On July 1, 2016, The Mission of the Immaculate Virgin merged with CYO of Staten Island to become the new Catholic Charities of Staten Island(CCSI). The Mission of the Immaculate Virgin is a not-for-profit agency founded in 1871 by Father John C. Father Drumgoole saw the desperate need for housing, feeding, and for vocational training of the sea of homeless children in New York City at that time. A
t one point, the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin was the largest childcare institution in the United States. Mount Loretto was founded on Staten Island in 1883 and is considered one of the true historic landmarks, especially in our Catholic Community. It has evolved from its orphanage beginnings with a working farm to still caring for children in need today, mostly those with disabilities. Today CCSI directs its many services to a full array of Staten Island residents. These services include early childhood daycare and universal Pre-K; afterschool and summer programs for special needs children (autism spectrum, Down’s syndrome and non-ambulatory), residential and vocational programs for developmentally challenged youth and adults; social services to families in crisis, Catholic parish support, food pantries, and senior citizen programs. To donate or obtain information about CCSI Programs please visit their website (www.cc-si.org) or contact their Acting Chief Executive Officer, Claire Atalla at 718-317-2825.
