I love my job and feel like it’s my calling
My name is ANTONETTE HARRELL, I was born in the Philippines. My mother is Filipina and my father is African American. I have two older sisters. I had a wonderful childhood. Everything was carefree. I was very close to my grandmother and my grandfather on my mother’s side and I have tons of cousins. We are all close-knit and very much family oriented.
My dad was born in Georgia. He was in the army and when the Japanese invaded the Philippines after they attacked Pearl Harbor, my father was sent there to fight side by side with the Filipino soldiers to liberate the country, which is where he met my mom. They were married for 72 years until he passed away last year at the age of 100.
My dad loved the Philippines more than anything else, but he wanted to give us a better life and the chance to go to school and work in America. It was very difficult when I first came here at age thirteen because it was a real culture shock. I didn’t know anybody besides my family and I spoke a little bit of English, but mostly the language from back home, which is Tagalog. It was a period of adjustment. I missed my cousins and my classmates. I was in my first year of high school when they enrolled me at West Catholic. There was a placement test and I ended up skipping two years. I was put in the third year of high school at age fourteen and I graduated at sixteen.
One of my mom’s friends knew of a friend who worked in a nursing home that was looking for a seamstress. She took me there and they gave me the job. It was so far away. At that time my father was working as a chef in Presbyterian Home. My father would have to be at work at 6 and I had to be at work at 7, so he would drop me off at the SEPTA train station at 4:30 in the morning. I did that for about a year but it was dangerous to be on a SEPTA platform at that time in the morning and I had to quit. After that, I went to community college of Philadelphia for one and a half years before beginning to work at Holy Family Home.
We actually lived close to here – we used to go Most Blessed Sacrament Church - but I didn’t wander too far from my house so I hadn’t seen Holy Family Home. A friend of my mother brought me here. That was 38 years ago! I filled out an application to be a caregiver and got the job. I had always been shy as a child and still am as an adult, and that’s probably why I chose night-shift. At that time, I wasn’t certified, but by my being here so long, and having learned on the job, I was grandfathered in as a CNA when this became the regulation.
I come from a culture where we take care of our elderly. When I was back home I had never heard of a nursing home. We all usually had our grandparents living with us - it’s ‘till death do us part’. We were able to care for my father until he passed away and we continue to take care of my mom who is 89. It’s something we had already been doing for our family back home so it just comes naturally to me to be a caregiver. That’s all I’ve known. It’s part of Filipino culture, it’s just how we are.
My aunt Anita on her way to America.
I love my job and feel like it’s my calling. I was raised to do this kind of work, to help people. I love to give them a chance to talk and hear what they have to say. Especially those who don’t have family. You can see the loneliness in their eyes. If you take the time to sit down to listen to them and hear their stories, what went on in their lives, you can’t help but be touched, to empathize with them. You never really know what some people are going through until you sit down and talk to them and they start to open up to you. Over the years we have had so many Residents that were very kind and loving. You get attached to someone and it’s very difficult when they pass away. It’s like losing a member of your family. They think of you as the children they never had, or they think of you as one of their own.
This is what fulfills me in my work, to be of some help, with physical things or if they just need an ear. Even just to give someone a little compliment, to notice something special and recognize and acknowledge it. As you can see I’ve stayed here this long! Holy Family Home also gave me the opportunity to bring my aunt, Anita Atienza here. She worked in the laundry for 11 years until she passed away from cancer at 54. She loved her job and the Little Sisters. Even though she was dying, all she was talking about was that she wanted to come back to work! One of my sisters is a nurse and my other sister works in a lab. We are all in the medical field and they have worked in their jobs for 40+ years. We tend to stick around, to be loyal.
Back in 2011, I was blessed and fortunate enough to be chosen as CNA of the Year and received the Ralston Caregiver’s Award. It was a very humbling experience for me. I’m very grateful to the Little Sisters of the Poor for giving me this opportunity to do something I already love doing!
Kathleen Kagel—Super-Nurse and Much More
My first introduction to the Little Sisters of the Poor and their work with the elderly began fifty years ago when some friends invited me to accompany them on a weekend to volunteer at the Little Sisters home in Germantown. Although I was curious, I wasn’t exactly sure it was something I was going to enjoy doing. Little did I know that this first encounter with the Little Sisters would have a major impact on my life from that point on.
As those who knew the Little Sisters back then would remember, the homes like Germantown had large sitting rooms where the Residents would spend their day together, sitting around watching television, reading, or doing other activities. The bedrooms were large dormitories with several beds separated by curtains. The Sisters lived in one section of the house, but spent most of the day with the Residents, caring for them, talking with them, and taking them outside to enjoy the nice grounds and some fresh air. I was always impressed by the kindness, patience, and obvious dedication of the Sisters to their work.
The Residents, too, were a joy to be around, always willing to tell a story or two about the past. More could be learned from listening to the Residents than from any book in school. Not unlike today, some had more infirmities than others, but something could be learned from each of them.
Over the years, the structure and layout of the homes may have changed, but the Residents have not. They are always happy to see the Sisters and enjoy the company of anyone willing to spend a little time with them. Our Residents welcome anyone into this happy family and make everyone feel as loved as their own child or grandchild. They continue to be a source of inspiration to me. I am still amazed at, not only their will to live and strength in time of illness, but their faith and acceptance of whatever life has in store for them.
Over the years the sisters unknowingly directed my path and led me to the work I have continued to enjoy doing for over thirty years. The Residents and Sisters have been in my life through times of great joy and extreme sadness. They celebrated with me at my wedding, rejoiced at the birth of my children, and cried with me over the death of both my parents. They have shown me what it really means to have faith to say,“Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Accepting that invitation to volunteer for a weekend at the Little Sisters of the Poor so many years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.
Shawn Williams Kept the Home Safe and Found Love
My name is Durand Lashawn Williams but most everyone calls me Shawn. I'm originally from Jersey City, New Jersey but have resided in the state of Pennsylvania for the past seventeen years. Having moved from New York to Philadelphia in 2005 was an easy transition because I already had family in the area. I kind of was familiar with Philadelphia after a port visit from time to time. I served in the United States Armed Forces, which allowed me to tour the historic landmarks the city has to offer. In my young adult life, I decided to make Philadelphia my home, seeking employment I found the Little Sisters of the Poor or should I say they found me.
I started working for the Little Sisters of the Poor at Holy Family Home in 2006 as one of their Security Guards for a former employer, part time. Fast Forward to 2008, I started working for Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) which provides Environmental Services at the facility. Once I became involved in that line of work I saw first hand how the mission here at the facility makes a difference in the lives of the elderly, and as whole, in the good of the environment. It takes a lot of love and dedication to accomplish what the Little Sisters of the Poor do for this close community. So, I felt it was my duty to do my part and give a lending hand as well by providing my services working in the security/receptionist field overnight and during the day with HCSG. This kept me away from my immediate family at night for thirteen years, but it was during this time that I got to meet and build relationships with the Sisters of the Home, Residents and Staff.
There was another “plus” for me working at Holy Family Home-- to have met my wife, Cynthia, who is also an employee of the home since 1999. We were married in 2013 and the Little Sisters of the Poor held a ceremony for us. The Residents that attended thought that was our actual wedding! This story always makes me laugh!
As the years went on I became Assistant Manager. I am currently Account Manager for HSCG, and although I’m not on the security team any longer, the Little Sisters of the Poor have put their trust in me, and they play a part in my success. This establishment truly deserves to be named “Holy Family Home” by the way they provide the proper care and well being for the elderly. I will always recommend and encourage anyone to be a part of the kindness and hospitality the home has to offer, whether it be for employment, or for anyone to bring a loved one or a relative to be a Resident here at the Holy Family Home.
Jeanne Jugan Associate, Kelly, practically “grew up” at Holy Family Home!
I, Kelly Ann Caden, have been involved with the Little Sisters of the Poor since I was three years old. I used to visit my Aunt Helen with my Grandmother and my Mother every Saturday for years. My first impression of Holy Family Home was: “Hey! This place feels like home!” At special events like “Ham and Cabbage Night” with the Little Sisters, I was so inspired by the Irish Dancers that I became an Irish Dancer myself for ten and a half years.
My very first “big” job was being the activity assistant at Holy Family Home. During two and a half years, I learned lots and grew so much! I found my passion was to serve the elderly while working here. The joy I discovered in being with the Residents, day in and day out, amazed me. Having wonderful relationships with the Sisters and seeing their love and care for the Residents also touched my heart.
I moved on to two other facilities for a few years, but kept my ties with Holy Family Home by following, along with my Mother, a year’s formation in the spirituality of St. Jeanne Jugan. Because of the pandemic, some a few of our classes were via ZOOM, but finally, in May, 2021, my mother, Noreen Caden, and I made our first Promise as Jeanne Jugan Associates:
“In your presence, Lord Jesus, with your grace and through Mary’s intercession, I commit myself to the Association Jeanne Jugan of the Little Sisters of the Poor, for one year. I promise to serve you in the elderly with joy and love, by following the example of humility and confidence left to us by Jeanne Jugan.”
Because I wanted to be more connected to the Home, I left my position in the other facility and, within two years, I found my way back to the Little Sisters as the Activities Director. I am glad I returned because, just like when I was three years old, this feels like home!
For the past eight months I have been working on the NCCAP Activity Professional Certification, alongside Sister Veronica as my Mentor. This course has developed my skills to pursue my passion for serving the elderly. The Little Sisters of the Poor have made a huge impact on me throughout my entire life. I am forever grateful for the extended family of Holy Family Home. Yes, this is the greatest place and I won’t find another like it!
Cathy Moffit’s Half-a-Century of Memories
I first met the Little Sisters of the Poor back in 1972 when I was in the 8th grade. The Little Sisters came to my grade school to talk about their mission at St. Michael’s Home for the Elderly. They brought with them two Residents who were absolutely charming and delightful. They asked if anyone would be interested in coming to help them for a weekend. My girlfriend and I volunteered for the weekend and we both fell in love with the Residents.
At the time when we started going to the Home the Sisters had maybe one or two employees. The Sisters did all the work and we were there to help them. Imagine thirteen year old girls putting old people to bed, feeding, soaking feet, scrubbing floors, watching with the dying. I could go on and on. When we were working side by side with the sisters, we could just see the love in the old people’s eyes and it was mirrored in the eyes of the Sisters. Nothing was too much for them.
The elderly have their own personalities, fears and hopes. Age does not diminish one’s humanity. I have been inspired by many elderly who have weathered illness, death of a loved one, poverty and alienation during their lives and have still kept the faith.
The Little Sisters have always been a big part of my life. They are my extended family and many of them have watched me grow from a teen to a young woman. As a kid, there were eight or nine of us who faithfully came to the home every weekend to help the sisters. We had our own dormitory called, “Three and one half,” and there we would spend our weekends giving the Sisters grey hair. To this day the nine of us are still very close, and when we get together, we have many a laugh about our days at the home.
I do not know where my path would have taken me had I not been blessed with meeting the Little Sisters. They have been there for me whenever I needed them. The Little Sisters will always have a special place in my heart and I can never thank them enough. They have eased many a family’s burden.
Kudos to Barb
Yes! That’s right! 35 years! Since May 5, 1986, Barbara McPhaul has been a vital member of our extended family here at Holy Family Home!
Barb is a real “Philly Girl” with a warm Southern Heart. She was born in Laurinburg, NC but moved to Philadelphia when she was seven. However, every summer was spent in the South.
Caring is second nature to Barb. Even before graduating from John Bartram High, from age 14 to 16, she was a day camp volunteer. Over the years, she has continued to work actively in her church’s outreach to the needy.
At her first paid employment, “Kentucky Fried Chicken,” Barbara’s organizational skills and reliability earned her a responsible position. After the birth of her son, her only child, she attended Philadelphia Training School and began to work for an Agency as a C.N.A. That was in 1983. Then, for the next two years, Park Pleasant Nursing Home profited of her CNA skills.
May 5, 1986 was the beginning of her 35 years of uninterrupted service at Holy Family Home, hand-in-hand with innumerable Little Sisters of the Poor. She was a C.N.A. on the 2nd floor the first two years. Then she became Medical Secretary. Eventually, she passed the Certified Medical Technician Course. It was in November of 2003 that Barbara brought her enthusiasm and efficiency to the Personal Care Unit on the Fourth Floor in addition to her being Medical Secretary for the whole Home.
Even while giving of herself so wholeheartedly at Holy Family Home, she found the time and energy, from 2004 to 2017, to work every other weekend as a residential coordinator for the mentally disturbed and HIV patients at “Resources for Human Development.” She was able to bring the wealth of experience she gained at this part-time position to her interactions at Holy Family.
For Barbara, service has always meant: regular attendance, coming even ahead of time and staying overtime when needed, constant caring, bringing Christian charity to her dealings with others, working with energy even when having her own heartaches and physical pain, initiative, going the extra mile, foreseeing needs of Residents and fellow workers, collaborating, responding to emergencies, overlooking mishaps, forgiving and turning the other cheek, thoughtfulness in remembering birthdays and other special occasions, compassion when learning of the suffering of Residents, their families, and her co-workers, taking time to listen, play a game, or smooth a situation with a sense of humor. Here are a few concrete examples of her dedication to caring:
• Jane P. said, “I’ll never forget telling Barbara that my feet were cold. The next morning, I woke up wearing three pairs of socks!”
• Maureen S. recalls with a tear in her eye, “She has been a true friend to me!”
• Sr. Kathleen is grateful for the way Barbara worked with both her Mom and her Dad. “. . . Especially my father, who came to Holy Family Home physically weak but strongly sticking to his racist outlook. Barb was one of those who converted him with kindness. After nine years here he died peacefully, free of all bigotry. When I came back to my hometown after 50 years and was assigned to the Fourth Floor, Barb’s presence made for a warm welcome.”
• Sr. Veronica has many memories of Barb’s great collaboration when she was the Little Sister on the Fourth Floor.
Barbara McPhaul certainly deserves the grateful recognition of Residents, Little Sisters, and Staff— with prayerful best wishes they go forward!
My Home Sweet Home
Holy Family has been MY Home Sweet Home with the Little Sisters of the Poor officially, as a Resident, for over 24 years, but a significant part of my whole life from my youth. As far back as grade school at Most Blessed Sacrament, the biggest Catholic grade school in the whole world, I remember how the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters would bring a bunch of us volunteers to scrub the dining room floors on our knees, moving along hip-to-hip, rubbing away with SOS pads in our willing little hands. It was actually fun, and the Little Sisters would thank us with a treat!
Going to High School at West Catholic on the 13 Trolley, I would pass right in front of the Home. Eventually, I worked in town at Girard Bank to continue my twice daily glimpse at the Little Sisters of the Poor Home from the 13 Trolley.
That was until 1987. I was 41 years old and my mother passed away. She was bedridden and I was caregiver for her last seven years. At this point, I was surprised to get an inkling that the Lord might be calling me to consecrated life. I used to go to Old St. Joseph’s for Noon Mass on my lunch break.
One day, I asked the parish secretary if she knew of any religious who would accept me, having had a stroke and no longer young. Randomly, she opened the directory and the first name she came across was the Little Sisters of the Poor. I knew their convent well but never imagined myself joining them!
Well, join them I did, first as a live-in volunteer for three years then for just 6-months of initial formation in Palatine IL and Queens, NY. Because of my poor health, they counseled me to return to Chester Ave and serve as a Lay Associate in the Fraternity Jeanne Jugan. Mary Frances and I had adjoining rooms and shared a little dining room, as well as the joy of being a vital part of the extended family of Holy Family Home.
I have lively memories of back then, like being happy to take the Residents for a walk on the grounds but struggling to get in or out. That was before there were automatic doors. I would have to manipulate the wheelchair into the space between the two front doors, trying to hold one open while the other was bumping my bottom! Besides that, with my experience of working in a bank, I was able to lend a hand with time sheets for the payroll. Dressing up for activities was, and still is, my forte. So many cheery souvenirs of my more active years!
By 1997, following a series of serious surgeries, I moved onto the Personal Care Unit as a “Resident.” A few years later, my Dad moved into an apartment and delighted everyone with his pleasant personality and carpentry skills. It was a blessing to share this happy home and so many friends here until he died in 2006.
Now, I’ve achieved the title of “Longest Lasting Resident” here and I continue to be grateful to God for still being ambulatory and able to participate in Daily Mass and the other spiritual opportunities, to appreciate table fellowship in our little Dining Room on the Personal Care Unit, to revel in being challenged by puzzles in the library, to follow current events on TV, to do my own laundry, to have the security of medical care, and to bless the Lord for the Little Sisters, their Co-workers and their benefactors who animate and sustain my “home-sweet-home,” Holy Family Home!
Yirandy’s Job is a “Dream Come True!”
I, Yirandy De la Cruz, was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in New York, and currently residing in Philadelphia for the past two years. Before settling in, I first wanted to be employed. I saw a job opening as a front desk receptionist at the Little Sisters of the Poor and jumped on it.
As a little girl, I have always been fond of the elderly. I loved being around them and talking to them. I always felt there was so much to learn from them and somehow, they always gravitated towards me as well. Growing up I've always wanted to work at a nursing home or in any setting with the elderly for that matter. I even wanted to own a nursing home at some point, "Kidult Nursing". Getting a job at the Little Sisters of the Poor was a dream come true.
The two years I have been here have been a true joy. I've met really hard-working and dedicated individuals. It's really heartwarming to see how loving and caring the sisters are towards the Residents. They take it upon themselves to ensure that all their needs and desires are met. The quiet and peaceful environment of the facility makes it very welcoming, even for toddlers! My 2-year-old twins loved the place when they came for the New Year’s Eve party. The mentoring from the sisters and Residents to both myself and my girls was far beyond my expectations.
The tender, loving care from the sisters to the Residents and staff makes this place a home. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams.