CHC's Graduation Rate is 94%!                                

Nationally, 75% of teen mothers drop out of school and teen fathers are 3 times more likely to drop out of school.

On Tuesday, June 5th, we held our annual Senior Celebration to honor the CHC clients who are graduating from high school.  The room was full of proud families as CHC staff congratulated the graduates on their tremendous accomplishment.  "Pat yourself on the back - this is a big deal. You beat the odds!" 

Bob Malehorn, Fatherhood Coordinator and Giovanny Marin

Kathy Dwyer, Program Director, went on to note, "We are the sum of our challenges, not our successes."  This year, CHC is proud to have 50 clients who are graduating - all working on their education and exploring career paths while caring for their children and working on building their family.

Randi McCreesh, Career Specialist, awarded Khadijah Smith The Creative Career Award in recognition of exceptional commitment.  "Khadijah is a very motivated and hardworking student.  She set a goal to go to Holy Family University and made it happen.  She is a strong student, committed to her future."

Please join us in celebrating all of the graduates!

What's Next?                                                         

Randi McCreesh and Khadijah Smith

 

High school graduation is an amazing accomplishment given the odds our clients face.  With this challenge met, what is the next step?  CHC understands the importance of being economically self-sustainable so this is where Randi McCreesh, Career Specialist, steps in.





Randi has been CHC's Career Specialist for seven years and she has been working with young adults for 14 years.  Randi explores different careers with CHC clients and assesses the training, education and apprenticeships necessary.  Randi provides support throughout the entire process, from evaluating the client's strengths and skill sets to guiding them through the application and financial aid process.  Some of her workshops include:

• Interviewing 101
• Resume Writing
• How to get a Job
• Conflict Resolution
• Attitude is Everything

Randi has lived what she shares with the clients - 

"How I got to CHC is one of my favorite stories. I share it with my students every year to demonstrate how to get the career you want.

I knew of CHC and wanted to work for the agency. I wrote up my own job proposal and curriculum, called Beth and asked for an interview. I went in and met with Kathy and Beth and shared my vision for the agency. They thought it was a great idea and the rest is history."    

 

You can feel the mutual respect and genuine care between Randi and the clients.  Her voice trembled a bit when she closed her comments. "It's an honor to be a part of your lives."

 

   

 6th graders at the Newtown Friends School helped to deliver a huge diaper donation from the Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank.  As part of their community service, they helped the Diaper Bank to organize the donated diapers and sort orders for several agencies.  We are thrilled to welcome these new supporters of CHC and thank The Greater Philadelphia Diaper Bank and Pat Kennedy for their long-time support.