NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2013
Contact: Lulu Todorov 215.825.8202 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Villa Joins PHMC Family
PHILADELPHIA –The Villa, formerly St. Mary's Villa for Children and Families, a specialized residential program for youth, joined Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) on April 1, 2013 as a member of its affiliate family. "We're thrilled to welcome The Villa to the PHMC affiliate family," says PHMC President & CEO Richard Cohen. "The work they do with youth furthers our own mission of building healthier communities. This affiliation helps us reach over 200,000 people as an organization and provide greater community impact."
The Villa serves youth who have demonstrated a history of truancy, emotional trauma, family conflict and difficulties in the community. "The emphasis of our work is on nurturing growth, teaching responsibility and restoring hope," says Diana Fryer, executive director at The Villa. "Our mission also includes empowering children and families through strong community collaborations and teaching them to lead responsible lives and develop healthy relationships." As part of the affiliation agreement, The Villa will be partnering with The Bridge, another affiliate of PHMC. "The Villa's services make it a natural addition for the behavioral health component offered by PHMC and its affiliates," says Michael Ogden, executive director of The Bridge.
The Villa's comprehensive program addresses the physical, cognitive, social, educational and emotional needs of youth so they can become productive members of society. The Villa offers services to address academic issues and strengthen family relationships, while developing age-appropriate social skills. Additionally, the programming focuses on the skill development necessary for reunification with family and introduction into the public school system.
"The Villa is excited to join the PHMC family," says Fryer. "We look forward to working together with existing programs and complementing existing services." The Villa was founded in 1911 as an orphanage for boys by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. In 1936, the orphanage moved to the spacious, historic grounds of the Lindenwold Estate in Ambler, Pennsylvania. In 2001, St. Mary's Villa combined resources with Holy Family Institute in Pittsburgh and developed a reputation as a preeminent provider of services for abused and neglected children in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Today, The Villa serves both boys and girls in need of care and an opportunity for a fresh start. Services are also available through their day school for students from surrounding school districts in need of special education services.
###
About PHMC
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce. PHMC has served the region since 1972. For more information on PHMC, visit www.phmc.org.
