Latest News

August 2010

Ebony and friends from summer pool party

In Memoriam:

Mary Ellen Tennity September 5, 1923 to July 6, 2010

Epiphany House mourns the passing, on July 6th of Kathie's mother, Mary Ellen Tennity, known affectionately to her grandchildren as"Grandmom." We are in appreciation of all the sentiments of sympathy and contributions in her memory. The week after her funeral our pool collapsed. Our pool has often been used in local outreach and made available to day camps in the community. So, we are happy about three generous contributions in Grandmom's memory to provide a replacement pool. The new 'Grandmom Memorial Pool' is scheduled to be installed on August 9th. We will continue the practice of making the pool available as an Epiphany House outreach. Thank you to contributors:

Lisa Basara
Jim and Kelly Pio
Phil and Barbara Lanctot

DEFINING THE FUTURE FOR EPIPHANY HOUSE

2010 is a defining year for us. Epiphany House has embraced the Generations of Hope concept with a view to applying this model to adoption of children from foster care. The first Generations of Hope community, Hope Meadows, in Rantoul, IL, founded precisely for this purpose, celebrated it's 16th anniversary this year. In late June, Dexter traveled to Rantoul, to visit Hope Meadows where he met with administration and staff. Since then Epiphany House has signed an agreement with

The Generations of Hope Development Corporation (GHDC) to become a GHC-Inspired Community. Epiphany House is committing to develop a community founded on GHDC principles.

GHC-Inspired: A community is designated GHC-Inspired if the organization forms a 501(c)(3) and its Board of Directors elects to implement four fundamental GHC principles:
1) Three generations live in the community
2) Housing is geographically contiguous
3) Older adults are involved as volunteers
4) The intergenerational community is formed to address a social challenge.

Our first goals are to identify potential locations and funding sources. Several individuals have agreed to become members of a founders committee have begun to explore possibilities. This is no small undertaking. The seeds of inspiration towards this direction began nearly two years ago. So it was exciting to discover the existence of Hope Meadows and GHDC and to build a relationship with them. Developing a Generations of Hope Community will define the future for Epiphany House and our commitment to adoption.

Living in a Generations of Hope Community

“A collection of housing becomes an extended family neighborhood with a shared purpose: supporting one another through the challenges of growing up, growing old, and growing together.”

- W.K. Kellogg Foundation, describing a GHC

Salinna's Adventure PHASE1

Last summer our Salinna's Adventure fundraising was begun to raise money for renovations needed to complete Salinna's Make a Wish. Salinna's wish is for a snoezelon sensory stimulation room. Because the Make a Wish Foundation does not cover the costs of structural renovations we have been raising the renovation funds via Salinna's Adventure. So far, we have raised $5,653. We are excited that the first phase of the construction will begin August 2nd under the direction of AMDG Contractors We are expecting that the room will be completed and operational this Fall. The Make a Wish foundation will cover the costs of the equipment along with painting and carpeting. Once completed, Epiphany House will make the room available to families in our community.

Summer Volunteers:

Epiphany House is hosting a team of service volunteers who are participating in a youth community service volunteer program with Christ Lutheran Church in Upper Darby. The team consist of ten 13-14 year old students who are participating in this unique program. We are pleased that they have chosen Epiphany House as one of their volunteer sites. They are working with us to prepare for the Salinna Snoezelon room, some outdoor yard work, and fundraising. We are very grateful for their enthusiasm and support.

Adoption Ministry

We are very excited to announce that Susan Guntz, an adoption worker social worker with The Salvation Army and a long time friend of Epiphany House, has agreed to join with us to help advance adoption ministry. Ms. Guntz brings expertise in finding homes for waiting children. In recent years, Susan has participated in excellent training in adoption ministry outreach. With Epiphany House, Susan's outreach aims to dovetail with our partnership with Heart Gallery Philadelphia. We will be working particularly to bring the Heart Gallery children to the attention of congregations in the region.