World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
In 2021 Pope Francis instituted World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly to celebrate the senior citizens in our lives. Our Holy Father said that the elderly are, “the link between generations, passing on the experience of life and faith to the young.” Each year, this occasion is marked on the fourth Sunday in July as a way to honor the feast day of Jesus’ grandparents, Saints Joachim and Anne.
For the third annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Archbishop Pérez released a video message as part of the celebration this year. The Archbishop said, “Today we celebrate our grandparents and the senior citizens in our lives. They have many gifts and great wisdom to share and are bountiful sources of strength, support, and hope.”
Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS) provides support and services to older adults everyday within the Archdiocese. CHCS is recognized as a leading provider of senior services throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. Dedicated staff are committed to providing the best quality support for seniors and their loved ones through senior programs including senior housing, senior centers, and parish-based eldercare programs.
Currently, CHCS has a portfolio of six affordable senior living communities: Saint Francis Villa (Kensington); Saint John Neumann Place and Saint John Neumann Place II (South Philadelphia); Saint Rita Place (South Philadelphia); Nativity B.V.M. Place (Port Richmond); and St. Joseph Place (Collingdale).
In early February, CHCS broke ground for Father Augustus Tolton Place, a new affordable community for independent seniors in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia. The facility will be the seventh of its nature opened by CHCS.
For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, approximately 471 seniors resided in the CHCS affordable housing facilities. The senior housing programs enable seniors who are 62 and older to enjoy comfortable, stylish apartment living. CHCS ensures that seniors remain active in their communities while living in the senior housing programs.
This year, CHCS celebrated Resident Appreciation Week at the sites providing fun activities for the residents taking place throughout the week. At St. John Neumann Place I and II communities, staff and residents celebrated with a barbeque with tons of food, a DJ, dancing, and cornhole games.
In addition to providing seniors with comfortable living options, CHCS also operates several senior community centers and parish programs across the city. 2,800 seniors benefitted from senior centers and parish programs in 2022.
Senior community centers offer opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education, and nutritional support with a focus on overall health, wellness and independence. The centers feature a variety of different activities such as art classes, trips, health education, nursing services, and exercise and wellness programs. Seniors are provided with a variety of different fun and engaging activities throughout the year that take place inside and outside of the centers.
This summer, members of the Star Harbor Senior Community Center and Saint Edmond Senior Community Centers participated in a Spirit of Philadelphia Cruise to kick off the Summer. Seniors enjoyed a day on the Delaware River filled with dining, dancing, and entertainment.
With 14 programs ranging across all five counties of Philadelphia, CHCS also serves older adults through their Parish Eldercare Program. Through these programs, CHCS engages with senior parishioners and community members in their homes, connecting them to resources, coordinating services and supporting their desire to be independent for as long as possible.
Through the various offerings, CHCS remains committed to providing the best quality support for seniors.