Robert Blake, a social worker from Glenside, is the new Assistant Director of Office for Child and Youth Protection in Archdiocese of Philadelphia, writes Gia Myers for Catholic Philly.

After working in family and child case management and foster care for years, Blake now aims to “protect children and youth from harm and abuse” working within the archdiocese.

Blake came to the Philadelphia region in 1991 to work as a case manager with Bethanna. He initially committed two years to the Christian organization that provides adoption, child welfare services, and behavioral health care. That commitment turned into seven years.

“I found that I really loved working with children, and it quickly became a passion,” he said.

He later worked as a foster care supervisor at Lutheran Children and Family Service in Philadelphia. Afterward, he became director of intervention and community engagement with Turning Points for Children in Philadelphia.

Blake lives with his wife, Mary, in Montgomery County. They are members of New Life Presbyterian Church in Glenside, where Blake has volunteered with the food pantry for over three decades. He is also a board member for the church’s thrift store.

Read more about Robert Blake’s new appointment in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in Catholic Philly.