Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry Awarded Grant from The Sarah Ralston Foundation that will support Northwest Philadelphia seniors in need
Philadelphia, PA - The Sarah Ralston Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry (GACM) to support emergency funding for human needs for seniors within the Germantown area.
“GACM is thrilled to receive this very generous grant from The Sarah Ralston Foundation, and we are proud to be a community partner. This grant will allow us to help more seniors in Northwest Philadelphia resolve their emergency needs, primarily related to housing, and then work with them on their road to self-sufficiency,” Jeff Podraza, Board Chair and Co-Interim Executive Director of Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry, said. “The combination of rising prices and gentrification has hit Germantown seniors particularly hard.”
The Sarah Ralston Foundation supports and enhances the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County. Born from the Ralston Center, an organization with a long history, The Sarah Ralston Foundation seeks to continue that impact by using its resources to give grants and to serve as a community partner to organizations serving older adults in Philadelphia.
GACM’s mission is to provide support to Northwest Philadelphia residents on their path toward self-sufficiency, helping them safely remain in their homes, maintain essential utilities through every season, and have reliable access to the food they need to thrive. Founded by a consortium of local congregations in 1997, GACM responds directly and compassionately to the basic needs of our clients. We share information with anyone who calls or comes to our door; however, our primary commitment is to neighbors residing in zip code areas 19118, 19119, 19126, 19138, 19144, 19150.
Each month, the Crisis Ministry, located at 35 West Chelten Avenue in Germantown, distributes close to 4,300 pounds of food and provides grants or other social services to over 150 families and individuals, assisted by the help of people who volunteer close to 325 hours per month. GACM also partners with other local organizations to meet the needs of the community.
For more information about the Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry, visit our website at crisisministry.org or contact:
Jeff Podraza, Board Chair and Co-Interim Executive Director
Email: executivedirector@crisisministry.org
For more information about The Sarah Ralston Foundation, visit their website at sarahralstonfoundation.org.
