Of the entire staff of Redeemer Health, 84% are women. Each and every woman on the Redeemer Health team has made incredible contributions, and the input and commitment to our patients, residents, clients and all team members are an integral factor to our continued and sustained success. 

It is our intention to recognize the contributions of several women throughout our organization. Yet just as no timeframe can encompass their contributions, so can this single month not sum up the history and achievements of the women of Redeemer Health. As such, it is our intention to continue to recognize these women, as well as other members of our diverse and incredible staff, throughout the year.

You can find the first 3 of these stories below, and continue to check back as we populate this page with more incredible stories!

Sr. Ellen Marvel

Karen Renson

Patrice Morris

An unexpected $25,000 gift from Amazon will help Philadelphia families experiencing homelessness.

Anne Marie Collins, Vice President/Executive Director of the Drueding Center, received an email late last year from an Amazon staff member who had worked in the office of U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa).

Amazon was looking to donate to Philadelphia nonprofits, the email said. The staffer had recommended Drueding Center, a comprehensive program that serves 400 to 500 families a year through residential and community services, child care, and a food pantry.

As part of their advocacy work, Collins and board members visit legislators’ offices, often meeting with staff.

“The visits are an opportunity to share what our program is, what we do and our impact, and the need for continued government support,” Collins said. “Obviously we made an impression on him.”

Colin Newman, Amazon’s public policy director for Pennsylvania, said the company prides itself “on establishing local roots in the communities in which we live and work.”

"As our footprint in Philadelphia has grown in recent years, so too has our support for local organizations, like Drueding Center,” Newman said. “The work that is done by the team at Drueding is very challenging, important, and admirable. Amazon is very pleased to lend a helping hand to such a deserving organization."

Drueding receives government funding but also must raise support through grants, foundations, and events. Because Amazon’s gift supports general operations, it will help Drueding fill in gaps and continue programs that are not funded by the government, according to Patricia M. Wynne, Redeemer Health Associate Vice President for Philanthropy.  

Drueding Center’s residential services provides transitional housing, case management support, and life skills training to families who come from the city shelter system.

Community services include the After Care program, which follows families for seven years after they move out of transitional housing; New Neighbors, a permanent supporting housing program for families who have a member with a disability; and the Blueprint case management program.

The center’s state-licensed STAR 4 child care center offers early childhood education for resident children, community children, and some staff children.

Drueding also has a Green Light Food Pantry, one of two in the city, that provides only healthy, nutritious foods for people experiencing food insecurity.

"As part of Redeemer Health, Drueding shares the same Mission to Care, Comfort and Heal," Collins said.

“Our theory of change is that our families will build the skills to heal from trauma, restore their hope, and end the cycle of homelessness,” she said.

We invite you to inspire others by getting involved and making a difference individually or with your family. Please contact the Redeemer Health Office of Philanthropy at 215-914-4000 or giving@holyredeemer.com, or visit www.redeemerhealth.org/giving/ways-give. 
 

Are you looking to start a career in health care or looking for a second career doing something meaningful and helpful to others? Then becoming a Home Care Aide may be a great option for you! 

Redeemer Health offers the Home Care Aide Training Program at no cost to the participant. Led by a registered nurse, the two-week class prepares students to help clients continue to live in their home with caring support.

Upon successful completion of the class, you will receive a Home Care Aide certificate and an opportunity to work at Redeemer Health as a Home Care Aide (applicants must also pass a physical and background check).

“If you want to go to work and feel like you have made a difference in someone’s life, becoming a Home Care Aide may be a great option for you,” says Kim Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Operations, Redeemer Health Support at Home.

Classes are a full day with a lecture in the morning and hands on skills teaching and practice in the afternoons. Throughout the training there are quizzes that recap information learned from the textbooks and previous lectures. At the end of the course, there is a comprehensive written exam and skills test. All of your books and supplies are included ($160 value).

You will learn the skills to be a successful Home Care Aide, including:

• The symptoms and progression of chronic illnesses and conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, and Alzheimer's.
• How to provide personal care.
• How to safely move patients.
• And much more.

To qualify for the training program, you must:

• Commit to a full two weeks of attendance - there are no makeup classes.
• Have a driver's license.
• Have reliable transportation to visit patients.

Redeemer Health is proud to offer amazing benefits to new Home Care Aides, including:

• Competitive weekly pay
• Paid time off
• Medical and 403(b) Benefits
• Flexible hours and shifts
• Plus, we currently offer a sign-on bonus for new Home Care Aides

The Home Care Aide Training Program is an excellent way to jump start your career with Redeemer Health, and classes are held monthly. To sign up for an upcoming Home Care Aide Training program, visit the Redeemer Health Classes & Events page. You also can join our Talent Community to receive emails from Redeemer Health about training and open positions here.

On behalf of the Sisters of Redeemer and Redeemer Health, we join with Pope Francis, the Archbishop of Philadelphia Nelson Pérez, and the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey in sharing our feelings of deep grief and sadness for the ongoing attack on Ukraine. The senseless assault on innocent people has stunned the world and left many feeling helpless in the face of such atrocities. We join in solidarity in denouncing this attack.

We invite the Redeemer Family to pray for the Ukrainian people who remain in their homeland, the over one million who have fled, as well as those who are living in other countries (including the U.S.) and those right here in our midst in the Redeemer Family. We respect the European citizens who are opening their hearts and homes to refugees.

We are in close communication with our neighbors, the Sisters of Saint Basil, who have Sisters in Ukraine. They are actively involved in transporting women and children across the border to Poland. May we join in prayer that the violence and destruction will end.

We also prayerfully remember the many innocent Russian people who are opposed to the decision to invade and attack Ukraine.

An interfaith service for peace in Ukraine is being planned for the end of March. Details will be forthcoming.

For those who are looking for ways to support the Ukrainian people, we have identified the following organizations to which donations may be directed. These are just four organizations throughout the world supporting these efforts. Standing up for and supporting the values of Justice and Solidarity through any means that you are able can be a powerful tool in helping to mitigate some of the feelings of helplessness we can all experience during times of global crisis.

• Sisters of St. Basil the Great (to help Sisters in Ukraine aid the refugees)
  710 Fox Chase Rd., Jenkintown, PA 19046 (215-379-3998) www.stbasils.com
• Archeparchy of Philadelphia (to help war victims and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
  www.ukarcheparchy.us/donate
• United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc. (for humanitarian aid to victims of war in Ukraine)
  1206 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111
  Also necessary items that are being sent to Ukraine can be found at www.uuarc.org
• Catholic Relief Services www.crs.org

We are including below recent statements from Archbishop Nelson Pérez and collectively the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey.

Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez regarding the invasion of Ukraine:

"Like so many of you, my heart aches with deep sorrow. The recent invasion of Ukraine is something we had hoped and prayed would be avoided. Peace has been shattered. Anguish, pain, and suffering have been unleashed. Events have now been put in motion that will lead to the senseless loss of countless lives, destruction of property, and a humanitarian crisis the likes of which has not been seen in several decades. At this grave moment in history, I urge all people of goodwill to answer the call of Pope Francis to pray fervently for the people of Ukraine and for an end to this military conflict now.”

Statement of the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey:

"In solidarity, we express our prayers and support to the victims of the odium and hostility that have fallen on Ukraine, including the families that have been separated, those fleeing for safer ground, especially children and the elderly. In a special way, we extend our prayerful support to the Ukrainian Catholic community in the United States, who ache with helplessness for their brothers and sisters in peril. Through the intercession of Mary, Our Blessed Mother and Queen of Peace, we ask that the Lord guide the world’s leaders to work toward a swift and diplomatic resolution to end this war, one that ensures a minimal loss of life and the complete preservation of Ukraine’s independence.”
 

May God's peace prevail over war.

George Vincent Sr., a retired firefighter and veteran, enjoyed golfing, dancing, socializing, collecting fish, and spending time with his family.

He also, like other members of the Surf Corvette Club, was passionate about the classic American sports car.

The club hosted a car show on June 6, 2021 at Waterman's Tavern in Brielle, N.J., to raise funds to donate to Redeemer Health's Home Care and Hospice Jersey Shore in George's memory.

George, who had lung cancer, received hospice care from Redeemer Health Hospice Jersey Shore. He passed away on March 8 at his Barnegat, N.J. home, surrounded by his loving family.

Surf Corvette Club President Don Hermann, Vice President Walt Nocella, Board of Directors member Tom Barnes and Nancy Conway presented a check to Nancy Faver, home care clinical manager with Redeemer Health Home Care and Hospice Jersey Shore, on Sept. 17.

George, formerly of Staten Island, N.Y., retired from the New York City Fire Department as a lieutenant. He was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from McKee Technical High School and attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Barbara Jean, and his loving children, brothers, and grandchildren.

Thank you to the Surf Corvette Club for your generosity in honor of George.

It started with tea.

When Marjorie May was living in Rydal Park, a Sister from Redeemer Health would visit and share news about Redeemer's mission to care, comfort and heal.

She also brought Marjorie tea. Those friendly visits helped inspire Marjorie to make a big decision.

As Marjorie searched for meaningful causes to support at year's end, her financial advisor suggested Redeemer. There was something special about a faith-based organization that resonated with Marjorie.

Marjorie's philanthropic legacy continues with her daughter, Nancy Copple.

Nancy, now over 90 years old, grew up in the Elkins Park/Jenkintown area. Her uncle was a local physician and her mother was passionate about supporting Redeemer, including as a volunteer. Nancy herself had limited ties with the organization.

Then her husband, Norval, had a stroke.

"We were down in Ocean City, N.J., and he needed home care," Nancy recalled. "I'm not a nurse, though I tried. The Redeemer staff that came to our aid were absolutely wonderful."

Nancy noticed the home care workers assisting Norval did so with a level of compassion and dedication she had not seen before. These caregivers treated their profession as a calling, not just a job.

"I fell in love with Redeemer and all the aspects of that society down on the Jersey Shore," Nancy said.

During this time, the Copples also met a special Sister of the Redeemer, Sr. Mary Anne McDonagh, CSR. A woman with sparkling eyes who always smiled, Sr. Mary Anne is remembered by many as an energetic visionary and beautiful spirit who engaged people to accomplish monumental tasks in service to others.

"She was an example of how somebody should live," Nancy said.

Nancy decided to follow her mother's footsteps and donate to Redeemer each year.

"I know that I have been very blessed and I feel there is a need to give back," Nancy said.

Through her generosity, Nancy became a member of The Eppinger Society, named for Blessed Alphonse Maria Eppinger, founder of the Sisters of the Redeemer. Members make an annual gift to sustain the vision she began more than 200 years ago.

Nancy recently celebrated her 24th giving anniversary. She enjoys visits and conversations with members of our Philanthropy team, who update her on developments throughout Redeemer Health. That personal touch ties into Redeemer's core values of hospitality and stewardship, making her feel valued as a donor and helping her understand what is needed.

Redeemer uses Life Story Coaching to help people recognize and develop their talents and passions. Nancy's Redeemer chapter in her Life Story is summarized in her statement: "I hope that God will continue to bless all of you who serve at Redeemer. You're serving those in need in the name of God. What better cause could you dedicate your life to?"

We invite you to inspire others by getting involved and making a difference individually or with your family. Please contact the Redeemer Health Office of Philanthropy at
215-914-4000 or giving@holyredeemer.com, or visit www.redeemerhealth.org/giving/ways-give.

Hunter Michael was born unexpectedly at 1:50pm on January 14th, 2021. He was born at 24 weeks gestation weighing 1 pound 11 ounces and spent 127 days in Holy Redeemer's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This handsome little boy overcame many challenges and is now doing very well and meeting all of his milestones.

He recently celebrated his 1st birthday with family and friends. When asking his parents about their experience, they said "having a baby early is the scariest thing we have ever been through. The uncertainty that comes with every day was torture, but the NICU staff made all that bearable. They are the most amazing people and we wouldn't be where we are today without all of them. We are forever grateful.

While Hunter was there they would give us books to read to him since we couldn't hold or do much with him at first so that helped us bond. We just wanted to make sure other parents had that opportunity also. So for Hunter's 1st birthday we asked all of his guests to donate books in lieu of gifts to be donated to the NICU so other families could enjoy some bonding time with their little miracles also."

Happy birthday to Hunter and his family! Thank you for sharing your incredible journey and for the donation to the NICU!

If you would like to contribute to our NICU staff, families, and incredible patients like Hunter, please consider donating via our Amazon wish list.

Redeemer Health's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consists of strategic priorities that exemplify our commitment and promote a workplace that upholds respect, fairness, empathy, and compassion for all.

"Our DEI commitment focuses on six key areas that were determined after conducting a comprehensive assessment examining our organizational culture behaviors, attitudes, values, and beliefs as they relate to people, policy, and practice," says Patrice Morris, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Dean of Redeemer U.

There is a DEI Governance Workgroup that provides oversight of these six key areas, as well as reviews and gives guidance for DEI goals and objectives that further emerge.

The DEI priorities encompass:

1. Recruitment and Retention - Recruit, develop, mentor, promote, and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce.
2. Education and Training - Provide intentional and culturally competent education opportunities to all staff.
3. Community Partnerships and Collaborations - Establish relationships and partnerships that support addressing health disparities and inequities that our communities may experience.
4. Communication - Implement accessible and equitable communication tools and processes that are inclusive and that advance multi-cultural understanding.
5. Recognition and Celebration - Develop a plan to recognize and celebrate Redeemer Health's diverse people, cultures, and beliefs.
6. Compensation and Policy - Consistently assess compensation and policies to ensure equity across all positions.

"With the DEI priorities identified, continued workforce participation and collaboration are essential to help implement actions that sustain our commitment to DEI," adds Patrice.

If you are interested in more information about Redeemer Health's DEI commitment, or would like to support the priorities, please reach out to Patrice Morris at pmorris@holyredeemer.com.