The Diocese of Camden has named Barbara Ann Gondek as its Victims Assistance Coordinator to provide outreach to victims of sexual abuse by clergy and other church personnel of the diocese.
Ms. Gondek is a licensed clinical social worker for Kennedy Health Systems in Cherry Hill and a counselor for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Camden. In accord with Article 2 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the U.S. bishops at their June meeting in Dallas, Ms. Gondek will coordinate the diocese’s pastoral care of abuse victims/survivors.
This outreach will include the provision of counseling, spiritual assistance, and other support services. Ms. Gondek will also work to ensure that support groups for victims/survivors and others affected by abuse are fostered and encouraged in the diocese and its parishes, in cooperation with social service agencies and other churches. Ms. Gondek, a Marlton resident, has a Masters in Social Work from Widener University and a Masters in Religious Education from La Salle University (see attached resume).
“We are pleased that Barbara Ann Gondek has agreed to assume this pivotal role in the Diocese’s program of outreach to victim/survivors of sexual abuse. Her years of social work experience in a wide range of settings, her history of working effectively with young people, and her sensitivity to the concerns of abuse victims/survivors, will ensure that victim/survivors have access to and receive the full range of support services so that there may be spiritual and emotional healing,” said Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Camden.