The Mission of the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor is to build bridges between providers, recipients and community leaders across economic, political and religious spectra. A.D.R.O.P. accomplishes its Mission by matching individuals with identified needs to known resources in order to build better communities.
is an action arm of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 - 2020
A. D. R. O . P. interns M ishelley and Angel present on their experience at the Asian Arts Initiative.
Fr. John Deegan, O.S.A. Director, Office of Justice and Peace, Province of St. Thomas of Villanova; Founder, A.D.R.O.P. Fr. Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A., Assistant Vice President for Mission and Ministry, Villanova University, Chairman of the Board, A.D.R.O.P. Lacie Michaelson. Executive Director, A.D.R.O.P. Henry E. Hockeimer, Jr., Vice Chairman, Partner, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll Joseph Micucci, Secretary, Development Coordinator Faculty, Villanova University John F. Faustman, Treasurer, Executive Vice President, BMS Intermediaries, Inc. Thomas M. Gallagher, Chair, Pepper Hamilton, LLP Fr. Joseph Genito, O.S.A., Pastor of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Fr. Nicholas Martorano, O.S.A., Pastor of Annunciation and Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parishes Fr. William Waters, O.S.A., Pastor of St. Augustine Parish Norman McMahon, CEO, Pay All Solutions Jessica Eischen, VietLead, Summer Youth Project Director Helen Lafferty, Ph.D., Assoc. Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Faculty, Villanova University Sr. Ellenrita Purcaro, OP, Director of Empowerment Center at Harmony Farm Kristin K. Bray, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, The City of Philadelphia Catherine C. Giancatarino, Director, Center for Service and Social Justice, Villanova University Christa Faustman, Executive Vice President, BMS Intermediaries, Inc.
“ to the work of reforming policies and that impede freedom, justice,
Christian Colletti, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University; Vice Chair Department of Emergency Medicine, Christiana Care Health System 2130 South 21st Street, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19145
peace and 215-925-3566
RightsofthePoor.org
-Fr. Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial
A Word from the Director Confusion, fear, and anxiety were major elements of the past year, especially this past Spring. While A.D.R.O.P. faced significant challenges and road blocks, we also find ourselves energized and motivated to adjust to this “new normal.” English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are now taught online, the Unity Clinic will soon reopen using telehealth options, and Adeodatus and Mary Mother of Captive meetings are now convened via zoom. While this past year was unlike any other, we’re pleased to continue our mission of building bridges between those who have skills and services and those in need. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and financial support, we depend on you, our community, and we’re so grateful.
A.D.R.O.P. employs an Executive Director and Clinic Manager. Stipends are provided for expenses to the Restorative Justice Coordinators and Language Interpreters. In addition, hundreds of hours are provided by various volunteers without whom A.D.R.O.P. would not be able to offer its many services to the community.
Augustinian Volunteer Travis Vermulm reads to kindergarteners at St. Anthony of Padua Regional Area C atholic School.
2019-2020 GOALS
RESULTS
Hire a new director of restorative justice who can bridge, evaluate and bolster both ministries.
Peter Land was hired to work in restorative justice ministry and has worked to support, expand and unite these ministries.
Pursue opening a dental clinic open to both Spanish and Indonesian speakers in partnership with Penn Dental.
While this particular partnership was not successful this year, the Unity Clinic instead secured a grant from the Methodist Hospital Foundation and will be adding much needed physical therapy services.
Take over ESL program offered at Annunciation Parish and hire a program director and organizer.
Financial Collaboration Grants Connelly Foundation Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova Independence Blue Cross Sisters of Saint Francis
This transition was successful and A.D.R.O.P. secured a partnership with the Ignatian Volunteer Corp (IVC). IVC volunteer Joan Aspan now organizes and teaches two separate sections of ESL.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development St. Thomas of Villanova Stewardship Council Methodist Hospital Foundation
A.D.R.O.P. hopes to continue outreach throughout the province, including recently securing a scholarship program for individuals interested in becoming accredited representatives in immigration court.
Donald D. Lynch Family Foundation
Develop an even better media presence in conjunction with A.D.R.O.P. participated in and helped develop the Province’s Justice the office of Justice and Peace. and Peace Webinar series which is scheduled to continue through next year. All of these webinars were recorded and are available on the Province website.
Windmill Foundation
Explore developing ministerial outreach program to the Bronx based on the needs and resources available.
Maintain status of a free clinic with government and expand Not only was the Unity Clinic successfully recognized by the governpatient population ment, but it was also awarded gold status by the National Association for Free and Charitable Clinics. Explore further collaboration or options for immigration aid and the other needs of the Annunciation community.
In addition to expanding ESL, Language Exchange, and Spanish computer classes, A.D.R.O.P. has been preparing expansion to immigration legal services, and this past year, we participated in the diocese’s accompaniment program.
St. Augustine Foundation Penn Medicine Jefferson Methodist Hospital -Provides in kind coverage to Unity Clinic Labs
Villanova University students volunteer to teach basic computer classes in Spanish to adults.
Enhance the role of the Board of Directors by providing a better understanding of the ministries of A.D.R.O.P. Restart the sub-committee structure that had previously been used by the Board to support A.D.R.O.P.’s ministries. Prepare to reopen and eventually reopen the Unity Clinic by researching the necessary means to provide a safe environment to staff and patients, including the use of new technology. Maintain status of a free clinic with government and expand patient population including adding interpreters of other languages besides Indonesian. Begin physical therapy at the Unity Clinic in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania and Methodist Hospital Foundation. Enhance communications with the donors, grantors, and other supporters especially focusing on gathering emails to increase electronic communications. Continue bridging and expanding both Restorative Justice ministries including pursuing and researching a potential transition and work training program. Continue exploring and developing ministerial outreach program to the Bronx, NY and Lawrence, MA based on the needs and resources available. Expand services to immigrants by offering immigration legal aid services and sponsoring education programs through scholarships for the Villanova VIISTA program.