McDonald's restaurants are proud to post, under their golden arch logos, "Billions Served." This appeals to a public that likes to quantify results. We are impressed with large numbers. Often Non-profit organizations, of various types, also look to the numbers. The number served is an important criteria for their supporters. They realize that if they are to draw and maintain funding they need to produce quantifiable results. Financial backers want to know: how many are fed, housed, educated, dressed, converted etc. etc?

The Epiphany House mission, doesn't easily lend itself to large numbers. Getting children to forever families is a very involved process. This does not make things easy. With adoption, there are large numbers. But, unfortunately, the large numbers are the waiting children.

Moving a waiting child to a forever family is no easy journey. For a child, it may involve several disruptions before the "right match." All too often, the right match never occurs. There are just not enough families trained and approved to adopt children with special needs. It is a long process to cultivate a family and then see that family move through a complicated and often broken child welfare system to a placement and then a finalized adoption. Sometimes that process can take many years. When a successful adoption does take place, however, it is, as the credit card commercial states, "Priceless."

So, the Epiphany Mission is frequently more about quality than quantity. What is difficult to quantify on a day-to-day basis has a long term significance that is beyond measure. To see Daniel come us from a group home, adjust, begin to recognize and employ his talents, develop in martial arts, become a tour guide and an acolyte at Christ Church, teach younger children at the local YMCA, volunteer on Saturdays and during semester breaks to do community service is not something one can calculate at the end of the day. It's more like watching grass grow. It is similar with our other kids as well, Sonty's recent excelling at Drexel Hill middle school (see below), his experiences with the Philadelphia Boy's Choir; Suky's proficiency in horse back riding, writing, drawing; Ebony's whimsical art, her love of music, the way she has socially developed by overcoming many obstacles related to her autism; Salinna's happy spirit in the face of serious handicaps. How does one measure all this?

We may not be serving billions, but we are confident that what we provide will positively impact the future for untold generations. So, we are very grateful to all our supporters who recognize and value the quality rather than quantity of our mission.

Daniel's Adoption Finalized:

Pancake Breakfast May 3rd 2008:

This hearty breakfast is a great start to Lansdowne’s much-anticipated town-wide yard sale. The fee is $7 for adults, $5 for kids between the ages of five to 17, and free for children under five. This fun-filled event will entertain children with face painting, music, an amateur magic show, and balloon sculpting. We had a great turnout at last year’s breakfast and nearly 300 guests enjoyed the festivities. From 7:30 am to 11:00 am, volunteers will serve heaping platters of traditional and chocolate chip pancakes, bacon, sausage links, fruit salad, with orange juice and steaming mugs of coffee. One of the volunteer cooks is Michael Tennity, celebrated Camp David chef under presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. This year, proceeds are to help Epiphany House expand its accessibility to children with disabilities.

Andrew

Andy, born April 9th 1996, is an outgoing and endearing young man with lots of interests. He loves just about any outdoor activity - going to the beach, fishing, gardening or riding his bike. He also likes to work with his hands building toy houses and painting. Most of all he loves music and plays both the piano and the guitar. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he says without hesitation, an actor or a singer. Andy likes the fact that he’s smart and good at “taking care of things,” but says he’s trying to “get better at listening to his peers.” Andy’s three wishes: nice parents, a hamster and a go-kart, in that order.

If you would like to open your heart and home to Andy, please contact caseworker Stacy Wilson at (215) 340-8985.

Photographer: Karen Carey