Look What's Happening at Methodist Services: Autumn 2025!

Methodist Services’ President & CEO Kathrine Joy Martin & VP/CFO Cynthia Benton traveled to New York City as invited guests at Bernstein’s National Philanthropic & Nonprofit Forum. Honored to attend!

Dominique Bonds, Director of Engagement

Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia

An award-winning senior hospitality management thought leader, Dominique Bonds has a proven track record of delivering high quality results and leading teams to successfully implement best-in-class corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, guest experience, community engagement and employee engagement programs. Highly respected industry-wide as a dynamic, results-focused leader adept at forging partnerships with clients and key industry stakeholders, Dominique began her association with Methodist Services, initially, by engaging dozens of her Pennsylvania Convention Center colleagues as volunteers at Methodist Services’ Heritage Farm. Recently, Dominique was the recipient of a 2025 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (Americorps & President Joseph R. Biden). Dominique shared, “I already feel like I'm part of the Methodist family, so I am very excited at the prospect of joining your Board of Directors and I am honored that you feel I would be a good fit.”

The Rev. Tamie J. Scalise, Senior Pastor

Ardmore United Methodist Church

Pastor Tamie J. Scalise worked as a public school teacher before resigning to pursue her call to ministry. In 2020 she was ordained as an elder. Tamie began her pastoral career as an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church of Germantown (FUMCOG). From there, she returned to serve her home church, Calvary UMC of Mohnton. Since 2023, Tamie has infused “spirit-powered ministry to love God, love our neighbor, and include everyone” as Senior Pastor of Ardmore United Methodist Church. In addition to her missional work in Haiti, Tamie serves on Whites Confronting Racism, Economic Justice Council, and South District Committee for Ordained Ministry. Ardmore UMC’s long-standing association with Methodist Services developed in part through Tamie’s predecessor, Pastor Tim. The congregation and Tamie's continued commitment to our residents & program participants has sustained their involvement with Methodist. Upon hearing the news that she was voted onto Methodist’s Board of Directors, Tamie wrote, “I am rejoicing. I look forward to connecting with all of you as we walk alongside our neighbors through the mission of Methodist Services.”

Recently, we attended St. Luke UMC in Bryn Mawr’s “Blessing of the Backpacks” Service for Methodist Services & for the Mary Jane Enrichment Center. An excerpt from their blessing follows: “We ask that you pour out your blessings on these backpacks and supplies, and on the children who are about to receive them. May they be reminded, even on difficult days, that there are always people who care for them. May they carry the knowledge of this love into the new school year, and into the future.” Amen.

Big shout out to Alternative Dispute Resolution Chapter within the Widener University Delaware Law School & their generous students for collecting new backpacks & school supplies for Methodist Services’ children & teens! You help us enact our mission! Sending great gratitude!

Please join Methodist Services at the John Wind Studio & Dina Wind Art Foundation for a night filled with art, jewelry and supporting our mission on Wednesday, November 19, from 6-9 pm. Cocktails and dinner will be served. Tickets: $100 per person. 25% of all sales will be donated to Methodist Services. Questions, reach out to: Lynsie@lynsieblairinc.com or 215-779-7918.

Click Here for Tickets or to Donate!

Scores of Families & Students recently attended a Resource Fair at the Overbrook Educational Center, a Methodist Services-affiliated Community School… as Philadelphia’s new school year kicks off! Thanks to all who made this possible!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Farming OST Program this fall, an exciting opportunity for students to engage in hands-on agricultural education. Methodist Services has been selected to bring this innovative program to two schools—Gideon Elementary and Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School—where we will be working with a total of 80 students.

Led by our Farm Manager, Ryan Curran, the program will provide students with meaningful experiences in farming, sustainability, and food education. Through this work, young learners will gain a deeper understanding of where their food comes from, practical skills and an appreciation for the environment. We are excited to cultivate curiosity, responsibility, and growth in our students as they dig into this new journey of learning and discovery.

From Heritage Farm - Farm Manager, Ryan Curran

"As the Fall weather begins to settle in, another changing of the guards takes place on the farm. Gone are the tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil and squash that carried us through the summer. In are the cabbages, carrots, celery, collards and kales to keep us warm in hearty soups and roasts.

Most of October will be spent helping the remaining crops in their final push until a frost comes in late October or early November. If all goes well, food will last through October. Some will hopefully be available up until Thanksgiving. Aside from that, measures such as cover cropping will take place to put the farm to bed for winter’s recuperative rest."

Thank You For Donating New & Unwrapped Gifts!

Our in-hand submission date: Week of December 15

Ways To Participate

ONLINE Make a secure online donation by clicking the button below and choose "Holiday Gift" in the drop-down menu.

BY MAIL Make a cash donation via check, payable to Methodist Services, 4300 Monument Road, Philadelphia, PA 19131 Attn: Holiday Gift.

DROP OFF & PICK UP – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

If you’d like to donate new, unwrapped toys or gifts, gift cards, or arts & crafts, reach out to cboughter@methodistservices.org

Additionally, our families treasure Gift Cards of any value from Target, Kohl’s, Walmart, Best Buy & Old Navy. We also appreciate receiving wrapping paper, gift bags and bows.

Click Here to Donate Now!

Methodist Services offers Early Childhood Education Programs for children, birth to 5 years old. Learn about basic eligibility requirements for Methodist Services' Educare Learning Center programs. High quality, free childcare available.

Contact 215-877-1925 ext 301 to learn more!