April 28, 2020

Dear Friends,

This month and last, each of our legacy organizations - theVillage and Silver Springs - Martin Luther School - marked an anniversary. Recognizing these milestones is so important even as we are distracted by the difficulties of today. As a combined organization, now known as Gemma Services, we are forging ahead to serve children, youth, and families who come to us for help. Some days it is hard to imagine the time when the COVID-19 crisis will be behind us, but we know Gemma will survive. We look forward to the many positive milestones we will create and recognize in the future as Gemma. We look forward to the time when we can celebrate our dedicated staff, our resilient children and families, and our devoted friends and partners, in person. For now, please join us in recognizing these milestones.

March 12 th marked 161 years since Silver Springs - Martin Luther School was founded as the Orphans Home for Children and the Aged, and April 18 th was the 143 rd anniversary of theVillage's founding as the Presbyterian Orphanage. Both organizations had roots in faith-based communities that valued a deep and abiding vision of a brighter future for children who were hurting and alone. Both evolved as the needs of their communities grew over the years, and so they expanded to serve families too. It is inspiring and humbling to think of all the staff and friends whose dedication to the mission sustained and nurtured both organizations to become what they are today. 

Gemma was formed by the union of these two organizations and so represents more than 300 years of uninterrupted service to many of our region's most at-risk children, youth, and families. Throughout those years, our legacy organizations undoubtedly weathered countless crises -- the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Great Depression, the economic crisis of 2008, and others. They adapted while maintaining their unwavering commitment to helping vulnerable children and families to thrive. That steadfast purpose continues as our guiding light today. With our devoted team and supportive community, Gemma is weathering the challenges of COVID-19 and continuing to help children, teens, and families who need us now more than ever.  

I am immensely proud of how our Gemma team has adjusted during this time and continues to devotedly help our children, youth, and families. They all are heroes. We share some of their pictures below but there are so many more not shown here. More can be found on our social media pages here and here where you will see our incredible work in action. Thank you for caring about our children, our youth, our families, and our organization. Together , we will get through this challenging time.

With gratitude,
Kristen
Kristen E.M. Gay, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Recognizing Our Milestones
Orphans Home for Children and the Aged
(later Silver Springs - Martin Luther School)
circa. 1900
Presbyterian Orphanage
(later theVillage)
circa. 1900
Our Mission in Action

In response to the Coronavirus crisis, we have adjusted many of our programs, as you can read about here . This week, we share examples of our ongoing work in our two Residential Treatment Programs. Staff members in both our Rosemont and Plymouth Meeting programs continue to find creative ways to support, engage, and occupy the kids and teens during our challenging "new normal.”

In Plymouth Meeting, the children explored the grounds as they took an Alphabet Nature Walk. They noted things they found that began with each letter of the alphabet, such as "A" for ant, "B" for bird, and "G" for geese that like to walk the campus, too. The kids had a great time. One boy exclaimed to staff, “I love this! Can we do it everyday?”
Youth in Rosemont celebrated Earth Day by planting seeds in the planters outside their cottages that will grow into colorful flowers. Some are also painting and designing their planters. One cottage is working on a sunset scene with a volcano erupting with flowers, and another cottage splatter painted theirs. Happy Earth Day!  
Celebrating Our Gemma Heroes
Staff across all of Gemma's programs are committed , caring , and remain devoted to our children, youth, and families . Whether from one of our residential program locations, from home, or completing important safety and well-being checks with children and families in the community, the Gemma team is steadfast in their commitment to those we serve who need us now more than ever!
Thank You to Our Volunteers
During this National Volunteer Appreciation Month, we express our deep gratitude to the many dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and talents to Gemma Services throughout the year! In normal times, our invaluable volunteers help to beautify our campuses, collect backpacks and school supplies for "our" children and youth, and wrap holiday gifts to bring them joy. During the present crisis, volunteers have also donated masks for our staff and residents*, sent us pictures and messages of encouragement, and even recorded videos reading a favorite story for our kids to enjoy. Committed volunteers serve on our Board of Directors, on our Advisory Council, and on our event committees. Volunteers contribute in so many invaluable ways to Gemma. We treasure each and every one of you. Thank you for all you do to make hope shine for at-risk children, youth, and families!

*Our campuses are closed to deliveries. If you are interested in donating home-made masks, please email us to arrange for pick up.
Support Gemma on # GivingTuesdayNow
Coming up on May 5 th will be a global day of unity and giving, called # GivingTuesdayNow, an emergency response, created by Giving Tuesday, to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. If you are able, please consider a donation of any size to help Gemma continue to provide crucial services for at-risk kids and families during this time of crisis. Stay tuned for more info to come about Gemma and #GivingTuesdayNow. To make a donation to support Gemma today, please click here . Thank you!
Art Works 2020 Canceled ... Save the Date for Chefs 2020
Unfortunately, Art Works 2020 scheduled for May 13 th has been canceled. We will shift the honoree recognitions to our Chefs for Gemma event scheduled for November 6 th . Stay tuned for info about Chefs. If you purchased sponsorships or tickets for Art Works 2020 , you may transfer those to Chefs , convert your purchase into an unrestricted donation (100% tax deductible as allowed by law), or request a refund. Please contact us at  info@silver-springs.org   with your preference or any questions, if you have not already.  Thank you for supporting Gemma Services and we hope to see you at  Chefs !
Gemma Services was formed by the merger of Silver Springs - Martin Luther School and theVillage and is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, with donations tax deductible to the extent allowed by law (Tax ID# 23-2310084). Please note that Silver Springs-Martin Luther School is the organization's corporate name).

Thank you for caring about the children, teens, and families of Gemma Services!