
others. What he does, we are all called to do!
2015 is also a special year because we celebrated our 20th
year of service to the people of Camden,
New Jersey. GFS cares for the lives of others. Our programs create meaningful opportunities and
empower families and individuals to make positive change in their lives. Camden has the reputation of being one of the
poorest, most violent cities in the United States. We see the potential for a better future for each person we encounter
and for Camden.
2015 was a very successful year, allowing us to provide services to more than 1,000 people through counseling,
education, skill building, and community outreach. As a non-profit organization, each of our programs require grants,
donations, partnerships, and volunteers. Our circle of impact includes those who give their time and support to make
our work possible. We are most appreciative of those who have been such strong supporters of our work.
This annual report is a reflection of our vision to give hope, help, and healing to families in Camden. This report
highlights both the core of our work and our growth over the past 20 years. We see a positive future for Camden as we
continue to invest in the youth of this city and the families that are the foundation of our community. We continue to
endeavor to achieve our mission ….
Sister Helen Cole SSJ, MSW, LCSW
“Our time has a great need for hope! The young can no longer be robbed of hope. … The young need hope.
It is necessary to offer concrete signs of hope to those who experience pain and suffering. Social organizations and associations,
as well as individuals who strive towards acceptance and sharing, are generators of hope.” ~Pope Francis (2015)
4. In Camden, For Camden…Hope, Help, and Healing
Mission Statement
Guadalupe Family Services is a professional social service agency committed to maintaining,
strengthening, and reconciling the relationships that form the foundation of our community -- The
Family. Our goal is to enrich and transform our neighborhood by empowering the community,
responding to evolving needs through innovative and collaborative service, and counseling families and
individuals toward positive change.
Purpose
Guadalupe Family Services was incorporated in 1995, with the purpose to:
• Counsel and serve families in distress to promote hope, health, and healing
• Educate families on community resources available to improve quality of life
• Advocate on behalf of underserved persons to improve public benefits, housing, health care, and
opportunities for youth
• Prevent violence in the community and in the family
5. Programs
Since its incorporation in 1995, Guadalupe Family Services (GFS) has worked to meet the complex needs
of the Camden community in unique and personal ways. GFS is committed to affirming the dignity of each
human person through Christ-like compassion and outreach to the underserved.
Comprehensive Social Services: GFS engages individuals, couples, and families through:
• Family and individual counseling on trauma, grief and loss, behavior, and relationships
• Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter holiday food baskets
• Family Life Program provides clothing, food, diapers, and other essential items
• Charitable assistance to those who have nowhere else to turn for help
• Resume writing and job search assistance
• Advise individuals and families on issues of budgeting and bill payment, employment opportunities,
and accessing basic needs like food and health care
• Translation and notary public services to enable access to government services
• Facilitate services with partnering agencies ensuring comprehensive support for individuals and
families in need
6. Community Education: GFS empowers our neighbors through its relationship with:
• Camden District Council Collaborative Board (DCCB) to improve relationships between the community and
police by fostering dialogue and transparency
• Rutgers University, City officials, and area non-profits to collaborate on events for Camden residents
• Diocese of Camden Community Relations meetings to gather information on programs like grant writing,
free eye glasses, Discovery House programs, and PSE&G utilities assistance opportunities, all in order to
disseminate this information to our community and partner organizations
• Friends of Northgate Park Association holiday parties to build a community support structure by celebrating
families and children
• School parent information meetings to promote healthy families through access to our counseling and youth
development services
Advocacy: GFS changes and improves the quality of life for Camden residents as a champion for the underserved
in North Camden with its partners, through:
• Catholic Charities board membership enables GFS to have a voice for decisions for those in need on a
Diocesan level
• Camden County Metro Police Department works with GFS to bridge relationships with the community and
to enhance community policing efforts
• Camden County Office of the Prosecutor regularly consults with GFS regarding victims of violent crime
• Families of victims of violence are guided and companioned by GFS staff through the criminal justice system
• Save Our Waterfront board membership ensures proper redevelopment of the North Camden
neighborhood and advocates for employment opportunities for Camden residents
Violence Prevention: GFS reduces violence and heals those affected by it through:
• Individual and family counseling with victims of violence
• Camden Adolescents Striving for Achievement (CASA) youth development and empowerment program
• Project Guardian, a gang intervention program sponsored by the Camden County Metro Police Department
• Life skills education at Holy Name School
• Summer Camp for 8-12 year olds
• Teen Adventure Week for 14-18 year olds
• Annual Vigil for Peace honoring victims of violence and their families to encourage peace in the new year
7. Since 1995, GFS has companioned families of
murder victims through its Vigil for Peace
every December. In 2015, the Vigil lasted 33
hours, an hour of prayer for each of the 33
victims of violence in Camden that year. Hour
after hour, families gathered in the Cathedral
of the Immaculate Conception to remember
their loved ones, to honor the lives of the
victims of violence, and to pray for peace
and justice in their homes, their city, and our
world. GFS comforted more family members
than in any previous year. Clergy and
parishioners from all 8 Catholic Churches in
Camden united with the victims’ families,
witnessing to the incredible power of prayer
and solace that the Church offers to those in
profound grief.
Vigil For Peace
8. In 2012, GFS started a youth
empowerment program called
Camden Adolescents Striving for
Achievement (CASA). The group
started with only 10 high school
teens that met once a week. Since
then CASA membership grew to
100 teens and provides after
school programs 5 days a week.
CASA
9. CASA and Den Sweeney Photography
worked together to highlight the
challenges and dreams of Camden
youth through photography. Den
Sweeney and 30 CASA teens explored
their most meaningful location in
Camden. Mr. Sweeney photographed
the teen and their chosen location,
and each teen wrote a reflection to
accompany their photo.
This collaboration is a window into
Camden through the eyes of young
people who have both struggled with
urban poverty and set goals for
themselves to improve their lives. This
exhibition was highlighted at the IDEA
Theater in Camden, when more than
100 people attended the opening,
including Camden County Police
Department Chief Thomson and
Deputy Chief Wysocki, community
leaders, teachers, and the teens’
families. The exhibition will be
displayed at the Stedman Gallery at
Rutgers University from May 24
through August 12, 2016.
Photo Exhibition
Image Courtesy of Den Sweeney Photography
10. Through a partnership with the Rutgers Center for the Arts and the DCCB, 20 CASA teens analyzed and
prepared a mock trial based on the novel To Kill A Mockingbird. Under the direction of 2 experienced
lawyers and a homicide investigator, the students learned about the criminal justice system and
discussed racial disparities in the US. After 16 weeks of practice and debate, the mock trial took place in
front of Judge Schneider at the Federal Courthouse in Camden. The program’s success and impact was
highlighted in local media including the Philadelphia Inquirer and SJ Magazine.
Mock Trial Image Courtesy of Den Sweeney Photography
11. In the city of Camden, where only 64% of the
population has a high school diploma, CASA promotes
high school completion and encourages its students to
consider college. The College Access Program works
with each student to examine their best post-secondary
options including college, trade schools, and military
service. The process exposes students to opportunities
through college visits, SAT prep classes, assistance
with applications, essay writing, financial aid, and
assessment of admission offers. In addition, CASA
works to prepare parents for their child’s transition to
college and to celebrate their success. CASA has a
100% high school graduation rate.
College Access Image Courtesy of Den Sweeney Photography
12. Next Step
In response to the need for ongoing support after high school,
GFS developed the Next Step program for college students.
GFS offers support and guidance on job readiness, career
building, and issues young adults experience. Next Step
provides a sense of belonging and offers support for young
people looking to improve their lives. GFS meets quarterly with
25 young adults.
13. Project Guardian is a gang intervention
program with the Camden County Metro
Police Department and other community
agencies. GFS partnered in 3 interventions
at the Antioch Baptist Church to address
the alarming rates of violent crime
involving children between the ages of 12
and 18.
GFS met with parents and youth to discuss
their needs, create a vision for better
choices in the future, and offer our
services to families in crisis. The
groundbreaking program is intended to
listen to and support families in order to
stop the cycle of violent crime.
The Camden County Metro Police
Department consulted with GFS on the
implementation of this endeavor. With the
success of this program, the US District
Attorney intends to replicate it in similar
communities.
Project Guardian
14. Each Christmas season, GFS gives
Christmas presents to children who
would otherwise not receive gifts.
This year, 500 children woke up to a
very special Christmas morning
thanks to the 80 families and 20
organizations that donated gifts.
One family wrote, “This year has
been very difficult for us. My kids
have experienced pain and sadness
but thanks to your friends they were
able to have a happy Christmas
morning. Thank you so much!”
Beyond just the presents that fill the
home, the family experiences the
true Christmas spirit of generosity
and gratitude. As one mother said, “I
can’t believe they don’t even know
me and my kids but would want to
help us!”
Christmas Gifts
15. Every summer, GFS organizes and facilitates a summer camp for youth
to escape the inner city for 5 weeks. This unique partnership with Saint
Joseph’s University (SJU) is in its 21st
year for children. This summer
camp expands children’s horizons through educational, recreational,
and social experiences. With this long history, 8 former summer
campers are now successful alumni of SJU. In 2015, 2 GFS employees
and 6 SJU college students supervised 35 children ages 8 through 12.
For 5 weeks, children visited the Franklin Institute, Johnson’s Farm,
Bounce U, Ocean City, Saint Joseph’s University, the Schuylkill Valley
Nature Center, a weekly trip to Mr. Finegan’s pool party, and many
more adventures.
Summer Camp
16. Every summer, GFS organizes and facilitates a summer camp for youth to escape the inner
city for 5 weeks. This unique partnership with Saint Joseph’s University (SJU) is in its 21st
year for children. This summer camp expands children’s horizons through
educational, recreational, and social experiences. With this long history, 8
former summer campers are now successful alumni of SJU. In 2015, 2 GFS
employees and 6 SJU college students supervised 35 children ages 8 through
12. For 5 weeks, children visited the Franklin Institute, Johnson’s Farm, Bounce
U, Ocean City, Saint Joseph’s University, the Schuylkill Valley Nature Center,
a weekly trip to Mr. Finegan’s pool party, and many more adventures.
In 2011, GFS expanded our summer camp to offer an exciting opportunity for high school
students. This teen-focused week brings Camden youth out of the city and provides life-
changing experiences. This week includes a college tour, a NYC Broadway show, a high
adventure activity like white water rafting, rock climbing or zip lining, a life skills workshop like the art of fine dining,
dating or theater etiquette, a day trip to Sea Isle City, and a pool party. In 2015, 35 teens enjoyed the Broadway Show Kinky
Boots and discussed diversity and acceptance. One teen said, “Life is more fun when you are open minded!” The week also
included a tour of Saint Joseph’s University followed by dinner at Cuba Libre restaurant in Philadelphia.
Summer Camp
Teen Adventure
Week
Teen Adventure Week
In 2011, GFS expanded our summer camp to offer an exciting opportunity for high school students. This
teen-focused week brings Camden youth out of the city and provides life-changing experiences. This
week includes a college tour, a NYC Broadway show, a high adventure activity like white water rafting,
rock climbing or zip lining, a life skills workshop like the art of fine dining, dating or theater etiquette, a
day trip to Sea Isle City, and a pool party. In 2015, 35 teens enjoyed the Broadway Show Kinky Boots
and discussed diversity and acceptance. One teen said, “Life is more fun when you are open minded!”
The week also included a tour of Saint Joseph’s University followed by dinner at Cuba Libre restaurant
in Philadelphia.
17. Services by the Numbers
In 2015, GFS provided comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally respective services in the following areas:
500 children received Christmas gifts
180 elementary school students at Holy Name School participated in life skills and violence prevention education
75 teens attended CASA programs
50 middle school students at Holy Name School participated in group therapy sessions
45 clients counseled by licensed social workers
35 children attended Summer Camp for 5 weeks
35 teens enjoyed Teen Adventure Week
30 family members traumatized by violent crime were supported through the legal process to bring the accused to
justice
25 students applied to colleges through our College Access Program
25 young adults attended the inaugural Next Step meeting
21 students assisted with high school applications, scholarships, and financial aid
10 college campuses visited
8 service projects completed
7 hours of after school tutoring for high school students offered weekly
6 guest speakers at CASA
6 students graduated from the CASA SAT prep program
2 overnight retreat and service programs for teens
1 Next Step student featured on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer for his volunteer work
Image Courtesy of Den Sweeney Photography
18. Volunteers
150 individuals attended the Crossing the River for A Cause fundraiser
120 young professionals attended the Take The Tower fundraiser
80 individuals and families provided Christmas gifts to children
25 chaperones volunteered for the Summer Camp’s day at the beach
20 organizations provided Christmas gifts to children
8 SJU students volunteered weekly at CASA
5 peer tutors from Bishop Eustace Preparatory School taught CASA teens
5 adults volunteered full-time at CASA
Staff
Sister Helen Cole, Sister of Saint Joseph, Master of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Director and Founder
Lourdes Gonzalez-Sherby, Master of Social Work, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Bi-Lingual Clinical Social Worker and Assistant Director of CASA
Tim Gallagher, Master of Social Work
Community Outreach Worker and Assistant Director of CASA
Ryan Langton, Bachelors of Arts
Community Outreach Worker
Colleen Alvarado
Administrative Assistant
20. Partners
Bishop Eustace Preparatory
School
Camden Center for Law Social
Justice
Camden County Metro Police
Department
Camden County Office of the
Prosecutor
Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception
Catholic Charities
Catholic Partnership Schools
Den Sweeney Photography
DeSales Service Works
Diocese of Camden
Community Relations Board
District Council Collaborative
Board (DCCB)
Holy Name of Camden
Ministries Holy Name School
Knights of Columbus
Norwood Fontbonne Academy
Rutgers University Office of
Civic Engagement
Saint Joseph’s Prep
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Luke’s Catholic Medical
Services
Sbars Inc.
Townsend Press
Villanova University
21. Board Members
Kevin Moran, MSW, MPA Chairman of the Board
Executive Director, New Visions Homeless Day
Shelter
Michele Emery, NP, Treasurer
Regional Director, Walgreens Wellness Clinic
Nancy Jerome, Secretary
Volunteer, CASA
Co-Founder, Crossing the River For a Cause Event
Vincent McDermott, MD
Physician, Retired
Kevin Hickey, MA
Executive Director of Catholic Charities
Regina Bartler
Director of Marketing, Bartler Wealth Management
Co-Founder, Crossing the River For a Cause Event
Marlene Ramos
Human Social Specialist, Bi-Lingual II, Camden
County Board of Social Services
Paul Dannenfelser, MSSW
Social Worker
Sean McCloskey
Co-Founder, Lavahound; Consultant, Transmogrify
Jennifer Bonetti Fay, MA, JD
Attorney at Law
Prince Holloway, JD
Attorney at Law, Stampone Law
Robert Grady
Managing General Partner, EXL, LLC and ASRM,
LLC
Thomas M. Keeley-Cain, Esq.
Attorney at Law
22. As “broken” as many may assume this city is, it
has so much potential within its avenues,
boulevards, and streets. I am a student-athlete,
scholar, leader, and proud to be from Camden,
NJ. I have much to offer to this world.
I no longer settle for an image of a disgraceful
city. I am an example of those striving in this city,
and I refuse to fall victim to statistics and
stereotypes. ~Stephen, CASA Youth Leader
Donate Now:
www.guadalupefamilyservices.org/donate
Image Courtesy of Den Sweeney Photography
23. “No daylight to separate us. Only kinship. Inching ourselves closer
to creating a community of kinship such that God might recognize it.
Soon we imagine, with God, this circle of compassion. Then we
imagine no one standing outside of that circle, moving ourselves
closer to the margins so that the margins themselves will be
erased. We stand there with those whose dignity has been denied.
We locate ourselves with the poor and the powerless and the
voiceless. At the edges, we join the easily despised and the readily
left out. We stand with the demonized so that the demonizing will
stop. We situate ourselves right next to the disposable so that the
day will come when we stop throwing people away.”
-Father Gregg Boyle SJ, Tattoos On The Heart (2011)
