For the past two decades, the third floor of Annunciation BVM Elementary School, 12th and Wharton streets, has been left unused. But, with the help of Home Depot, of the 2400 block of West Oregon Avenue, the floor, which was once full of classrooms, is being remodeled for the Community Self Empowerment and Employment Program Center (CSEEP).
During the first day of renovations last Thursday, about 85 volunteers from Annunciation’s community service program, as well as staff and former parishioners, such as Cathy Gandolfo of WPVI-TV Action News, and Home Depot employees helped complete the first of four remodeling stages. Walls and ceilings surrounding blackboards in the former classrooms were painted and electrical work was completed. The hardwood floors will be sandblasted and stained within the next week.
When complete, the multi-purpose center will provide job-training programs, computer literacy programs with a state-of-the-art lab, with computers donated from different companies and funded through a Wachovia Bank grant and Microsoft. The facility will also have social and cultural services, as well as open space for public meetings and offices.
"We will help people get jobs and bridge the education divide," said Dino Rossi, president and CEO of CSEEP and development director of Annunciation.
Rossi, who has a history of job training within human resources, created CSEEP in 1997 to answer the most pressing needs of the community and social services – obtaining quality jobs.
"My boss once told me that the best social work is a job and it’s absolutely right," he said.
The nonprofit organization’s first program was in 2000 at Edward Bok Vocational High School, Eighth and Mifflin streets, at the former principal’s invitation. Through that program, CSEEP recruited and trained 70 low-income workers for careers or jobs in the culinary arts, computer technology, building maintenance and healthcare. Some other programs CSEEP has initiated are summer camps, after-school programs and senior social services.
CSEEP developed a group collaborative three years ago. It currently consists of about 21 faith-based, business and community organizations, including churches such as St. Nicholas of Tolentine and businesses such as Termini’s Pastries, Sunrise Inc. and Wachovia Bank. The collaborative is working on 12 different initiatives with funding for one program and a verbal commitment for two more. According to Rossi, one initiative with the Bank of America will begin a development program for youths and families of South Philadelphia. Also, an initiative with Citizens Acting Together Can Help (CATCH) Inc., of the 1400 block of Lombard Street, will train people to work in homes with disabled individuals.
"The goal of the collaborative is to better serve the South Philadelphia community," said Rossi, of the 2300 block of Rosewood Street.
The idea for Annunciation’s renovation came about when the community, as well as CSEEP, realized the need for another facility. The original facility was located at Bok High School. Team Home Depot chose this renovation as its project for the year after being approached by CSEEP representatives. Home Depot employees responded to signs posted in communal rooms at each store. The Quartermaster Plaza Home Depot supplied the tools and equipment and volunteers came from stores throughout the region, including those in Neshaminy and Port Richmond.
"Team Depot is Home Depot’s way of helping the community and getting the community involved," said Cathy Lester, human relations manager of the Quartermaster Plaza Home Depot, 2400 W. Oregon Ave.
But the renovation would not have been possible without the cooperation of Annunciation and its pastor’s vision. According to the Rev. Gary Pacitti, the top floor was closed more than two decades ago because of the decline in school enrollment. However, within the last few years, enrollment has increased, tuition has been slightly lowered and several fund-raising programs have been enacted.
"In one year, we have had a drastic turnaround," said Pacitti, who has been pastor for the last two years.
According to Rossi, these changes, along with the renovation, will help Annunciation become a "community school where nonprofits can come carry out their mission and their work in a safe, caring environment."
The renovation should be completed by January 2006. Rossi is hoping for a positive community reception with the program’s main goal being fulfilled.
"We just hope many good quality programs will transpire to better serve the community," he said.
For more information on CSEEP, contact 215-465-4310. CSEEP is looking for volunteers for after-school programs, summer camps and developing the third-floor of Annunciation. The organization is also accepting furniture donations, including desks, tables and lamps.
