Throughout July, Providence Center Summer Camp serves almost 50 elementary school-aged kids in Fairhill and Kensington.

 Feeding Bodies:  Summer is a time when children are particularly at risk for hunger since most youth in our neighborhood received free meals at school. In response, we formed a partnership with Nutritional Development Services to include a healthy breakfast and lunch with the summer camp. No child should ever go hungry, and the kids are going to need their energy when they’re running around the gym and swimming in the pool!

 Feeding Minds: We also know that the difference between advancing in school and falling behind often comes down to reinforcing and retaining lessons during summer. So, when our kids aren’t running around they’re reading, being read to, playing math games, and exploring the world of science.

Feeding Spirits: Healthy bodies and sharp minds are built on the foundation of a strong spirit. Each day after breakfast, our campers learn about dignity, respect, and compassion from the Gospel. They care for God’s creation by working in a community garden, and they create beauty themselves through music and art projects.

David Chiles recently joined the Providence Center team as the new Executive Director. We are delighted and fortunate to have David with us, and we look forward to all that lies ahead for Providence Center under David’s direction.  David has management, program development, community outreach, and fundraising experience from his prior positions at Philabundance and Cabrini College.  Before moving to Philadelphia in 2002, David served as a volunteer for three years working with immigrants and running border education programs for visiting church and college groups in El Paso, Texas and Cd. Juarez, Mexico.  He brings a wealth of experience and passion for the work.  Here’s what David had to say after his first full week as the E.D.:

Hello Providence Center Community,

 I just came back from a forum at Deloitte about how nonprofits can realize the full power of their people.  Listening to the presenters, I couldn’t help but reflect on my first two weeks as the new Executive Director of Providence Center.  Since arriving, I have gotten to know a staff dedicated to empowering the community and serving our students with dignity, including the Sisters who continue to support us with their labor and prayers.  I have met volunteers who return faithfully each week teaching and helping in the office, and our Teen Leaders who approached me with the self-assurance of young women, confident in their abilities.  I have seen the commitment of the men and women who come in for our ESL classes, endeavoring to learn a new language and build a better life for themselves and their families.  The kids in our Homework Club welcomed me with their huge smiles (although, to be honest, it could have had something to do with the end of the school year). 

 It is clear to me that the spirit of Providence Center is powerful because of the collective power and spirit of our people.  I am grateful and humbled to join this mission started by Sister Nancy, Sister Peggy, and the rest of the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus; a mission which was so wonderfully stewarded and developed by Bethany. 

 Providence Center will continue to do good and important work, providing dignity, hospitality, and a safe place to learn for our neighbors.  Despite the challenges confronting the Fairhill/Kensington neighborhood, our work will continue to be imbued with hope.  That hope comes from the power and spirit of our neighbors, our friends, our supporters, and our faith. 

 Peace and Blessings,

 David Chiles

(Yes, David is actually taller than the doors here at Providence Center)

With great sadness we bid farewell to Bethany Welch, who has faithfully served Providence Center as Executive Director for the past three years.  Bethany grew Providence Center in new and exciting ways and positioned the organization for continued growth in the future. Her passion, ambition, and genuine committment to the West Kensington/Fairhill community have blessed and inspired all of us.  We wish Bethany all the best in her future endeavors.  Friday was Bethany’s last day, and the staff took her out to Darling’s Diner to thank her for all she has done.  Here are some of the pictures from the luncheon, which was filled with laughter, gratitude, well-wishes, and even a song!

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Stay tuned for a post tomorrow introducing our wonderful new Executive Director, David Chiles!