CFAR January 2024 Newsletter

Happy New Year! As we kick of 2024, we wanted to reflect on how much we accomplished in 2023. Some highlights include:

• We served 2,505 clients- the most we have ever served!

• 50 interns came through our highly regarded internship program

• Our partnerships grew at least tenfold, particularly through our Together Through Trauma program

• We expanded our administrative staff to strengthen our fundraising, communications, billing, and operations

• PCCD awarded our Together Through Trauma program nearly $1 million to expand into Philadelphia recreation centers

• We received an Innovation Award from EPIC

• Pew Charitable Trust awarded CFAR $1.8 million to strengthen our infrastructure in preparation for more significant growth

2024 marks CFAR’s 30th anniversary year! CFAR was founded in 1994 under the name Center for Growth and Development by Maryann C. Volk, a former teacher and principal with the Archdioceses of Philadelphia. Maryann opened CFAR in a corner row home in Northeast Philadelphia with one room and one therapist. CFAR eventually moved to a larger space on Bustleton Avenue to accommodate significant growth. CFAR’s outpatient services now serves over 2,500 clients each year, and the need continues to grow. We have also added two grant-funded programs to offer services to vulnerable populations at no cost. Throughout it all, CFAR has grown our reputation as one of the most innovative and impactful counseling services in Philadelphia. Thanks to this reputation, we continue to grow and thrive, and further our mission of strengthening families through our work. Stay tuned for news about upcoming growth planning, and we will soon announce the date and details for our 30th Anniversary Celebration Breakfast in May!

In addition to our Outpatient Services, CFAR has received grant funding to offer free services to vulnerable communities through our Children Deserving Services (CDS) and Together Through Trauma (TTT) programs. CDS offers free therapy services to uninsurable children, most of whom are from immigrant families with almost no access to mental health services. CDS has seen a huge surge in need in 2023, and we are working to secure funding to be able to serve all of the children on the waitlist in 2024. TTT offers services and workshops to those struggling with trauma after gun violence, and the program is focused on zip codes with the highest instances of gun violence in Philadelphia. TTT grew significantly in 2023 thanks to a large grant from the state in order to help address the, unfortunately, growing need for trauma services in the city. TTT is looking forward to making a big impact in 2024, as the program continues to gain traction and trust in the communities they serve.

As we celebrate 30 years of strengthening families, CFAR would love to hear stories from clients, staff, partners, and supporters! How has CFAR impacted your life? What do you see for our future? Why do you think we are so special? We welcome any and all anecdotes, reflections, advice, or just words of support.  Please email Toral Patel, CFAR Director of Development and Communications, at tpate@cfarcounseling.org to share as we celebrate this milestone year!