VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services was established by the Diocese of Camden in December 2015 to provide compassionate, community-based care and support for older adults and persons with disabilities, regardless of religious affiliation or ability to pay. At its inception, Deacon Jerry Jablonowski was named VITALity’s first executive director to lead its mission of whole-person care in body, mind, and spirit.
VITALity continued to expand upon already existing diocesan ministries including Parish Nursing, Stephen Ministry, Hospital Chaplaincy, and Ministry with the Deaf and Persons with Disabilities, while also developing new parish-based programs for seniors, care coordination services, and a resource and referral help line. VITALity also strengthened its partnership with South Jersey Catholic Medical Association.
In 2017, VITALity established its first Parish Senior Social Day Center, created to support the social, spiritual, and physical well-being of older adults within their communities.
The first Our Journey of Hope Ministry, created by Spiritual Care Department of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, began in 2018, under the direction of VITALity’s Senior Ministries, to provide spiritual support to individuals and families impacted by cancer. Parish Mercy Team Ministries were also formed at this time under the direction of VITALity’s Senior Ministries, to serve parishioners who are sick, homebound, or in need of compassionate support.
In 2019, VITALity expanded its outreach by opening two additional Parish Senior Social Day Centers, continuing its commitment to addressing isolation among older adults while fostering faith, fellowship, and wellness.
A fourth Parish Senior Social Day Center was established in 2022.
In 2024, Nicole Keefer, R.N., former director of Parish Nursing for VITALity, was named the organization’s second executive director.
Calls of Joy was launched the same year in response to the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation among older adults. Through weekly phone conversations, trained volunteers provide companionship, encouragement, and meaningful connection to individuals in need across South Jersey.
VITALity celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary in December 2025. During the Anniversary Mass, current Bishop Joseph Williams, credits Bishop Emeritus Dennis Sullivan for having the foresight “to amplify the closeness of God to those who are sick or aging.”
Today, VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services is recognized as a model of compassionate community-based care, particularly for its integrated system of hospital chaplaincy, parish nurses, social workers, health and wellness professionals, and dedicated volunteers providing Christian care in six South Jersey counties.
