Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

of the Religious Society of Friends

Aging Services

Older Americans Month – What Does It Mean for PYM?

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An Invitation to an Online Conversation

A Time to Listen, Share and Help Friends FOCUS on How to Age My Way

This year, PYM is pleased to celebrate Older Adults Month with a conversation hosted by Sheila Sorkin, PYM Aging Support Coordinator. The conversation (on Zoom) will center the theme of, “A Time To Listen, Share, and Help Friends FOCUS on How to Age My Way.  It will be a time to listen and share ideas for building a proactive focus on aging within PYM. Ensuring that older adult Friends are involved and included in the PYM Community Engagement program planning is a goal! Having input and sharing new ideas for education, health and involvement will be valued! [Read more…] about Older Americans Month – What Does It Mean for PYM?

Barclay Friends Share a Cyber Security Event

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On April 27th, Barclay Friends presented on Cyber Crime, Scams and Seniors. Sean Tomlinson informed Sheila Sorkin, PYM Aging Support Coordinator that Barclay Friends are happy to provide resources like this and make them available to the public.

Download the presentation (.pdf)

This information is being made available to provide support to those in our aging community in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as part of the To Brighten Your Day series.

Performance Arts at Friends Home in Kennett

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Friends Home in Kennett has made a commitment to serving Friends with care and enabling relationships to grow. Through a creative program of Performing Arts, their staff has created an enriching opportunity for their residents to reach others’ hearts through music. Last year, the PYM Aging Assistance Granting Group (AAGG) awarded Friends Home in Kennett a grant to be used by their activities staff for their needs. In this article, Wright Horne reports on the activities, thoughts behind their programming, and the residents’ responses. [Read more…] about Performance Arts at Friends Home in Kennett

iPad Grant Enriches Residents’ Lives

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The past couple of years revealed the importance of connecting with others to reduce social isolation. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) noted that more than one third of adults over 45 feel lonely and nearly one quarter of adults over 65 are thought to experience social isolation. Staff in long term care communities began using technology such as teaching residents how to utilize items such as an iPad which brought opportunities for residents to connect with friends and family

[Read more…] about iPad Grant Enriches Residents’ Lives

Faithfulness Among Friends

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On the cusp of the New Year, and just before retiring from his position as Care and Aging Coordinator, George Schaefer shares this powerful perspective on faithfulness among Friends. As one Friend recently said, Quakerism is a 24 hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week “faith” process of exploring the individual relationship with God, or Spirit, and building community with those around us while we try to live “in the Light.”  In the work of faithfulness, and across the yearly meeting, George has been helpful and knowledgeable in his support to meetings and individuals. At the end of George’s essay, we have included a beautiful December 19th  minute of appreciation from Haddonfield Quarter. [Read more…] about Faithfulness Among Friends

George Schaefer: On the Practice of Pastoral Care

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There are not many people who know George Schaefer and do not turn to him for wisdom, or for a much-needed and deft delivery of just-in-time Quaker advice and knowledge. This has been true on PYM staff, at every Annual Sessions, in crisis situations, and for those moments of song, fellowship, and joy that come our way as Friends in community.
[Read more…] about George Schaefer: On the Practice of Pastoral Care

Report on Upcoming Staffing Shifts

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On November 2nd, PYM hosted a second public meeting to provide a forum where Friends could hear and give feedback on the ongoing development of plans to shift PYM staffing structure.
[Read more…] about Report on Upcoming Staffing Shifts

Care and Aging Coordinator, George Schaefer, on Sabbatical March 15-June14

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No matter where you go in the Yearly Meeting region, someone is likely to know PYM’s Care and Aging Coordinator, George Schaefer, and to have felt his helping hand. A deeply knowledgeable Friend, and a trained social worker, George treads skillfully in those areas where many hesitate to go. [Read more…] about Care and Aging Coordinator, George Schaefer, on Sabbatical March 15-June14

In These Times: A Pastoral Message

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George Schaefer serves Philadelphia Yearly Meeting as the Care and Aging Coordinator. He works with meetings, aging Friends, and individuals to support PYM’s spiritual growth, pastoral care, and community wholeness. This essay is his response to the burdens we may be carrying today and in the coming weeks. Tea with George is always perfect. Please sit with these thoughts and have a favorite cup of tea close to hand. [Read more…] about In These Times: A Pastoral Message

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