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!