Thanks to you, our 2023 Fall Fundraiser was a joyful success! Leadership & Board marveled at how wonderful it was to reconnect with friends, stakeholders and supporters. Over 100 guests enjoyed oysters, specialty drinks and small plates, along with the soul-jazz sounds of Philly-based Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble. Another 35 supporters elected not to join the in-person festivities. We were so glad you were able to attend and wanted to share photos from the evening’s Photobooth, sponsored by Hirtle Callaghan & Co. Enjoy! There’s still time to donate, if you were unable to attend. See “Donate Now” button, below.

Jerry Burhop is a financial analyst, a dedicated family man, and a lifelong learner. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin and earning an MBA from Temple, he began work as a portfolio manager with Lincoln Investment where he has remained for the past 24 years. At Lincoln, he is always willing to support his colleagues, whether it’s helping develop retirement plans, offering technical support, or simply listening with a thoughtful and supportive ear.

Jerry currently lives in Havertown with his wife where they raised their daughters. He always instilled in his kids an ethic of service work, taking them on trips with the Appalachia Service Project to help eradicate substandard housing in Appalachia.

When his daughters left for college, Jerry made a commitment to do more to give back, and he joined the Board of Methodist Services, which he has served for 7 years. With expertise in finance and management, Jerry continues to be an integral member of the Board of Directors. He brings dedication to and compassion for Methodist Services’ mission and clients, an expectation of quality, a sense of humor – especially when needed, and a “fiduciary” heart. We are thankful!

M. Kenneth (Ken) Heckman Jr., age 90, of Hingham, MA, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Ken was born and raised in

E. Stroudsburg, PA. He was very passionate about education throughout his life, receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Lafayette College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Divinity from Drew Seminary, and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.

Ken married his wife of 68 years, Alice, in 1955. After years of serving as pastor at various Methodist Parishes, he decided to expand his ministry to focus on the needs of children and families. Ken and Alice settled in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania and raised their family there while he pursued his Master’s Degree in Social Work. 

As the President & CEO of Methodist Home for Children/BASES from 1983 - 1999, Ken helped to create innovative programs for children and families in Philadelphia and surrounding areas:

(1986) The Tamaqua Project Genesis

(1987) Bridge House Transitional Living for Homeless Young Men

(1987) Community Outreach Program

(1987) Summer Day Camp

(1988) Educare Learning Center & School-Age AfterSchool Program

(1992) Genesis of the Slate Belt

(1993) Before School Programming

(1994) Bennett And Simpson Enrichment Services BASES

(1995) Adoption Services

(1997) SCOH Program

He is survived by his wife Alice L. Heckman (Leary), his children Sarah, Elizabeth and Ken.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 11:30 am in the Linden Ponds Derby Clubhouse, 203 Linden Ponds Way, Hingham, MA 02043.

In lieu of flowers, The Heckman Family has requested that donations be made in Ken’s name to:

Methodist Services, 4300 Monument Road, Philadelphia PA 19131.

Thank You For Donating New & Unwrapped Gifts!

Ways To Participate

ONLINE: Make a secure online donation via methodistservices.org & click “Donate Now” and Choose "Holiday Gift" in the drop-down menu.

BY MAIL: Make a cash donation via check, payable to Methodist Services. Mail 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, contact Carole Boughter, cboughter@methodistservices.org or 215-877-1925 ext 104.

We are moving up our in-hand submission date to the Week of December 11. 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.

Methodist Services offers Early Childhood Education Programs for children, birth to 5 years old. High quality, free childcare is available. To learn basic eligibility requirements for Methodist Services' Educare Learning Center programs, call 215-877-1925 ext 301 or email cstewart@methodistservices.org

2023 Methodist Services' Holiday Toy, Gift & Gift Card Drive

Now Accepting Donations until the Week of December 11th

2024 Methodist Services' Designer Bag Bingo

Spring 2024, Date/Location TBD