Honoring Our Nurses, Past and Present
As we enter May, we prepare to celebrate Nurses Week (May 6–12). We look forward to shining a light on the dedicated nurses who serve our residents each day. Their compassion and commitment make a true difference throughout our community.
From new nurses just beginning their careers, to seasoned professionals, and across both Personal Care and Pathways Skilled Nursing, our team reflects a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and personalities— each contributing to the exceptional care we provide. Be sure to visit our social media pages and blog to learn more about our team — and to meet some of our
Many PPH residents — including the five pictured — spent their careers in nursing. Read their stories at pphfamily.org/ about/blog/, and follow us on social media to meet current PPH nurses during National Nurses Week (May 6–13).
residents who spent their careers serving others as nurses.
Celebrating the Centenarians of PPH
In celebration of the 100th day of the year, PPH held its annual Centenarian Celebration Luncheon, honoring residents who have reached 100 years and beyond!
Each centenarian was presented with certificates from PPH and Mayor Cherelle Parker's Office, in recognition of their many years and the lives they’ve touched.
A special slideshow highlighted each honoree, featuring their tips for healthy living and words of wisdom, while music from the 1940s — their teenage years — played in the background.
Remarks were shared by State Representative Anthony Bellmon and Sharlene Waller from Mayor Parker’s Office, offering words of support and celebration for the centenarians and
From left to right: centenarian Anna Cannon; Health Care Recreation Therapist Hennessy DeJesus; PPH's oldest centenarian, 103-year old Kenneth Strobel; Personal Care Administrator Shelly Perez; and one of PPH's "youngest" centenarians, Sister Jeanette McDermott.
their milestones being honored.
“You teach us that every day is a gift, that wisdom deepens with age, and that laughter, love and friendship never lose their shine,” said PPH Executive Director and EverTrue VP of Operations Kelli Mills.
Special thanks to our Culinary team for the delicious meal served to every centenarian and guests, and for everyone who helped make this joyful celebration possible.
For more photos, visit our Facebook page!
Four team members recognized as Guardian Angels
As April came to a close, PPH recognized four team members as Guardian Angels. Though their roles differ, each was celebrated for the same reasons: strong work ethic, compassion, teamwork, and the ability to brighten the day with a smile or a laugh.
Antwine Johnson of the Maintenance team was recognized by residents Walt and Carol Ceglowski for his expertise and welcoming demeanor. They expressed appreciation of Antwine for his knowledge, ability to develop solutions and resolve concerns, as well as his mix of helpfulness and humor.
“Antwine has always responded quickly to our needs for service. He has the ability to rapidly analyze the issue, develop a solution quickly and implement the necessary corrective action. This has always been accomplished with his usual display of concern, humor and desire to be of help,” said Walt and Carol.
Beatrice Antoine of the Environmental Services (Housekeeping) team was celebrated by a group of residents on Alpha’s 2nd Floor for her exceptional work and enthusiasm.
“Beatrice, you deserve recognition for your dedication to keeping to our floor a safe and healthy environment. We are truly grateful for your commitment, positive attitude, dependability and your sense of pride in your work. Last but not least your
infectious smile and positive energy towards us residents,” the group shared.
Jamie Coates, a CNA in Chapters Memory Care, was honored by Debbie Gibbons, whose mother Norma is a Chapters resident. Jamie was recognized for her pleasant demeanor and strong work ethic.
“Jamie goes above and beyond and is always willing to help. Jamie continues to be a strong asset to the Chapters team, and we appreciate everything she does,” said Debbie.
Nadine Teagle-Ross, a CNA and Medication Technician in Personal Care, was selected by resident Emil
Scharer for her flexibility, teamwork, and ability to make those around her laugh.
“Nadine, you have become one of the most resident-centric team members helping everyone with what they need when they need it. Your dedication is matched only by your skill in the timing of medications to ensure a resident gets what is needed when they need it. Your lighthearted nature and positive attitude and ability to find humor always assists the team during challenges,” said Personal Care Administrator Shelly Perez.
Honor a team member’s compassion, quality care, and service with a $300 Guardian Angel gift. Each Guardian Angel receives a $50 gift card, a custom lapel pin, public recognition in communications materials, and eligibility for PPH’s Service Excellence Award. Of the $300, $250 supports Benevolent Care at PPH. For more information, contact Senior Director of Advancement Marianna Calabrese at 215‑697‑8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
The Four Guardian Angels in April, clockwise from top: Beatrice Antoine of Environmental Services; Antwine Johnson of Maintenance; Jamie Coates, a CNA in Chapters Memory Care; Nadine Teagle-Ross, a CNA/Medication Technician in Personal Care.
Giving Thanks to the Volunteers of PPH
Whether they're giving our greens some tender, love and care in the Greenhouse like Lorraine and Kate, delivering mail like Audrey or greeting customers as a cashier like Adele, our volunteers are invaluable to PPH.
On April 28, PPH expressed its gratitude by hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in honor of the individuals who generously give their time and talents. Pictured above right are just a few of the many dedicated PPH volunteers.
“Each volunteer brings something unique to PPH,” said Bill Conaway, Director of Community and Volunteer Engagement. “Some of you are natural organizers. Some are gifted listeners. Others bring creativity, humor or a calming presence. Together, you form a tapestry of generosity that strengthens our entire community.” To learn more about volunteer opportunities at PPH, contact Bill Conaway at 215‑697‑8031 or wconaway@pphfamily.org.
A Cycle of Care: Community Support in Action
In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, PPH residents once again came together to support one another through a collection drive. This year’s donations of everyday essentials and comforts were distributed to Personal Care and Pathways residents through our Social Services team.
Employee of the Month: Raimath Kakpo
Congratulations to Raimath Kakpo of PPH's Environmental Services team on being named Employee of the Month!
Raimath's commitment to excellence and positive attitude truly set her apart. We’re proud to have her as part of our team and look forward to her continued success.
Nearby Presentation BVM School continued their ongoing support of PPH by organizing a collection in support of our residents. PPH was delighted to welcome a student and teacher who personally delivered the donations, which were shared with Personal Care and Pathways residents. These gifts brought much joy and comfort to our residents.
Volunteer of the Month: Mary Bargerhuff
Congratulations to Mary Bargerhuff on being named the PPH Volunteer of the Month! Since retiring, Mary has continued to support PPH through her work in the Gift Shop. Her creativity and eye for detail have brought fresh ideas, from seasonal and holiday displays to thoughtfully assembled gift baskets. Thank you, Mary, for continuing to brighten PPH through your talents and generosity!
Reflections — Mother's Day Tribute
By Pastor Earl Scott PPH Chaplain
A mother is special because she provides unconditional love, selfless nurturing, and unwavering emotional support, acting as a child's safe harbor and first teacher. She shapes character, sacrifices her own needs for her family, and offers a unique, irreplaceable bond. Mothers serve as lifelong supporters, encouraging growth while providing comfort.
The past two Mother’s Day at PPH, I stopped to meet and greet families. As relatives were sharing a tremendous meal, I met second and third generation families. What an honor and privilege watching and hearing loved ones commune.
I have sweet, precious memories of my mother, Sallie Scott. God called her home unexpectantly on May 9, 2012, only four days from Mother’s Day that year.
She raised 12 children along with my late father, David Scott. We didn’t have much growing up as far as the
world is concerned, but we had parents who cared about our well-being.
Mom was the backbone of the family, cooking the meals, doing laundry, washing dishes seemingly around the clock, yet never complaining that there was too much to do.
The most important thing that my mother taught me was to have a personal relationship with God. She was truly a woman who loved and walked with God.
In I Samuel 1:5-6, we learn about a woman named Hannah. In I Samuel 1:5-6, the Bible reminds us that it was the Lord who closed her womb.
In I Samuel 1:8, Hannah prayed to the lord and wept bitterly; she made a vow saying,
“LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be
used on his head.”
The Lord blessed Hannah, and she gave birth to a son and named him Samuel.
Samuel lived a life dedicated to the LORD, and he would go on to lead the people of Israel, anointing Israel’s first and second kings—Saul and David.
If you are a mother, grandmother or even great grandmother, do your loved ones have a personal relationship with God, the Good Shepherd? What lasting memories are you passing on to your future generations?
Making the Most of Charitable Giving
If you’re planning to make a charitable donation and also have a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) —the minimum amount you must withdraw each year from certain retirement accounts once you reach a required age — how you give can make a difference. In general, donations made from your bank account won’t reduce the
taxes owed on your RMD. However, some individuals choose to give directly from their IRA to a qualified charity through what’s called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). When done properly, this type of gift may count toward your RMD and is generally not included in taxable income.
Because there are specific rules and eligibility requirements, it’s a good
idea to speak with a financial advisor or tax professional to see what makes sense for your situation.
If you’d like to learn more about PPH Giving programs or explore ways to support the community through charitable giving, you can reach Senior Director of Advancement Marianna Calabrese at 215 697 8508 or mcalabrese@pphfamily.org.
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.