Who We Are
A place of welcome starts with open doors...
In 2014, the decision to open the doors of the vacant Sacred Heart School to the community ignited the spark that led to the creation of Ann’s Heart. Guided by the mantra “Do good and don’t lose too much money,” we crafted a mission that would carry us forward: to provide a place of welcome and human services to all Phoenixville area people.
As we embarked on the journey to re-imagine the school building, we
discovered a growing need in our community. It was through this vision that, in 2016, Ann’s Heart opened one of Chester County’s first Code Blue Overnight Emergency Warming Centers. This low-barrier center provides temperature-related emergency shelter and services, housing case management, and mental health/behavioral services.
Over the past eight years, Ann’s Heart has opened multiple doors to
cultivate welcoming spaces for our community. Our vision of repurposing existing spaces on our campus has allowed us to creatively address unmet needs. By partnering with fellow nonprofits and community members, we have been intentional in filling gaps in services without duplication.
From establishing a collaborative hub at the HEART that houses multiple non-profits to creating CERAH, an emergency shelter for the most vulnerable in our community, we have transformed spaces with the aim of fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
We firmly believe that by opening our doors and concentrating on crafting spaces of welcome, we can continue to meet the needs of our community with compassion, empathy, and dignity.
Join us in fulfilling our mission and serving all members of our community.
It starts with you. Get Involved!
Warm regards,
Kristen McGee
Executive Director
Ann's Heart
"If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together."
- African Proverb
Our Mission
To provide a place of welcome and human services to all Phoenixville area people.
Our Vision
To utilize existing spaces on the Sacred Heart Campus to provide support and other services for persons most in need in our community. We will be intentional about identifying needs created by gaps in services already provided by local community, and to fill those needs when possible.
Our Core Values
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Ann’s Heart cannot exist or provide services in the community without engaging the community through collaboration and partnership; helping to strengthen our work and theirs so as not to duplicate effort for the same population. To this end, Ann’s Heart is committed to ongoing dialogue with other service providers in the community through existing networks and/or individuals.
STEWARDSHIP
Ann’s Heart is committed to good stewardship of funds allotted or bequeathed to us assuring financial responsibility and transparency to our community, through monthly Board review of fiscal reports and annual review or audit of funds. The Board has a budget and Financial Committee, as well as an Audit Committee to support good stewardship.
DIVERSITY
We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences. To this end, Ann’s Heart is committed to working towards developing a Board of Directors that is diverse and reflects the community it serves.
COMPASSION
We pledge to be compassionate, putting our heart and mind into our work, and being open to exploring needs as they emerge in the community.
EMPOWERMENT
We pledge to create and work in an environment that supports and empowers the people we serve.
Ann’s Heart is committed to being an organization whose core values respect the community, our community partners, and the people we serve through our transparency and presence in the community.
They guide and support our Board and leadership, enabling us to maintain the organization’s purpose and make that purpose real to our staff as the organization develops and grows.