"You, too, can perform miracles ... by touching the hearts of children."
-Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Saint Gabriel's System has served the needs of troubled youth and their families since its inception in 1898, under the auspices of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and under the direction of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and their partners. Saint Gabriel's System is conducted in the spirit of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the manner of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. This has inspired Saint Gabriel's to organize its services around education since its founding.
Saint Gabriel's System continues to serve delinquent young people who frequently experience poverty and frustration in their economic, social, psychological and spiritual lives. We view the delinquent act, in large part, as an expression of their need for help.
Saint Gabriel's System addresses the complex needs of delinquent youth within our residential treatment, day treatment, aftercare and mental health programs which offer a comprehensive and multidisciplinary array of treatment services. Our programs foster educational and vocational development, value formation, social adjustment, positive family functioning and self-respect. Our staff affirm the existing talents of our youth, while assisting them to develop many new skills.
By approaching our young people within the context of their families, their social communities, and their diverse faiths, we call them to recognize, and to function successfully in, a world larger than themselves.
Saint Gabriel's System attracts competent, caring, dedicated and conscientious staff members who serve as positive role models for youth. Our staff demonstrate the benefits and responsibilities of adult living and teach processes for problem-solving that will facilitate the transition from troubled adolescence to community-conscious adulthood. Our staff demonstrate respect for the dignity of the youth entrusted to our care, requiring that they, in turn, demonstrate respect for themselves and others, accept responsibility for their choices and be accountable for their actions.
Finally, Saint Gabriel's System lives the words of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, "You, too, can perform miracles...by touching the hearts of children." From our roots in the Christian tradition of loving service to those in need, we are convinced of the redemptive value of each individual staff member's relationship with our young people and trust that we will have made a difference in the lives of those entrusted to our care.
