The Little Sisters of the Poor are an international congregation of Roman Catholic women religious founded in 1839 by Saint Jeanne Jugan. The Little Sisters of the Poor serve the elderly poor in over 30 countries around the world with a diverse network of collaborators.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are continuing the work of Saint Jeanne Jugan, our foundress.

The MISSION of the Little Sisters of the Poor is to offer the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself.

The VISION of the Little Sisters of the Poor is to contribute to the Culture of Life by nurturing communities where each person is valued, the solidarity of the human family and the wisdom of age are celebrated, and the compassionate love of Christ is shared with all.

The VALUES of the Little Sisters include:

• REVERENCE for the sacredness of human life and for the uniqueness of each person, especially those who are poorest and/or weakest. The commitment to reverence is reflected in care that is holistic and person-centered.
• FAMILY SPIRIT offering joyful hospitality embracing all with open arms, hearts and minds; fostering participation in the life of the Home and rejecting all forms of discrimination.
• HUMBLE SERVICE to raise others up and to put their needs before our own; an appreciation of simple, everyday tasks and experiences and humble means of accomplishing our work.
• COMPASSION for sharing the weaknesses and sufferings of others; eagerness to relieve pain in all its forms and to make the elderly happy.
• STEWARDSHIP that recognizes that life and all other goods are gifts from God and should be used responsibly for the good of all; trust in God’s Providence and the generosity of others to provide for our needs; just compensation for our collaborators; a spirit of gratitude and sharing.

To learn more about the Little Sisters of the Poor, click here.

The Little Sisters of the Poor care for the elderly poor in the spirit of humble service that we have received from our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan. The Little Sisters welcome the elderly, receive them as God’s children and as members of our own family, and serve them with love and respect until God calls them Home.

1. We welcome low-income elderly (of at least 65 years of age) regardless of race or religion
2. We provide a welcoming “home-like” atmosphere
3. The best medical services are provided for all Residents by doctors, nurses, aides, therapists and a social worker. We also minister to our Residents emotionally and spiritually, making them happy and communicating to them the tenderness and mercy of God.
4. Our Residents enjoy an enriching recreation program which includes arts and crafts, music therapy and musical entertainment, outings and opportunities for socialization and intellectual stimulation. Located in the vicinity of several universities, we are the happy recipients of visits and service from our young people who quickly bond with our elderly Residents.5
5. We adhere to all the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, especially those concerning the sanctity of human life.
6. We reject all forms of euthanasia and assisted suicide and protect our Residents from these practices, as well as from all forms of abuse and neglect.
7. The compassionate care and accompaniment of the dying is the summit of our ministry. At Holy Family it is our goal that no one die alone.
8. Residents have dining rooms on their units. A dedicated kitchen staff prepares home-like dishes according to the tastes of the Residents.
9. We embrace the collaboration of many dedicated staff members, volunteers, and benefactors who are the extended hands and hearts of the Little Sisters.

In the words of our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, “Making the elderly happy, that is what counts!”

For more information on the philosophy of the Little Sisters of the Poor, click here.

The Little Sisters have maintained the begging tradition of our foundress Saint Jeanne Jugan, relying on the charity of those in our local communities.

Our begging Little Sister is no longer known by her begging basket, but by our “begging van.” The Begging Sister and her helpers go out daily to markets, places of business, farms and nurseries seeking food and commodities to offset operating expenses.

Little Sisters can also be found on weekends at Catholic parishes asking for both financial and spiritual assistance and seeking to build friendships and support for the day-to-day activities of our Home.

The Little Sisters rely heavily on the Begging Sister to bring in much needed items. The Little Sisters also reach out to the local communities requesting donations of both time and funds that support the mission of serving the elderly poor.

Be Part of the Miracle

Since 1869, the Little Sisters of the Poor have served the elderly of the Philadelphia area with compassion and love. Sustaining, at one point, three Homes, welcoming more than 300 Residents, the community of the greater Philadelphia area has been part of an on-going miracle.

Today, we continue the vision of a 47-year-old French woman in the 19th century: St. Jeanne Jugan. Her vision of family extended far beyond the Little Sisters and Residents.

She believed that because God is our Father, all men and women are brothers and sisters – members of one family – and thus responsible for one another. She sought to involve people from many walks of life in her mission of hospitality.

To provide for the needs of the aged poor, Jeanne Jugan walked the roads of Brittany, France, seeking alms. Knocking on doors, she asked for money and gifts in kind – food, clothing, wood, wool or whatever was needed for the Residents. She was recognized by the begging basket she carried.

Today’s collecting Little Sisters are known by their “begging van.” They visit markets and businesses seeking food and commodities to offset operating expenses. Maybe you have seen them at church doors, asking for donations. Grants, legacies and fund-raising events, raffles and golf tournaments are among “modern” ways to assist Divine Providence to provide for God’s eldest children.

With operating costs rising and government funds dwindling, it is getting harder and harder to make ends meet. Medicaid and Medicare cover only about 60 percent of our operating expenses. In today’s economy we count on community support more than ever.

Jeanne always thanked her benefactors by praying for them – and she thanked God at the same time. “God has blessed me,” she said, “because I always thanked his Providence … What gratitude we owe our benefactors … What could we do for the elderly without them?”

Like Jeanne Jugan, we recognize that our benefactors are indispensable partners in our mission. And like her, we pray for them every day!

Please consider making a gift to help us continue providing exceptional care and spiritual support to the elderly in need.

Please contact us! We will be happy to help you and further introduce you to our mission and the many ways you can share.

Sign up for our electronic newsletter to receive news from the Home and of upcoming events . We want to thank you warmly for being a part of the miracle. Oh, and please feel free to stop by and see what a difference YOUR gift has made!

Visit the Building to Serve in Love Capital Campaign website