OUR HISTORY

Shalom was founded in 1973 by Sister Madeleine Boyd, SND de Namur.  Shalom began as a high school-based drug and alcohol abuse prevention program with a grant from the City of Philadelphia’s Coordinating Office for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs.  In the provision of these prevention services, an overwhelming need for intervention services grew. 

Expansion and new initiative funding also broadened the scope and target population of Shalom’s services over the years.  We have offered a variety of professional services, to children, adolescents and adults that ranged from prevention to treatment

​Every individual has intrinsic value, and has the potential to make a unique contribution to society.  It is our mission to decrease the effect of factors that create barriers to the achievement of this potential, and to fortify resources that support each individual’s success.  Shalom, Inc. continues to offer prevention services to youth in the public, non-public, charter schools of Philadelphia.​

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Our Awards

• Program of the Year -- Pennsylvania Certification Board. (2004) 

• Community Leadership Award from the Caron Foundation to Dr. Sandra Hart, Director of Shalom’s CounselingCenter  (2004) 

• Distinguished Service to Youth Award from the County and State Detective Association of Pennsylvania to Shalom’s Founder, Sister Madeleine Boyd, SND de Namur. (2004)

• "Ten American Programs"  that “demonstrate attributes considered to be earmarks of effective prevention programming" nomination from the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Programs (1987). 

• Outstanding Achievement Award  --  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Community Health Promotion (1986)

​• National Model for Replication designation from NIDA - National Institute on Drug Abuse as a national model for replication (NIDA, 1975, 1977).

MEET OUR TEAM

  "Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and
collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” 
​- Mattie Stepanek

Charlotte Centonze
Executive Director

" I believe in Shalom, Inc.’s Mission. It is all about youth. Giving them a voice. Heightening their self-awareness. 
Discovering and recognizing their personal gifts and talents. It’s about families and the communities where they live. It’s about building relationships and partnerships. It’s about working with a passionate team of individuals who strive to take a positive difference and encourage resiliency."

Ellen C. Stokes
Chief Operating Officer

"Upon joining Shalom, Inc. and working with this incredibly gifted staff, I found a home where I was not only needed but also valued.  Further, the work is rewarding, as we produce programming to assist and nurture the youth of the City of Philadelphia to reach their majority, and in making good decisions in the process."​

Sandra Strohm
Administrative Support

"I have been with Shalom for twenty years. The staff that has chosen to work here are the most talented, enjoyable, and dedicated people to work with. They give their all.  I cannot wait to see what the staff has in store for the future of Shalom."

LaTanya Whitehead
Administrative Liaison &              Program Manager

"I love working for Shalom, Inc. I try to make each lesson/ presentation with youth/ adults fun to educate and give them the tools about alcohol and other drug prevention. We use evidence-based curricula, that research has proven effective, in easing the temptations of drug and alcohol use/abuse. It truly brings me pleasure to instruct and interact with others. The children love the songs, role plays, puppets, skits and other activities that are used with the curricula. It is always exciting to hear how the children use the skills in their everyday lives after they have learned them in the classroom. I love what I do helping youth/ adults in the communities that we serve."

Jonathan Dubrowski
​Prevention Specialist

"We're not just going into a classroom and reading a script.  We're helping kids understand the importance of expressing their feelings. We're helping them become role models. That's what I love about working at Shalom. "​

Glen Davis
Prevention Specialist

"I love working at Shalom because of the opportunity to further my education in prevention services. I also enjoy inspiring young girls and boys in mental health prevention, bullying prevention, vaping, drug and alcohol prevention services. Shalom means peace with others, and I love having the opportunity to encourage young adults in this mission of obtaining peace through prevention services."

Shannon Boyle
Prevention Specialist

"I love working for Shalom because I enjoy the privilege of teaching children about their own power. I love that I get to share the awareness and information necessary that helps to keep kids safe, happy, and drug free."

PEACE IN OUR HEARTS
   PEACE IN OUR HOMES
​     PEACE IN OUR SCHOOLS

"We learned a lot about peer pressure and situations we are put into. I hope to see you next year because you made me smile every Wednesday." 

- Shalom, inc. student

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Shalom, Inc. has actively participated in various Philadelphia Communities through Drug Free Coalitions as a sector member for South Philadelphia Prevention Coalition (SPPC), partner with SPPC‘s Community Coalition Wellness Initiative (CCWI); sector member West Philadelphia Community Health Change Coalition (WHCHCC); sector member Young Legacy Network: Youth; Prevention Coalition Department of Health Smoke Free Philly Coalition; Town Watch Integrated Services Northwest Schools & Safety Team Network. 

CADCA is a nonprofit organization that is committed to creating safe, healthy and drug-free communities globally.