Services
History
Founded in 1971 as a Senior Center, St. Pat's has remained flexible enough to respond to the emerging need of the local community on the east side of Wilmington, DE. When St. Patrick's School closed in 1970, the Sisters of St. Francis who staffed the school asked the local community what was needed. It was decided that a senior center would serve the community well.
The senior center operated in the school building and took the opportunities to serve the community and its ever changing needs. Today, St. Patrick's Center has evolved into a welcoming, dignified, respectful, and caring environment with the desire to serve the poor and the elderly through the following:
St. Patrick's Center Programs
Senior Nutrition Program – Congregate midday meals are served almost every day of the year for seniors age 60 and older in the dining room, and meals are delivered to homebound individuals. Over 9,000 meals are served annually and over 10,000 meals are delivered. Program provided in cooperation with City Fare.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program for Seniors – USDA food boxes are distributed monthly to seniors who register for the program and meet income criteria. Over 2,500 boxes are distributed annually. Program provided in cooperation with the Food Bank of Delaware.
Transportation for Seniors and People with Disabilities – Seniors and others with disabilities receive transportation to and from their homes to the Center with service provided six days each week. Transportation is provided for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other activities as planned. Over 20,000 trips are completed annually.
Emergency Grocery Program – Individuals and families in need of emergency food receive a three day supply of groceries. Over 15,000 households are served annually.
Produce Distribution – Fresh produce is provided three days each week and distributed based on availability from various sources. Over 7,000 people are served annually.
Homeless Respite Services – Daytime services are provided on weekdays for people who are homeless. A safe secure environment out of the weather, use of phones, laundry and shower facilities, clothing, information and referral, and other services are offered. Over 150 people are served each month; over 11,000 people are served annually. Also, there's a computer resource center, where a consumer can look for employment as well as build a resume.
Clothing Bank – Good quality used, and sometimes new, clothing is offered to people of all ages every weekday. There is no charge to recipients, although donations are accepted. Over 12,000 people are served annually.
Breakfast Program – A hot made-to-order breakfast is provided every weekday at minimal cost. Over 14,000 people are served annually.
Recreational and Educational Activities – Participants at the Center utilize the space available to engage in activities of their choosing. These include weekly Bible study, Bingo, cards, Triominos, puzzles, educational presentations, or other activities. A monthly newsletter is provided.
Social Worker Services – Some participants need additional assistance that is not formally offered as part of a program. The following services are offered through social worker services program; Abuse / neglect, community medical care, financial assistance, health education, insurance coverage, job search, legal services, mental health, pharmacy / medications, substance abuse, transportation and etc.. About 250 people each month receive at least one of these services on a regular basis
Pharmacy Services – St. Pat's covers co-pays for people in need of medications that don't have any money to get it on their own. Green hill pharmacy fills prescriptions and makes daily deliveries to St. Pat's. Around 25 people a month receive assistance with medications.