News
St. Patrick's Center March 2022 Newsletter
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! As we moved forward into 2022, we were excited by the possibility of once again holding our Sponsors Dinner and Mass and joining everyone in a parade up King Street to our Breakfast. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center May 2021 Newsletter
Obviously, we have all had to wear masks to protect one another. The facial expressions that paint the picture of a conversation have been hidden behind fabric for just over a year now. There have been so many emotions that the mask has not been able to hide. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center November 2018 Newsletter
One of the people who frequently come to St. Patrick's Center responds with "I'm grateful" whenever anyone asks how she is doing. Her answer reminds me of how important it is to appreciate what we have and especially the people around us. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center September 2018 Newsletter
As the summer of 2018 comes to an end, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day. The center will be closed September 3, 2018 in observance and will open again for services September 4, 2018. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center June 2018 Newsletter
We're looking better! Employees and volunteers continue to work on improving the physical appearance of the Center, both inside and out. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center May 2018 Newsletter
Happy Cinco de Mayo! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of May. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center March 2018 Newsletter
Happy March! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of March. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center February 2018 Newsletter
As Director of St. Patrick's Center, I consider myself fortunate to live and work in a community that places a high value on collaboration and believes in working together to strengthen families and lift people out of poverty. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center December 2017 Newsletter
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of December. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center October 2017 Newsletter
Happy October! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of October. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center August 2017 Newsletter
Happy August! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of August. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center June 2017 Newsletter
Happy Summer! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of June. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center April 2017 Newsletter
Happy April! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of April. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center March 2017 Newsletter
Happy Spring! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of March. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center February 2017 Newsletter
Happy Valentines! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of February. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center January 2017 Newsletter
Happy New Years! Read our most recent newsletter to learn more about what we have going on during the month of January. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center December 2016 Newsletter
My prayer for each of us during these Advent days leading to Christmas is that we find quiet moments here and there and that we experience the peace and joy this season promises. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center November 2016 Newsletter
November brings us the opportunity to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. I am deeply grateful to be part of the St. Pat's community and for everyone who makes this a very special place. Read More »
Saint Patrick's Center Announces New Executive Director
Danielle Gagnon, RSM, a Sister of Mercy, is the new executive director at St. Patrick's Center, Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center October 2016 Newsletter
September was a wonderful month at St. Pat's! We had visits from great volunteers from M&T Bank, Bank of America, and Salesianum High School. Thanks, also, to all of our regular volunteers who come to offer their time and talent each day and make St. Pat's a terrific place for everyone. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center September 2016 Newsletter
September is a time of exciting new beginnings. A new school year starts, autumn cools the air, football returns. Sometimes, however, a beginning can be bittersweet. This month is one of those bittersweet times. Penny Harbin will begin a new chapter as she retires from St. Pat's on September 15. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center August 2016 Newsletter
What a wonderful welcome you have offered me! Many thanks to each of you who have helped me to feel at home at St. Pat's! This is a very special community, and it is a joy and privilege for me to be a part of it. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center July 2016 Newsletter
Join us for a special 4th of July celebration and more! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center June 2016 Newsletter
Meet with a 50+ Financial Coach to feel more confident about your retirement. The $tand By Me 50+ program provides information, resources and support to increase the economic stability of Delawareans age 50 and older who are planning for or in retirement, through financial coaching, benefits access, workshops and retirement planning. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center May 2016 Newsletter
Our clothing closet serves approximately 70 people a day with men's, women's, and children's clothes, shoes, socks and underwear. All items are free to people in need. Recent donations came from the St. Patrick's Day Society, M and T Bank, Christiana Care, Archmere Academy, the Buccini Pollin Group, and many individuals. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center April 2016 Newsletter
We are very pleased to announce that our annual St. Patrick's Day events raised a record $250,000!! Many thanks to our sponsors and donors, and especially to the members of the St. Patrick's Day Society. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center March 2016 Newsletter
St. Patrick's Center has many partners who help us serve our neighbors. Volunteers from Christiana Care prepare and donate lunch for approximately 40 homeless visitors every Wednesday. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center February 2016 Newsletter
We know that St. Patrick's Center provides services to meet basic needs: food, meal, clothing, shelter, and transportation. Another basic need is health care. Many people coming to the Center have health issues including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Read More »
New Board Member Announcement
St. Patrick's Center, Inc. is pleased to announce that Theresa (Terri) Young and Kristin Pearce have been elected to the Board of Directors. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center January 2016 Newsletter
The Center continues to serve hundreds of people every day as we become better known, more and more people reach out to help us. Many individual donors, schools, churches, civic organizations, corporations and foundations are finding out about the work we do... Read More »
Hunger in Delaware may be getting worse
The number of people on food stamps in Delaware has dropped slightly over the last few years, but there are still people so hungry that they start eating out of their donation bag even before leaving a food pantry in Wilmington... Read More »
Schoolchildren answer a most urgent need: socks
Thousands of people pour into St. Patrick's Center in Wilmington's East Side every winter in search of necessities – a place to rest, a hot meal, a shower and warm clothes. But the center has had trouble fulfilling one specific need... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center November 2015 Newsletter
St. Patrick's Center won the 2015 City of Wilmington's Community Service Award at the Thirteenth Annual Wilmington Awards Ceremony. The City recognized the accomplishments of St. Patrick's Center and expressed gratitude for loyal service to the citizens of Wilmington. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center October 2015 Newsletter
October 15 to December 7 is when ALL individuals with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2016. Information on 2016 plans will be available beginning in October. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center September 2015 Newsletter
Have you noticed suspicious charges on your bank statement and are unaware of what to do? Don't panic. Here are a few easy steps to help you address the matter and give you piece of mind. All large banks and even regional banks/credit unions more than likely have a specific identity theft/fraud division. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center August 2015 Newsletter
You may be eligible for a free cell phone which provides minutes to use, mobile access to emergency services, and a choice of cell phone plans. There are no contracts, no hidden fees, and no monthly charges. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center July 2015 Newsletter
Welcome Joel! On Monday, July 6th, St. Patrick's Center welcomes Joel Harris as our Deputy Director. Joel is a native of Wilmington, has had extensive experience in social services (in mental health and substance abuse areas) and has a Masters in Human Services. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center June 2015 Newsletter
The Center has become a place of stability in a struggling neighborhood and a support system for many who have little support elsewhere. This combination of vital services and a supporting community make St. Patrick's Center a true sanctuary for people in need. My thanks to the many people who make the Center a very special place! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center May 2015 Newsletter
The event formerly known as the Annual Old-Timers' Picnic, crafts fair and Senior expo takes place at Banning Park from 9 am until 1 pm. The theme this year is "Picnic Under the Big Top" and participants are encouraged to wear circus themed attire! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center April 2015 Newsletter
We are very happy that our annual fundraising events (sponsors' dinner, mass, parade, and breakfast) were so successful again this year. Over 700 supporters attended our breakfast on St. Patrick's Day! We are very grateful to our many sponsors and donors. Read More »
Social workers, nurses provide vital support for Wilmington's homeless at St. Pat's | Christiana Care News
In the heart of one of the city's poorest neighborhoods, Christiana Care is helping to deliver riches beyond measure in the form of care, respect, nourishment and hope to the homeless served by St. Patrick's Center on Wilmington's east side. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center March 2015 Newsletter
This very cold weather has been hard on all of us but especially our homeless clients. One day last month, 65 people were waiting in our parking lot at 6:30 a.m. to get into the Center. During these cold months we open our day shelter at 6:30 to accommodate this need... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center February 2015 Newsletter
Despite the cold and snowy weather, the Center was very busy last month. We served 1226 families (including 806 children)... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center January 2015 Newsletter
We now have social workers on site four days a week. We provide homeless visitors more lunches, snacks, blankets, and bus tickets... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center December 2014 Newsletter
November was a very exciting month for St. Patrick's Center as we were selected by the State Chamber of Commerce as the Superstar in Business (nonprofit category) winner for 2014! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center October 2014 Newsletter
We are very excited that the State Chamber of Commerce selected St. Patrick's Center as Superstar in Business (nonprofit category) for 2014! The Chamber recognized our vital mission, excellent service, and effective operations. Read More »
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Award
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Selects St. Patrick's Center for Superstar in Business (nonprofit category) Award! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center September 2014 Newsletter
A special thank you this month to our friends and supporters from Christian Care for providing our clients with volunteer nurses, nurse practitioners and insurance experts. Additional Christiana Care volunteers prepare lunches for our homeless visitors twice a month. We appreciate your help! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center August 2014 Newsletter
Summer is a time when things slow down, we spend more time relaxing, and maybe even take vacation. Not at St. Patrick's Center!! We continue to serve even more people during the summer months and we are not slowing down. We are pleased to serve so many. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center July 2014 Newsletter
Last month we served another very large number of people: 1343 families for emergency food, 1425 people for breakfast, and 1465 for fresh produce. We are developing a strong support system of schools and churches. We appreciate their steady contributions of food, clothing, and funds. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center June 2014 Newsletter
We were very happy to greet Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams when he came to the Center on May 28. Mayor Williams met with many clients, volunteers, and employees in the food closet, clothing closet, and day shelter. He also mingled with 75 seniors at our bingo/free lunch event. We appreciate the Mayor's support! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center May 2014 Newsletter
Last month over 1300 families received emergency food, 1262 individuals received breakfast, 1154 visited our clothing closet, and 895 received fresh produce. Many thanks to our dedicated staff and volunteers who provide these services in a friendly, respectful manner... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center April 2014 Newsletter
Thanks to the social workers from Christiana Care Medical Home Without Walls who volunteered at our Center on Friday, March 28th. Several volunteers helped with handing out produce, working in the Clothing Closet, and providing information about social services. This was a special day of service for Social Work Month... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center March 2014 Newsletter
We are looking forward to the month of March, not only for relief from this very rough winter, but because we celebrate the feast of our namesake, St. Patrick. March is a very busy month for the St. Patrick's Day Society (the Center's fundraising arm) as we prepare for the sponsors' dinner on March 16 and the mass, parade, and communion breakfast on March 17... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center February 2014 Newsletter
The Center continues to be very busy place! Just last month alone, 725 families received emergency food, 400 visited our clothing closet, 744 hot meals were served and another 779 were delivered to homebound seniors. The Center provided fresh produce to 703 families. Our shower and laundry facilities are being used every day by our homeless clients. We also provided transportation, educational presentations, and recreational activities... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center January 2014 Newsletter
While we continue to serve an increasing number of people, we have also been successful in getting help to support our programs. Over the past several weeks, we have received generous grants from the DuPont Company, Walmart, Lubrizol, Laffey-McHugh foundation, State of Delaware, and the Chichester duPont foun- dation. Individual donations also increased... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center December 2013 Newsletter
During the holiday season most individuals and families focus on sharing with others and serving others. At St. Patrick's Center, that is our mission-every day of the year. Especially during the holidays we remember how very fortunate we are to have a Center for our community to come together, to share with neighbors, and to serve people in need. We are very grateful to our employees, volunteers, friends, neighbors, donors, and the clients we are privileged to serve... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center November 2013 Newsletter
We are very happy that the Center now has a social worker available to assist clients with a variety of issues including insurance coverage, health, medical appointments, mental health services, transportation, information, and referrals. Carmela (Mel) Longobardi, a licensed social worker, will work at the Center every Wednesday and Thursday. Welcome Mel!... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center October 2013 Newsletter
What's new at St. Patrick's Center? People ask that question because they know that things are always happening here. We are a very dynamic place. Our seniors had a very enjoyable trip to Rehoboth, we sponsored a picnic hosted by the Johnson family at Haynes park, and we hosted the 65th wedding anniversary party for George and Alice Harris. Our Wednesday bingo games are spirited and competitive... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center September 2013 Newsletter
In last month's newsletter we mentioned the visit of Senator Tom Carper to the Center. After his visit, the Senator sent a very thoughtful note to Mike McDermott, Chairman of our Board of Directors... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center August 2013 Newsletter
Most people reading our newsletters know about the good work going on at the Center and have been here to see it. There are many others in our community, however, who don't know very much, if anything, about us... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center July 2013 Newsletter
We are very happy that Congressman John Carney visited the Center last month. He helped to distribute fresh fruit and vegetables to over 90 families while he completed the SNAP challenge, living on a food budget of $4.50 per day. He learned first- hand about the struggles many people have in providing food for their families and spent time talking and listening to our clients. There was considerable news coverage including channel 6 , WDEL, WHYY, and the News Journal... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center June 2013 Newsletter
St. Patrick's Center's unique environment-one in which we, alongside our clients themselves, provide critical services to so many in the community - and St. Patrick's Center's unique approach to providing those services in a dignified way has attracted more and more individuals and families to seek our services frequently coming from other centers or service providers where they are not treated as well... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center May 2013 Newsletter
Last month 1,274 families came to us for fresh produce and 906 came for emergency food. Our homeless population increased to over 30 each day. The Center continues to serve a very large and increasing number of people. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center April 2013 Newsletter
We are very grateful to the hundreds of sponsors and participants who attended our dinner, Mass, parade, and breakfast, and the many volunteers who made our annual St. Patrick's Day events very successful again this year. The St. Patrick's Day Society, its officers, captains, and members continue to organize and lead an amazing display of support for the Center! Read More »
St. Patrick's Center March 2013 Newsletter
March is a very busy month as we prepare for the sponsor's dinner on March 13 and the mass, parade, and communion breakfast on March 14. These events are major undertakings and the donations received are a vital source of funding for Center operations... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center February 2013 Newsletter
St. Patrick's Center welcomes a new staff member this month. John Mosley joins us to help manage various programs. His office is on the 2nd floor of the Center so be sure to stop by and give him a warm welcome. Read More »
St. Patrick's Center January 2013 Newsletter
We are very pleased that our Christmas party was a great success! Over 200 people enjoyed a delicious lunch, caroling by the Ursuline/Padua/Salesianum chorus, a surprise visit from Santa Claus, and gifts for everyone... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center December 2012 Newsletter
During Christmas season we often think of giving and receiving gifts. St. Patrick's Center receives gifts every day of the year. Our gifts are the people who come here and the opportunities they give us to serve them. They remind us that serving others is our mission... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center November 2012 Newsletter
Message from the Director One of the people who frequently comes to St. Patrick's Center responds with "I'm grateful" whenever anyone asks how she is doing. Her answer reminds me of how important it is to appreciate what we have and especially the people around us... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center October 2012 Newsletter
Another busy month! During the month of August, 618 hot meals were served and another 775 delivered to our seniors, 156 people were served breakfast, 513 visited our clothing closet, 846 families (including 464 children) received emergency food, 818 families received fresh produce, and there were 484 visitors to our respite area. We serve many people every day!... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center September 2012 Newsletter
St. Patrick's Center is a very busy place! A very large number of people come here every day to take advantage of our many services. Just last month, 611 hot meals were served and another 714 delivered to our seniors, 336 people were served breakfast, 420 visited our clothing closet, 718 families (including 351 children) received emergency food, 625 families received fresh produce, and there were 522 visitors to our respite area. Wow… that's a lot of people!... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center August 2012 Newsletter
Message from the Director A Special Invitation to Seniors: You are cordially invited to visit the cool comfort of our newly renovated senior activity center on the second floor. We have TV, bingo, cards, other games, activities, reading materials (books, magazines), field trips, and good friendship... Read More »
St. Patrick's Center July 2012 Newsletter
Message from the Director The grand opening of the senior center on June 13 featured a party with many guests, as well as refreshments, music, and good times. Many thanks to the employees, volunteers and clients for the months of hard work needed to make these changes a reality... Read More »