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Rapid Response Grants: The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

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As the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, it changed almost every aspect of daily life at Camilla Hall, the convent home and health care center for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Malvern, PA.

Staff and residents wore masks. Visitors and volunteers were no longer allowed to enter the building. As signs of infection appeared, the Sisters were confined to their floor and eventually, to their own rooms, and the isolation was difficult for them.

The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary continued to face challenges as the work increased with no volunteers, and staff members quarantined because they were infected or exposed. But the goal and mission to assure excellent health care for each Sister did not change.

As the Sisters assessed their needs, it became clear that the unbudgeted but crucial needs would affect their finances. The Rapid Response grant program from SOAR! offered them immediate hope. They applied for, and received, a grant for PPE, vital signs monitors, EKG and infrared thermometers to help their medical staff work safely and efficiently to assure the aging Sisters were protected.

“The nurses were very good and seemed to have everything they needed,” said Sister Incarnata Maria DePella, IHM, 95, a former COVID unit patient, “I felt safe and knew I would get better.”

A grant from SOAR! gave the Sisters renewed courage and strength to move forward to protect the Sisters and care for those who contracted the virus. Staff responded quickly to more than 200 Sisters’ medical needs. They were able to contain the spread of the virus and allow each Sister to resume her ministry of prayer. Thank you!

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