IN
CAMDEN
FOR
CAMDEN
Positive Youth Development
Everything we do builds on a teen's character and life skills
Social Activities
Teens are exposed to a variety of social activities to ensure they are well-rounded and ready to excel in any situation
Positive Peers
The CASA Camden program allows teens to interact with positive peers and form meaningful friendships
High School Success
In Camden only 64% of the population has a high school diploma...100% of students in the CASA program graduate high school!
College Access
Throughout the year CASA Camden offers 10 college tours, SAT Prep classes, assistance with FAFSA and financial aid documents, and over all guidance to teens and families wishing to attend college
Career Services
We recognize that college isn't the best option for each student. We work hard to encourage our teens to examine their best "fit" including career, military, and trade unions as well. Our "Next Step Advisors" are there each step of the way to help.
Sister Helen Cole SSJ, MSW, LCSW
Director
Sister Helen is a Clinical Social Worker and has been committed to peace and justice in Camden for more than 25 years. She specializes in working with clients experiencing traumatic loss and grief.
Lourdes Sherby, MSW, LCSW
Bi-Lingual Social Worker
Lourdes is a Clinical Social Worker specializing in children and families. Her area of focus includes sexual assault, traumatic loss, and grief. Additionally, Lourdes is the Youth Development Program Director. She is committed to positive youth development in our six programs at GFS.
Cathy Lopez
Secretary
Ms. Cathy has been with GFS since 2016 and runs the diaper program. Ms. Cathy also helps out with the CASA program and is always here to answer any questions you may have about GFS.
Maggie Koch
Youth Development Program Assistant
Maggie Koch, who is our new ACE fellow from Saint Joseph’s University. Maggie is originally from Boyds, Maryland and completed her undergraduate degree at Saint Joseph’s in 2022. Following graduation, Maggie served with Rostro de Cristo in Ecuador for a year. She accompanied women in a domestic violence shelter, spent time as a preschool teacher, and lived among her neighbors in Monte Sinai. In her first year, Maggie will be teaching life skills class to K,1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade at Holy Name. She will also assist with the CASA program after school.
Ms. Angie
CASA Program Assistant
Angie is a former CASA participant. She enjoyed her high school years in the CASA Program so much that she is delighted to return as a CASA employee. Angie is a Rutgers student in the School of Nursing. She is a perfect role model for our teens!
Ms. Carmen
CASA Program Assistant
Carmen is a former Holy Name School special education teacher. She brings her energy and creativity to the CASA teen program. She fully accepts the teens and they love to share their lives with her. From teaching Halloween special effects make-up to perfecting Prom make-up artistry, Carmen is an asset to our team.
Ms. Barb
Volunteer
Ms. Barb is one of our volunteers. She does a ton of work with our teens through our college access program and is always around to help our teens.
Ms. Luz
CASA Cook
Ms. Luz is our CASA cook. She loves cooking for our teens, and our teens love her cooking. Her food is so good our teens think she is a famous chef. Ms. Luz loves working with our teens and getting to know them.
Ms. Nancy
Volunteer
Ms. Nancy is one of our volunteers who helps out with our CASA program. Ms. Nancy loves working with the teens; she runs a video game tournament for our teens and assists them with their homework.
Ms. Jane
Volunteer
Ms. Jane is one of our volunteers. Ms. Jane helps out with our CASA program. She runs a book club with our teens.
Ms. Deb
Volunteer
Ms. Deb is one of our CASA volunteers. Ms. Deb helps our teens with college and career planning.
Camden County Prosecutors Office Diaper Drive
Today we were very fortunate to receive a delivery of diapers from the Camden County Prosecutors office. In a mission […]
Congratulations to our Mastery High School Grads
We want to congratulate all of the students at Mastery high school, especially 5 of our very own CASA Teens. […]
Diaper Program during Covid-19 Pandemic
Thank you to everyone involved! So many families were grateful for the free diapers -and baby wipes. Thank you to […]
2020 Holy Name Graduates
2020 Holy Name Graduates We are so proud of our 2020 graduates!! Our Holy Name Scholars have worked hard to […]
Sister Helen awarded KYW Game-changer Award
Sister Helen Cole 2020 KYW Game-Changer Congratulations to Sister Helen who was awarded the KYW Gamechangers award on February 27th, […]
Sister Helen Cole…Woman of Inspiration (SJ Magazine)
Sister Helen Cole, SJ Magazine Winner, Woman of Inspiration "Women in South Jersey never stop inspiring, contributing, achieving – the […]