Philadelphia Programs
Cityteam Chester offers several different programs that reach out to those severely in need. All of these programs incorporate a chance for our staff and volunteers to consistently walk along side someone and explain God's unconditional love for them in order to formulate an everlasting real change in their lives.
Food Services
The Emergency Food Box program meets the needs of families here in the Delaware Valley by providing a box of food with a variety of staples to help those who have a hard time stretching their income to the end of the month. Canned food drives conducted by schools, churches, individuals, and civic organizations are the source for most of our stock. Your gift, no matter how small, makes a huge difference to a hungry person.
We at Cityteam know that it is difficult to hear spiritual truth on an empty stomach. We see the homeless and the poor wandering the streets, and reach out to meet their need in Jesus’ name with a hot, nutritious meal in a caring atmosphere. Many of the elderly in isolated apartments travel down to dine with us because we know their name. We care about the individual, and know their worth in the sight of God.
Homeless Shelter & Second Chance Program
We strive to keep our shelter free from the fears that plague so many of the homeless—fear of being robbed or physically accosted while they sleep. Our shelter is manned from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. by dedicated staff and volunteers. After five days, men are given the chance to enter the Second Chance Program, where they are given an opportunity for a clean start, help finding affordable housing, job opportunities, and health management.
Recovery Program
Since alcoholism and drug addiction is the number one problem among the poor and homeless, Cityteam provides a long-term, residential recovery program. We take a holistic approach addressing not only addiction, but psychological, spiritual, educational, and vocational issues as well. Many of the men who come to us for help have hit rock bottom. They come through our doors in poor physical condition, often dirty and underweight from living on the streets, and can barely lift their heads from shame. We receive them with open arms, rejoicing that we have the opportunity to surround them with love and acceptance as they strive to obtain sobriety. A common thread in the testimonies of so many of our men is that they discover, perhaps for the first time, that God loves them and Jesus died for them while they were still sinners.
Family Services Ministry
When there is barely enough money for food or rent, furniture becomes a luxury. That's why we see many children sleeping on the floor in overcrowded apartments. Because of generous donors we are able to provide furniture and used adult clothing to the homeless and those who don’t have the funds to purchase these items.
Mother & Baby Care Program
The fastest growing population of poor and homelessness is single parents with small children. Cityteam works with parentsto insure that their children maintain a healthy environment by providing diapers, formula, baby food, car seats, strollers, cribs and emotional support to disadvantaged mothers and their children. Cityteam helps over 700 parents each year.
Compass Academy and Career Employment Services
Because we are dedicated to reaching out to the whole person—body, soul and spirit—in the name of Jesus Christ, Cityteam has spent much time in research as to what type of approach should be used to address the problem of access to education tailored to adult learning ability.
This program is designed for adults and is a self-paced, computer-interactive approach to education. It allows students to move from their accessed starting place to the point of their highest level of success. Students may work toward earning a GED or apply for college entrance as part of their academic plan. We are working with several local colleges to help students in their quest for future career success.