For the past 35 years the Genevans choir has performed for the residents, family, and staff at the Reformed Presbyterian Home in Pittsburgh, Pa. On Mar. 4, as these Geneva students walked through the audience singing “O Sing a New Song to the Lord,” Bill Weir, the former RP Home administrator and chief financial officer, pointed out the choir members who are children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of our board members, residents, pastors, and other connections. Seeing the generations of families who have been connected to the RP Home gave me pause to think about how blessed the RP Home is to have this faithful and generous community. Did the students know as they performed a program from the Psalms and Philippians that they were planting the seeds for the next generation of this ministry?

The ministry of the RP Home is successful today because of the past and present support of the RP community. As stated in 2 Corinthians 9:11, “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” This verse reminds us that there are many ways to give—such as money, time, energy, or effort—to meet the needs of others, and that giving is not an obligation but rather driven by a willing and cheerful heart. The RP Home has many examples of how believers support our organization and our residents.

For example, the Genevans provide the gift of the music and message of God year after year; members who serve on our board contribute their time and knowledge to direct the organization’s mission; volunteers build meaningful relationships with our residents; and many of our friends contribute to our benevolent care program or support various capital improvements and programs.

In 2019 the RP Home had many opportunities to celebrate the generosity of others. The gifts from people who recognize the love of Christ within our walls have enabled the RP Home to continue to provide quality care for our elders. Our Gracious Giving, Grateful Living Fund supports our benevolent care expenses, which exceeded more than $2 million in 2019. These funds support the housing and medical care for our older adults. In Oct. 2019, Rev. George Gregory led our annual Thankoffering Service and spoke about his personal experiences at the RP Home and how we continue to serve God in our mission. We are grateful for all the generous support from our RP Home family.

Nola Youngman and Patricia Boyle, Reformed Presbyterian Woman’s Association (RPWA) board members, have supported the RP Home in many ways over the years. Most recently, they spent time in McKee Place, our personal care community, to complete a satisfaction survey with each resident. These ladies met with the residents and gathered the residents’ insight on their quality of care and quality of life. Many of our residents need assistance to complete these surveys; Mrs. Youngman and Dr. Boyle’s dedication to and time in collecting this information is appreciated. As a result of this survey, we can better serve our residents. Specifically, we are improving our dining room experience, which includes an upcoming dining room renovation, revision of our menu, and a restaurant-like service model.

In 2016 we asked our supporters to consider contributing to the elevator fund. Our goal was to raise more than $100,000. In Dec. 2019 we were able to complete the five-week renovation to the elevator car, hydraulic lift, and electronics. Many of the funds donated were in honor of Bill Weir. We are thankful for the generous gifts that enabled the project to be completed.

Over the years, we have shared many accounts of the generosity of Frank and Olive Walker. They have designated money for programs and equipment to improve the residents’ quality of life. In fall 2019 we received a generous gift from the estate of Frank Walker designated for resident transportation. This gift enabled us to purchase a wheelchair-accessible bus and van. Our residents will not only have improved transportation to medical appointments, but they will have more access to off-campus social and educational outings! We will continue to rejoice in the Walkers’ generosity at our annual country fair, July ice cream social, Founder’s Day celebration, and Christmas dinner, as these events are supported annually by their gifts.

These are just a few examples of the generosity the RP Home has to be thankful for in the past year. We are so grateful for those mentioned above and all the other people who continue to support our ministry every day. We hope you will follow more of our stories on the new RP Home website (coming soon) and on our Facebook page. In 2020 the RP Home will be kicking off a capital campaign for the renovation of the resident social and chapel space.

If you have a story you would like to share or a memory of the RP Home, please contact me as we continue to celebrate the hearts of others and thankfulness to God.

Cara D. Todhunter is the executive director at the RP Home.