Some crises don’t end in a week. Some last until a family is pushed to their limits.
Thanks to Friends like you who choose to give every month, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting can say that, when there’s a need, the care is there, for even some of the longest crises.
In 2023, Jim suffered a severe stroke just before Thanksgiving, going from living alone peacefully on the family farm to needing 24/7 care. His sister, Charlene, stepped in to move him into their brother’s home and keep the family farm running, all while working two jobs and trying to meet everyone else’s needs.
Insurance covered only part of the cost of Jim’s care, and other assistance programs came with asset-recovery rules that could have put the farm in jeopardy. Charlene was nearing her breaking point, emotionally and financially.
Then, a way opened for the family, thanks to the generous donors who give to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting who had already built the path.
Charlene received an email from her local Quaker meeting and learned about the Quaker Aging Resources network at PYM. She connected with the coordinator, Sheila, and together, they formed what they called “Team Jim,” bringing in a case manager to help navigate options, communicate with care providers, and make a workable plan.
This kind of experienced, enduring support exists because of consistent, dependable monthly donations from you and the hundreds of other Friends who give monthly.
With Team Jim’s help, Charlene applied for several grant opportunities through Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and secured a total of about $4,000 a month in ongoing financial assistance. This was enough for Jim to remain at home with family care and give Charlene room to breathe.
Today, Jim is regaining his speech and contributing his knowledge to the farm again, and Charlene is finally able to step away when needed, knowing Jim is in good hands.
This is what your monthly giving makes possible: steady support that is there when it matters the most.
When you donate each month, you’re giving our staff the connections and resources they need to build communities of care like “Team Jim.” You help ensure that everyone in our Quaker community is living a life filled with Light and love. Thank you!
Become a monthly donor and help keep the support there, whenever it’s needed.
Go to our Monthly Giving Page, or click the button below to start your monthly donation today!
