Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity.
It is an act of justice.
It is the protection of a fundamental human right,
the right to dignity and a decent life.

Our Chester Ministry Outreach was established in 2021 to deepen and strengthen our financial and personal commitment to leading social service providers across the City of Chester.

What do ACCESS Community Center, The Bernardine Center, Catholic Social Services, CityTeam and St. Katharine Drexel Food Cupboard have in common? All welcome anyone in need, regardless of faith, race, or other difference. All survive largely on donations and steward their resources carefully. And all serve with dignity and love, and without judgment.

Each partner's volunteer and financial needs change over time;
we hope you will get to know them.

ACCESS Chester Community Center. Opened in 2022, ACCESS offers programs and activities that enrich the lives of children, young adults, seniors and families in the Chester community. Services include a hot lunch, discussions and job fairs.
PARISH COORDINATOR: Becca Ball

The Bernardine Center. Founded in 1986 by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, the center offers emergency assistance, educational and spiritual programs, and a hot meal three times a week.
PARISH COORDINATOR: Mary Murray

Catholic Social Services. Operated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the CSS Family Service Center in Chester provides food, clothing, rent and utility assistance; showers and laundry for individuals experiencing homelessness; support for new immigrants; and more.
PARISH COORDINATOR: Mary Chollet

CityTeam Chester. Founded “to share Christ’s unconditional and redemptive love by caring for immediate needs and enabling lasting solutions,” CityTeam (formerly, CityTeam Ministries) provides food, clothing, shelter, spiritual support and residential recovery programs.
PARISH COORDINATOR: Kathy Carzo

St. Katharine Drexel Food & Clothing Cupboard. Established in 1993 by the merger of six Chester parishes, St. Katharine Drexel Parish operates a Food and Clothing Cupboard that also provides toiletries, diapers and other essentials.
PARISH COORDINATOR: Mary Chollet