In the midst of all these circumstance, the community of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church and Youth Center with the leadership of the Don Bosco's Salesians has put into motion an extraordinary response to the needs of the poor, needy youth of the area. The Salesian priests and brothers, the Guadalupana Missionary Sisters of the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Sacrament Sisters and dedicated lay collaborators makes this ministry in the Glades a miracle happening right now for the kids of today and tomorrow. Under the leadership of Sr. With additional funding they soon hope to increase that number to over 150 kids. On holidays, teacher days and summer break, the Center opens for daily for 10 hours.
Food is served and transportation even provided when needed.
This mission oriented program is committed to provide children with quality care and learning activities that will enrich their lives, enhance self-esteem, and encourage responsible, positive social behavior in the same evangelical spirit of St. John Bosco. The need for this caring ministry was established 14 years ago by the Haitian Catholic Center now Catholic Charities. The need, especially for the children of farm workers, has increased. As was said earlier, the young people are predominantly the sons and daughters of farm workers, some of whom migrate annually with their families to other states following the crops. Many of the parents do not speak English, nor have they, for the most part, acculturated to U.S. culture and systems of education and social services.