Celebrating a Decade of Service: Catholic Social Services’ Community Umbrella Agency in Greater Northeast Philadelphia

The Community Umbrella Agency (CUA) in Greater Northeast Philadelphia recently celebrated a significant milestone as they marked a decade of providing support services to the community. The agency, established in 2013 by the Department of Human Services (DHS), hosted a weeklong celebration this summer to commemorate the occasion.

The celebration included a community giveaway event where food, backpacks, and diapers were distributed to those in need. Dignitaries from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the DHS were also in attendance to join in the festivities.

Ginger Smith, Director of Prevention and Intervention Services for the CUA, highlighted the agency’s focus on case management and prevention services. She explained that the agency works to monitor the well-being of children in homes, provide support to families facing challenges, and ultimately reunify children with their families whenever possible.

In addition to case management, the CUA offers community engagement programs such as parent cafes, a weekly diaper bank, and an annual winter coat distribution event called Operation Bundle Up. These programs aim to educate parents, provide essential resources to families, and create a sense of community within the neighborhood.

During the weeklong celebration, the CUA hosted a successful community giveaway event where hundreds of families received much-needed items. Lance Wright, CUA Community Liaison, emphasized the agency’s commitment to serving families from diverse backgrounds, including refugees and immigrants.

Overall, the CUA estimates that they assist approximately 10,000 families each year through their services and programs. The agency’s impact on the Northeast Philadelphia community has been significant, and they continue to grow and expand their reach.

As Smith expressed, the CUA is like a family internally, and they strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for the families they serve. The agency’s dedication to helping others and building strong relationships within the community is truly commendable.

The CUA’s 10th-anniversary celebration was a testament to their ongoing commitment to making a difference in the lives of those they serve, and their work continues to have a positive impact on the Greater Northeast Philadelphia community.