Seton Center breaks ground at new location

(8/22) On August 18, Seton Center, Inc., a leading community resource for the residents of northern Frederick County held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Center. Due to the potential of looming storms throughout the area, the ceremony took place indoors at the Daughters of Charity building.

The brand new Center will now be located at 226 East Lincoln Avenue in Emmitsburg, not too far from its original location. Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, including Sister Martha Beaudoin, D.C., Executive Director of Seton Center, and Sister Catherine Mary Norris, D.C., Provincial of the Daughters’ Province of St. Louise, were present for the ceremony. Seton Center, Inc. is a sponsored work of The Daughters of Charity.

"We are very excited about Seton Center’s future here in northern Frederick County," shares Sister Martha. "We expect construction to last eighteen months and are excited that we will be able to expand our program offerings and serve more of our neighbors in a beautiful, welcoming and efficient space. The new Center will be a boon for everyone in the Valley!" The future of the old building has yet to be determined.

This building has been a project in the works since 2012, when the idea of constructing a new building was first mentioned. The choice of location brings the new Seton Center into the heart of Emmitsburg and the new building will not only enhance the town’s image, but there is a goal of building as many elements of "green" environmental systems as possible.

The new Center will not only house Seton Center programs but will provide additional office spaces for other programs and agencies to use, such as The United Way of Frederick County, Frederick County Workforce Services, Healthcare Access Maryland and many more. An all-purpose meeting room in the new building will provide a venue for civic groups to meet.

Founded in 1969 by the Daughters of Charity, Seton Center provides emergency support services and strives to be a catalyst for systemic, long-term change. The Center introduced the "MyBudgetCoach™" and "Getting Ahead in a Just Getting-By-World" programs in recent years. Graduates of both programs have been successful in changing their financial situations. The "Build Your Resources" program is a new workshop series that just completed its first year. Topics mirror the eleven resources identified by the Getting Ahead program so participants are better equipped to do more than just get by. The supports needed include emotional, financial, hidden class rules, integrity, mental, motivation, physical, relationships, spiritual and support systems.

From July 2016 through June 2017, Seton Center served 328 persons. Nearly 100 volunteers gave 4,957 hours valued at over $81,000.00 in support of the Center’s mission. "We are here to stay and here to continue to make a difference," concludes Sister Martha. "Families and individuals living in northern Frederick County can count on Seton Center to be a caring, trusted and reliable source of support and encouragement." This new center will continue to provide valuable resources for the community.