A Candle in the Window
Harborcreek Youth Services has been a place of welcome and hope for children for over 100 years.
BY PAMELA PALONGUE
In 1911, the Catholic Boys Protectory was founded by Monsignor H. C. Wienker and the Sisters of St. Joseph, and would eventually become Harborcreek Youth Services as it is known today. The Catholic boys home was a safe place of refuge for children who were too old to remain at St. Joseph’ s Children’ s Home of Erie, but were adolescents still in need of guidance. In 1914, Monsignor Wienker began accepting boys who had been in trouble with the law. Although this practice continued for many years, it is no longer the case at the nonprofit today.
Harborcreek Youth Services( HYS) is not an orphanage, but a campus that serves boys 12 to 18 years old who suffered severe abuse from a young age that continued for long periods of time. It also serves boys who have been severely neglected and may have experienced hunger and lack of other necessities.
At HYS, the boys are able to attend school with a fully accredited academic program. They receive counseling and therapy, along with their caregivers. A comprehensive plan is established, including their academic progress, to ultimately ensure a successful and productive life for these children who have had a challenging start to their young lives.
In addition to regular schoolwork, they’ re also eligible to participate in a work experience program for practical skills such as small engine repair and computer numerical control machines. Boys with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, receive specialized instruction. The program for improving outcomes for these children has been so successful, it is being modeled across the country.
Many times, HYS is the last stop for children whose circumstances do not fit the facility or government criteria at other programs. The boys usually remain on the campus for a period no longer than nine months. But they leave with tools that will assist them throughout their lives.
Harborcreek Youth Services receives around 500 referrals a year and staffs approximately 130 workers who serve round the clock and are passionate about their commitment to help these at-risk kids. There is always a need for individuals who seek a rewarding career helping children, and HYS encourages anyone interested to apply. It’ s important to note that applicants must pass an extensive screening process, including an additional step called The Diana Screen, which is more stringent than state screening standards.
As a nonprofit, it is always a challenge for HYS to provide the wonderful services like specialized instruction and work experience programs. It also offers art and music programs to help children develop their creative skills and gain a well-rounded education. In addition to the residential program, Harborcreek Youth Services assists other children with multisystemic therapy, which is community based, and supports parenting techniques that discourage adolescent truancy, violence, and substance abuse. This program, which is for both boys and girls, helps children 12 to 17 years of age with preventive strategies to avoid life-changing consequences from bad decisions.
If you are interested in learning more about this wonderful program in the community, or would like to contribute to the organization, visit hys-erie-org. n
“ At Harborcreek Youth Services, we specialize in helping kids who’ ve been through the toughest situations … we help them rediscover what safety and hope can feel like.”
– John Petulla, CEO
HARBORCREEK & NORTH EAST ❘ WINTER 2025 17