Humble Beginnings 1995

Father Aita SJ, MD

As we reflect on our humble beginnings, we are grateful to Father Mark Aita SJ, MD who invited Sister Helen to be a part of the Jesuit Urban Service Team (JUST). In 1995, the JUST Team included Holy Name Church and School, St. Luke’s Catholic Medical Center, and The Camden Center for Law and Social Justice. Father Mark knew that Guadalupe Family Services would complete the team. His vision brought spiritual, educational, medical, legal and social services to North Camden and beyond!

Staff

In 1995, the staff of Guadalupe Family Services energetically and enthusiastically started a new venture at 509 State Street. Sister Helen studied in the administrative tract of the Rutgers MSW Program to prepare for the responsibility of Director. Nancy Catania MSW was well known to the parishioners of Holy Name through her previous commitment to families. Ivis Ortiz was our first secretary who was the “face of Guadalupe” to everyone who entered the door at GFS while she studied at St. Joseph’s University to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree. Dan Joyce, a Jesuit Scholastic, began his work with governmental and civic organizations as our community outreach coordinator

Camden

In 1995, the violence and the devastation of the city of Camden was known throughout the nation. In the 9 square miles of Camden, there were only three blocks that did not have an abandoned house on it. Imagine the impact on children as they lived next to or walked by these homes every day.....and so GFS joined with other city groups to advocate for change...

Shaline

On August 7th, 1995, the body of 13-year-old Shaline Seguinot was found behind Pyne Point School. Shaline was missing within fifteen minutes on August 4th after borrowing a bike and riding around the corner from her grandmother’s home. Shaline’s family asked Fr. Rick and Sister Helen to help distribute “Missing Child” flyers on Saturday. On Monday, August 7th, two young boys were taking a short cut behind the school and came upon her body. Raped and murdered. The whole community mourned with Shaline’s family. There were 60 murders that year. Father Rick and Sister Helen had to do something. So they started an end of the year vigil, remembering each victim with an hour of prayer. Twenty-five years later, the vigil continues. GFS ministers to families of murder victims. Let us never tire praying for peace – on our streets, in our city, in our world – in our hearts…. Peace.

Early Years

GFS has had the amazing commitment of dedicated staff since it opened in 1995. Each employee brings special gifts to their job. Our families still remember and inquire about our former "GFS Family Members."