Philadelphia has a long history of being a city of immigrants. Throughout the years, newcomers — many escaping war and oppression in their native lands — have sought better lives and homes for their families. To help meet the growing needs of the immigrant community in Philadelphia, in 2003 the Sisters of Saint Joseph Welcome Center, a Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, officially opened its doors. With its new start, a formal funeral home and adjoining office space in the Kensington neighborhood became a place of learning and a place of welcome. As our community and services continued to grow, so did our physical space. In 2014, the Welcome Center acquired the house next door to provide more office and classroom spaces. The Sisters of Saint Joseph and many donors contributed to the purchase and renovation of this building. On March 4, 2017, we celebrated the blessing and opening of our “Abel Annex.”

We offer classes for adult learners in Literacy, Citizenship, and other classes as needed. Social services are also extended to our students who need help in navigating the health and education systems, as well as assistance with daily living issues around food insecurity and where to find assistance with rent and household bills. The Welcome Center continues to be a place where people are met with compassion, hospitality, and friendship. Rooted in the Congregation’s mission “to live and work so that all may be united with God and with one another,” the Welcome Center continues to provide educational programs, support services, and advocacy for our city’s newest “dear neighbors.”