PIDC STAFF LENDS A HELPING HAND

by PIDCphila
September 23, 2016

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PIDC staff at the Catharine School
PIDC staff at the Catharine School

In 2012 PIDC created an Employee Engagement Committee (EEC) whose goal was to bring staff together for service projects, team building activities and more. This past summer the EEC helped PIDC reach beyond its economic development mission by participating in two community service projects. The first day of service included a trip to the J.W. Catharine Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia. PIDC has been partnering with the Catharine School for almost 3 years hosting school supplies drives, and most recently a 50/50 raffle fundraiser. While at the school, staff participated in various activities to give it new life before the new school year. The school yard was painted, chairs were assembled, and the faculty lounge even got a makeover complete with a welcome back sign designed by PIDC staffs’ children. The service day ended with a well-deserved lunch provided by Feastivities events at Bartram’s Garden. “It was a beautiful experience. I’m glad I attended,” said PIDC staff member Joann D’Angelo.

For the second day of service the staff visited Broad Street Ministry (BSM). Broad Street Ministry BSM is a local organization offering a variety of social services to those in need. Amy Schulz had this to say about the EEC.  “When I joined PIDC’s Employee Engagement Committee earlier this year I was excited to expand upon our mission to “revitalize neighborhoods” by finding more hands-on ways for PIDC employees to come together and give back to the Philadelphia community.  Bringing the entire organization together to volunteer at the Catherine School this summer was amazing on multiple fronts.  It not only strengthened everyone’s connection with the school, but also discovering that with a few hours of teamwork we were able to leave both the students and teachers with revitalized spaces made me even more honored to be a part of the PIDC team.  Then, to have a dozen employees volunteer to serve breakfast at Broad Street Ministry only three weeks later furthered my feeling that there is only more we can accomplish from here.”

Ronette Streeter felt the days of service could be best summed up with this quote, “We earn a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give” –Sir Winston Churchill.

This certainly won’t be the last of PIDC working in the community as its mission is driving growth to every corner of Philadelphia. Below are a few pictures of the staff in action during each day of service.

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Broad Street Ministry
Patrick O'Connor
Patrick O’Connor at Broad Street Ministry
Maryann McCann and Lawrence McComie, PIDC
Maryann McCann and Lawrence McComie at Broad Street Ministry
(Top L- R) At Broad Street Ministry. Lawrence M., Amy S., Marla S., Patrick O., Omar D.,Kate M., Evelyn M., Maryann M., Amanda D., Ronette S., Ivy S.
(Top L- R) Lawrence M., Amy S., Marla S., Patrick O., Omar D.,Kate M., Evelyn M., Maryann M., Amanda D., Ronette S., Ivy S.
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The Catharine School teachers’ lounge
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Painting the teachers’ lounge
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Painting in the school yard.
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Lunch at Bartram’s Garden
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Hard at work
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PIDC staff enjoying their time at the Catharine School

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