Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania - February 14, 2009 - Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton will take control of the operations of Shepherd’s Maternity House in Stroudsburg to continue their mission of providing shelter, care, counseling, and education as an alternative to abortion for unwed pregnant women effective March 2009 when the current co-founders Patricia Stys and Sr. Marion Reiersen will retire.

Msgr. Joseph P. Kelly, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services says, “We are happy to take over responsibility for Shepherd’s Maternity House. This is a wonderful program assisting young pregnant women who have no other avenues in which to turn. Providing a loving home for the infant is of utmost importance. We are deeply committed to the well being of each expectant mother and her newborn.”

Shepherd’s Maternity House provides instructions on prenatal, maternal, and postnatal care, as well as nutrition. They are given the opportunity to learn parenting skills and receive counseling and job training. They learn how to live together as a family at the maternity home. Domestic and life skills such as cooking, cleaning, personal grooming and budgeting are emphasized. After the birth of their babies, mothers receive help in finding housing, employment and child care.

Catholic Social services of the Diocese of Scranton has been providing services to those in crisis for 80 plus years. The Stroudsburg office of C.S.S. provides adoption and foster care as well as anger management and responsible choices classes.

Some of the residential programs provided by C.S.S. include: St. Jude’s apartments for homeless men and women, Gabriel House for homeless women and their children, Rose of Sharon for homeless pregnant woman and Nativity Place for families in need.

For additional information on Catholic Social Services continuing the mission of Shepherd’s Maternity House please contact:

Msgr. Joseph P. Kelly, M.S.W., V.E.
Executive Director
Catholic Social Services
Phone: 570-822-7118
Fax: 570-829-7781
jpkel@csswb.org
www.cssdioceseofscranton.org