Holy Redeemer’s Drueding Center Transitional Housing Program Honors its Auxiliary at “Stairway to Our Future” Gala

Drueding Center’s Auxiliary received the Sister Kathryn Etchells, CSR, Lifetime Achievement Award at Drueding Center’s “Stairway to Our Future” gala fundraiser. The Drueding Center’s Auxiliary was honored for its 19 years of work and generosity to the center’s homeless women and children who turn to the center to help rebuild their lives.

The Auxiliary, established by Drueding Center’s founder, Sister Kathryn Etchells, CSR in 1994, is made up of 266 members, all dedicated to transforming lives.

Drueding Center Board of Directors member Nicole Hines and Drueding Center Auxiliary board member Helen Dunleavy spoke at the award ceremony. Hines, of Philadelphia, is a graduate of Drueding Center’s program in addition to being a new addition to Drueding Center’s Board of Directors. Dunleavy, of Willow Grove, has been a Drueding Center Auxiliary member since its inception.

“We offer hope to those in the midst of human struggle. The homeless mothers and children we serve have suffered from the effects of poverty, abuse, and trauma. The courage that the families have displayed in meeting their challenges and achieving their goals spurs me on to greater efforts. I am privileged to participate in such a life-giving mission,” Dunleavy said prior to the gala.

Drueding Center’s Unique Care Approach

Drueding Center was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer in 1987 to help create two generations of self-sufficient adults. Since 1987 hundreds of families have been touched by Drueding Center: by living in its 30-apartment residential building; attending its licensed child care center; and receiving the life skills and clinical counseling, housing assistance, and comprehensive case management necessary to become truly independent. Drueding Center recognizes that healing takes time. Families can spend up to two years in its residential program before transitioning on to permanent housing, and the advances made during their stay are preserved through After Care case management. Drueding Center is unique in the breadth of its programs and the length of time it stays with its families – up to seven years after they leave – offering the long-term support that ensures success.

Proceeds from the Stairway to Our Future event will help provide transitional housing and supportive services for approximately 60 homeless families residing at Drueding Center this year, and also ensure an additional 275 formerly homeless families maintain their independence – through Drueding’s After Care and Blueprint programs. The event’s contributions empower single mothers in Philadelphia to live independently and achieve their individual measures of success – effectively breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. For more information, visit www.druedingcenter.org.