JANUARY 2026
Honoring a Legacy of Care: PPH Establishes the Barbara P. Rebmann Endowment Fund $1.5 million gift ensures compassionate support for PPH residents for generations to come The Philadelphia Protestant Home is honored to announce the establishment of the Barbara P. Rebmann Endowment Fund for Benevolent Care, made possible through an extraordinary gift of $1.5 million — a lasting tribute to a life defined by compassion, dedication, and spirited engagement. Her legacy encompasses a tribute and remembrance of her beloved parents Pauline and Erwin Rebmann. "Barbara's legacy gift is a reminder of the impact that one person's generosity can have on an entire community," said Senior Director of Advancement Marianna Calabrese. PPH is deeply grateful to Barbara and the Rebmann family, as this gift will support our residents for generations to come." Barbara P. Rebmann lived in Philadelphia for most of her life, was a proud member of the Class of 1962 from Beaver College (now Arcadia University), and lived a life rich in service, athleticism, and family legacy. Barbara was an avid skier and also
an active member of Saint Timothy Lutheran Church. A lifelong educator, Barbara taught in the Pennsauken School District and spent several formative years teaching in Germany, sharing her love of learning across cultures and continents. Barbara’s passion for sports and community was evident in her years of participation in bowling leagues and her active lifestyle. She was also a devoted family historian, preserving cherished memories alongside her beloved cousin Bill and ensuring that generations to come would know their roots.
"Barbara's legacy gift is a reminder of the impact that one person's generosity can have on an entire community." - Marianna Calabrese, Senior Director of Advancement In the final year of her life, Barbara spent time in Pathways. She passed peacefully at the age of 84 in January 2025 leaving behind a legacy of warmth and resilience.
The Barbara P. Rebmann Endowment Fund for Benevolent Care will support residents in need, ensuring that compassionate care remains accessible to all members of our community. We are grateful to Barbara’s family and welcome new friends for their support in creating this meaningful legacy. May her memory continue to inspire kindness, care, and community. Make a Difference Today — or Leave a Lasting Legacy There are a number of ways to give to PPH. Donors can choose to make a gift to Endowment Funds, support Benevolent Care, contribute to the Area of Greatest Need or include PPH in their estate plans to leave their own lasting legacy. Every gift — no matter the size — helps ensure that PPH remains a place of warmth, safety, and joy for all who call it home. We are grateful for the support of all of our donors. To learn more about our giving programs and ways to give, please contact the Development Office at PPH: (215) 697-8508 or Development@pphfamily.org.
6401 Martins Mill Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111 • www.PPHFamily.org • 215.697.8000 Facebook.com/ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome
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Physical Therapist recognized as Guardian Angel Congratulations to Rudy Rialubin, who was recognized as a PPH Guardian Angel in December! Rudy was nominated by PPH Personal Care resident Therese DeFoney and her daughter, Elizabeth Olek. "Rudy has been a huge support and consistent cheerleader for my mother," said Elizabeth. "She is a big fan of Rudy and has benefited in so many ways from his expertise," Elizabeth shared. Rudy is a Physical Therapist with Functional Pathways and works with PPH residents to improve and maintain movement, strength and balance — whether due to natural aging or recovery after an illness or injury. Rudy's fellow team members and Therese were on hand to personally thank him for his dedication and the compassionate care he provides. "Rudy, on behalf of the PPH board, leadership and team members, we thank you for your hard work and dedication to our residents," said
Above left, Physical Therapist Rudy Rialubin receives a Guardian Angel pin from resident Therese DeFoney. Senior Director of Advancement Marianna Calabrese. "That is what is important to us every day — our care and compassion
for our residents. We often hear of your amazing work and we are appreciative of all that you do every single day."
Recognize Someone Special If you are a resident who is interested in recognizing a team member, or a resident-family member who wants to express your gratitude and appreciation for the compassion a team member has shown your loved one, contact Senior Director of Advancement Marianna Calabrese at 215-697-8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
Limber Living — The Essentials of Flexibility Zuri Edwards of Functional Pathways led a December session entitled, "Limber Living - The Essentials of Flexibility. During the presentation, Zuri discussed the benefits of stretching, techniques for maintaining and improving balance and posture, ways to reduce fall risk and more. Zuri will hold another presenation on Thursday, January 15 at 2 p.m. in the Learning Center, entitled "7 Dimensions: A Blueprint for Whole-Person Wellness." Whole Person-Wellness involves integrating physical, mental, emotional and social health through consistent, small habits. Functional Pathways, in partnership with PPH, offers physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, conveniently provided on PPH campus. For more information, please contact Zuri at 215-697-8009.
• To view REACH, visit PPHFamily.org and click REACH Newsletter under the About menu. • For News and REACH archives, click Press & News under the About menu on the PPH website. • You can also view current and past editions of REACH by visiting the PPH Library, Learning Center or Tech Center (across from Tabor Market). Icons are located on each computer's desktop. • Facebook - ThePhiladelphiaProtestantHome • Instagram - philadelphiaprotestanthome
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'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year'
PPH residents and team members celebrated the holiday season throughout December. Neighbors gathered, team members wore ugly sweaters, our friends from Rhawnhurst Elementary visited, just to name a few things! Our generous community also donated to Toys for Tots. For more photos that highlight the holiday spirit throughout PPH, visit our Facebook or Instagram pages.
Volunteer of the Month: Barbara Robinson
Congratulations to Barbara Robinson on being named the January Employee of the Month! Barbara has been a dedicated PPH community volunteer since 2021. Her parents were once Pathways residents, and she now gives back by supporting residents, transporting them to activities, and assisting with outings and events. Barbara, thank you so much for all that you do. You are truly a blessing to our Volunteer Program.
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Reflections — Living with Gratitude By Linda Lewis PPH Chaplain
Dear Family and Friends, As we enter into this new year, "What are you thinking about?" What plans and ideas are you pondering — what goals would you like to achieve? Over the years, as I have matured (I prefer matured over aged) my thoughts and approach to the new year have changed. In my younger years, I would choose a couple of worthy goals for the coming year such as losing weight, planning a trip, taking a class, helping others more or tightening up my budget. Not that there is anything wrong with setting goals, in fact Solomon tells us in Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit...” But what I have noticed over the years is that goals and dreams change as my life changes. Perhaps you have come to a similar realization about goals and dreams you once had. Some of my goals were realized and others remain
unfulfilled; and that is okay. Because as I have grown and matured I also began to approach a new year with a new perspective. Yes, I still want to accomplish and try new things, but I prefer to look back over the past year with a spirit of sincere gratitude and move into the new year with overwhelming contentment. Sincere gratitude and contentment go hand in hand. You cannot have one without the other. Too often, our focus on gratitude seems to be limited to the Thanksgiving season, a time that can feel superficial to some. Thanksgiving is then quickly pushed aside as we rush into what comes next — the holidays. Yet, sincere gratitude is about giving thanks always — for every one of the 365 days we have lived this past year, recognizing others were not granted those days. Have you truly felt grateful for the past 365 days, knowing that many others missed out on life, the warmth of a home, medical care, family and friends? I am grateful for the 365 days of moderately good health which has allowed
MLK Day of Service PPH residents will honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through activities during January, including a service project, films on channel 8, culminating with a program in the Social Hall on Monday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. 2026 Service Project — Joy of Books!: Donate to PPH residents' Joy of Books campaign, in recognition of MLK Day of Service. All proceeds will be donated to a local elementary school, to purchase books for students. Collection dates & times to follow on inhouse channels 2 and 4, and bulletin boards. For up to date information, please check PPH in-house channels 2 and 4, and bulletin boards. For more information, contact Kathy Andrew-Williams - #8404.
me to work part-time, travel, enjoy family, seek medical care when sick and a multitude of other blessings and activities. I am thankful for the past 365 days that my Lord has watched over me — speaking to me in the quiet moments of my hardest days, whispering hope, steading my steps, encouraging me when times were difficult, and I was weary. For all this I say, thank you Lord. So, regardless of your circumstances, I invite you to join me in focusing on living each day with gratitude. This choice will ultimately lead to great contentment. My hope for 2026 is to experience another 365 days of gratitude that brings serenity and contentment to my spirit. My prayer is that each of you will find the same as we enter this new year. As the Apostle Paul said, from inside a Roman prison, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Phil.4:11) May we all grow in gratitude and contentment this year regardless of the circumstances that may come our way. Blessings for a New Year filled with Gratitude and Contentment.
January Entertaintment at Didi Varon
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2 p.m., Social Hall Didi Varon — trained in musical theatre, opera and songwriting — brings her repertoire of Broadway classics, impressions and original songs to the stage.
"Motown" - A Solo Cabaret
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2 p.m., Social Hall Motown is not just a record label. It was a unique sound that reshaped pop music for a generation. Listen to Minnie Kalan sing the hits of Diana Ross & the Supremes, Martha & the Vandellas, The Four Tops and many other iconic songs from this legendary label.
THE PPH MISSION Guided by Christian values, the mission of The Philadelphia Protestant Home is to provide a caring senior living community that affords its residents the opportunity to achieve their highest possible quality of life. 4 67
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