1. 2014
COMMUNITY
CREATING
Annual Report
Sacred Heart Village
920 North Monroe Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801-1337
Phone: (302) 654-5407 • Fax: (302) 654-6758
www.sacredheartvillage.org

2. Our Mission
Our Team of Caring Professionals
Sacred Heart Village provides permanent affordable housing for very low-income seniors, 62 and older, and is devoted
to the care of each resident. We honor the philosophy of our sponsoring agency, The Ministry of Caring Inc., which
states that all people should be treated with love, dignity and respect.
Dedication: Mary Hatch
This annual report is dedicated to Mary
Hatch, a long-serving volunteer and friend
to Sacred Heart Village. There are few
residents who would not recognize her
welcoming smile and sincere voice.
She is a woman of true, unshakable faith in
the power of people to help one another,
and she is a staple of the SHV community.
1 | Annual Report 2014
Executive Director: Br. Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap.
Deputy Director: Mark Poletunow
Manager: Sr. Pat Kerezsi, OSF
Administrative Assistant: Christine Adams
Service Coordinator: Linda Richardson
Receptionist: Kathleen Murray
Activity Coordinator: Manasia Purnsley
Bus Driver: Anthony Miller
Doors/Security: Andre Fields, Jamar Freeland,
Justin McCann, Alonzo Wells
Friar’s Café & Bethlhem Market: Bill Bradley,
Gordon Corbitt
Home Visitation: Sr. Assunta Prunty, OSF, Br. Balaswamy
Thippabathini, OFM Cap., Sr. Mary Daniel Jackson, SSCJ
Maintenance: William Powell, Devon Watson, Rodney Sibert
Fitness Trainer: Michelle Glazier
Supportive Services
Hair Salon: Deneen Tickles
St. Francis Family Medicine at SHV:
Nurse Practitioner: Abbey Ngaima-Wilson
Medical Assistant: Artis Cary
Mary has the distinct honor of being one of
the first volunteers at Sacred Heart Village.
Throughout the years, she has faithfully
organized Thursday afternoon bingo games
for residents and served as a courier.
Mary’s caring nature brightens the day of
whoever crosses her path. She is one of a
kind, and she’s our kind of person.

3. Board of Directors
2014
Kathleen Duffy Smith, Esq.
President
M. Eileen Schmitt, M.D.*
Vice President
Peter McCarthy
Secretary
Christopher Griffiths, Esq.
Treasurer
The Hon. Kent A. Jordan
Maureen Lesutis
Fr. Nick Mormando, OFM Cap.
Danielle Nowacyk, Esq.
Fr. Francis Sariego, OFM Cap.
Judy Saydlowski
*Dr. Schmitt passed away suddenly in
June 2015.
A Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on another year of safe
and comfortable living at Sacred Heart
Village, I consider myself lucky to know
the many wonderful people who live and
work there.
2014 was another great year of creating
community at Sacred Heart Village. To
list just a few highlights, a beneficiary
donated a beautiful, large aquarium
with tropical fish for the Higley Room,
adding color and movement to one
of the Village’s main gathering places.
Across the hall, Bethlhem Market started
selling water ice in a variety of flavors, to rave reviews. The governor and
several state lawmakers visited to sign legislation protecting seniors from
financial fraud. And we began a new annual tradition — a spring picnic in
the park!
Our dedication to maintaining a safe, comfortable environment for
residents and providing a variety of activities for them to enjoy is why
we have 85 people on our waiting list, eager for an opportunity to make
the Village their home. On a related note, I’m pleased to report that
construction of Sacred Heart Village II on Wilmington’s East Side is
moving along, and we’ll apply the same level of service there.
It is an honor to provide such a happy environment for the seniors in our
community and to lead such a dedicated staff, many of whom have said
they would like to move in when they retire.
Sacred Heart Village | 2
Peace and Blessings,
Br. Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap.
Executive Director
June 7, 2015
920 North Monroe Street
Wilmington, DE 19801-1337
Phone: 302-654-5407 Fax: 302-654-6759 TDD: 302-428-0801
www.sacredheartvillage.org mail@sacredheartvillage.org
©2015 Sacred Heart Village
Editor: Pete Kennedy
Contributing Editor: Ashley Johnson

4. Encouraging
Independent Living
Sacred Heart Village is equipped to provide residents a
comfortable and safe living environment fit for seniors seeking
to live independently. From an on-site fitness center and
medical clinic to round-the-clock security, SHV residents
have access to a full range of services and a state-of-the-art
facility. Other amenities include a salon, the Friar’s Café,
Bethlhem Market, transportation services, a computer
center and laundry facilities. Staff members are committed to
ensuring that all amenities are well-maintained.
In 2014, Sacred Heart Village continued to maintain a
standard of excellence. During the early spring, renovations
were made throughout the building. Several gutters,
dumpsters, refrigerators and ovens were replaced. New lobby
chairs were ordered and several common areas were freshly
painted.
In October, the Delaware State Housing Authority came to
conduct an annual physical inspection of the apartments.
Because SHV has done so well in the past, the inspector
decided to inspect every other unit this year. Thirty-nine
apartments were visited, and no major problems were
reported. The inspector noted that he was pleased to visit
Sacred Heart Village and observe the effort that the residents
and staff put into keeping SHV clean and working properly.
Annual renovations and quarterly inspections are just a few
ways that everyone works together to create safe, independent
living at Sacred Heart Village.
Healthy Living at SHV
Sacred Heart Village encourages healthy and active living
among residents. A fitness center on the lower level features
an array of low-impact excercise machines and free weights.
Fitness instructor Michelle Glazier is available twice per
week to instruct residents on how to stay fit and keep up with
their health. Ms. Glazier is always willing to offer friendly
advice and coaching to Sacred Heart Villagers looking to
eat healthier and work out. This year, she instructed a chair
excercise class and led trips to Bellevue Park concerts.
3 | Annual Report 2014

5. Strengthening
Community Connections
Governor Jack Markell Visits
On September 30, residents of Sacred Heart Village
joined Governor Jack Markell and other Delaware
officials for the signing of HB #417. The legislation,
championed by state Rep. Stephanie Bolden, helps
protect senior citizens from becoming victims of
fraud. Everyone in attendance was honored that
Sacred Heart Village was chosen to be the site of
such a momentous occasion. During the visit, the
governor spent time talking with SHV’s oldest
resident, Marion Wynder who celebrated her 101st
birthday in 2014.
As a community leader in quality senior-care services, Sacred
Heart Village offers a growing number of opportunities for
residents to get involved in the Greater Wilmington community.
We encourage Sacred Heart Villagers to give back and build
relationships by connecting them to local organizations and
civic groups.
In 2014, several youth groups visited Sacred Heart Village and
spent time getting to know community members. On Veterans
Day, The Imagination Players, a club of young performers, ages
8-17, honored SHV’s veterans in residence with speeches and
songs. It was a beautiful celebration and all who attended the
event enjoyed the festivities. Three Sacred Heart Villagers – Jim
Pullan, Philip Faix and Walter Walker - received special thanks
for their military service.
For SHV’s Annual Connie G. Day Celebration, the Children’s
Choir of Drexel Neumann Academy of Chester, PA, entertained
the residents by singing songs to honor the life and memory of
Connie Gianonne, the mother of Executive Director Br. Ronald
Giannone, who spent her life in service of others.
This year, Sacred Heart Village marked 11 years of participation
in Delaware’s Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program.
Adults 55 and older are invited to volunteer at nearby day care
centers where they assist with the children and infants. Since its
inception, several residents have enjoyed serving at the Ministry
of Caring’s Il Bambino Infant Care Center. We are proud
to be a senior-care facility that facilitates inter-generational
relationships within Wilmington.
Sacred Heart Village | 4
“The visiting nurses
and the whole staff
are kind, nice and
very helpful. They
truly care for you.”
- Resident Mary E. Gamble

6. Life-Enriching Programs
Sacred Heart Village maintains an active programming schedule to encourage community living. Being the only
senior center in Wilmington’s Trinity Vicinity neighborhood, SHV regularly invites non-resident senior citizens to
participate in neighborhood activities with SHV residents. In addition to countless day trips to local venues and
markets, Sacred Heart Villagers can participate in scheduled weekly activities that include bingo, arts and crafts, and
movie days. In May, residents participated in planned events for seniors throughout the city. This year, Sacred Heart
Village organized new shopping trips to the Baltimore Inner Harbor and Lancaster County, PA.
Bridging the Communication Gap
Everyone who comes to reside at Sacred Heart Village adds a layer of brightness
to the community. Lila O’Bryant is no exception. Lila, who is deaf, relies on sign
language and lip reading for communication, and she shared her knowledge
and experience with Sacred Heart Village. With her help, several of our staff
members learned how to communicate through American Sign Language. Lila is
a wonderful addition to our community and showed patience in dealing with her
new “students.” In 2014, she attended a weeklong conference sponsored by the
Black Deaf Senior Citizen Association and was crowned queen of the conference.
5 | Annual Report 2014
“Sacred Heart Village is the place
I love. When we decided to give up
our house, my daughter and I visited
here. It just felt so right. The folks are
fine. Sr. Pat and everyone have been
good to me. I am very happy.”
- Resident Marion Wynder

7. Sacred Heart Villagers enjoy creating community sponsored clubs and groups based on common interests and
shared experiences. While helping members explore new interests and hobbies, resident groups play a major role
in building an inclusive community. A great example of this is the Quilting Club, who makes blankets and quilts
for sick children staying at hospitals in Delaware. This year, SHV’s Sunshine Club, a group of residents focused on
increasing resident engagement, worked with service coordinator Linda Richardson to organize several events,
including the inaugural Sacred Heart Village Picnic in memory of late resident Anne Shively.
A Friendly Community
It is not uncommon to walk into Sacred Heart
Village and see residents conversing and spending
time together outside of the Friar’s Café. Under
the direction of Chef Bill Bradley and the Francis
X. Norton Center, the café and convenience
market are community spaces open for business
several hours daily Monday to Friday, affording
residents easy access to groceries and freshly
prepared meals. Often, Sacred Heart Villagers
eat lunch together while conversing about the
happenings in the neighborhood.
Building An Inclusive Community
Sacred Heart Village | 6
“Life with the neighbors is great. I made a lot of friends. There’s so many good
people here and we look out for each other.”~ Resident Elizabeth A. Fountain

8. Supportive Volunteers
Spotlight: A Matter of Balance Workshop
A workshop titled “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About
Falls” was offered to Sacred Heart Villagers over the course of eight
weeks. The workshop, created by the National Council on Aging, was
provided by RSVP and Maine Health’s Partnership for Healthy Aging.
Presenters included our own board member Judy Saydlowski and her
husband, Bernie. Residents were taught practical ways to reduce the risk
of falling while increasing their activity level. Residents who participated
enjoyed the class and received a certificate along with a special gift upon
completion of the program.
Spotlight: Christiana Care
Every Christmas, members of Christiana Care’s
nursing unit spend a portion of the holidays with
the residents of Sacred Heart Village. Nurses
organize an evening of Christmas gift wrapping,
food, and holiday card writing. The volunteers
donate everything and bring thoughtful gifts for
each participant. Sacred Heart Villagers delight in
being given the opportunity to reach out to family
and friends who are not close by.
Spotlight: Brettney Evans
For several months, Sacred Heart Village had the privilege of hosting
Brettney Evans, daughter of staff member Linda Richardson, for her college
internship. Brettney organized activities, maintained the monthly calendar
and met regularly with residents. She also managed the City Fare Program,
a City of Wilmington initative that offers residents delicious hot meals on
weekdays for an optional price of two dollars.
Upon successful completion of her internship, residents and staff celebrated
her dedication and commitment to helping Sacred Heart Village. Brettney
graduated in May from Delaware State University and is now working
full-time in the financial sector, while pursuing her master’s degree at
Wilmington University.
Each year, the Sacred Heart Village community is enriched by dozens of volunteers and benefactors
who take time to organize activities and events that residents look forward to. SHV volunteers play a
vital role in connecting residents with the outside community, and they build enduring relationships
with residents that can last for years.
7 | Annual Report 2014

9. In Loving Memory
2014 Highlights
• March - Security Instruments personnel spent the week of March 10th at
Sacred Heart Village testing alarms and smoke detectors. This involved
sounding off all alarms throughout the building and checking every unit to
be sure that all lights and sounds are working properly.
• Spring - As a preventive measure, Sacred Heart Village was visited by the
Head of Maintenance of the Ministry of Caring, Rob Radcliff, and his
faithful canine companion, Molly, who specializes in the detection of bed
bugs. The pair inspected 22 apartments on the third floor, and reported
that there was live activity in two units. The exterminator was contacted
immediately and they treated the affected apartments. The remaining three
floors were subesquently inspected.
• June 17 - The Inaugural Sacred Heart Village Picnic took place at
Banning Park and was a huge success. The SHV community gathered from
10 AM to 3 PM to remember a dear friend, Annie Shively, and to celebrate
her life.
• August 11 - Great weather and a great crowd turned out for the
groundbreaking of Sacred Heart Village II at 10th and Spruce streets on
Wilmington’s East Side. The $7.1 million HUD Section 202 project will
provide housing for very low-income senior citizens.
• October - Sacred Heart Village was awarded a sum of $12,000 from the
Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for the Sacred Heart Village Home
Care Project. This money helped provide housekeeping and other services
to residents experiencing deteriorating health and lacking other resources.
• October 27 - The Senior House Crime Prevention Foundation provided a
fully funded sponsorship of the Senior Crime Stoppers at Sacred Heart
Village, courtesy of Capital One 360.
• December - Residents received beautiful Christmas gift bags
(compliments of Pete and Connie McCarthy, Maureen Rhodes and Mary
Anne Coll), personalized Christmas presents (compliments of Elaine
Vignola and friends), and a festive Christmas Day Dinner (compliments
of Ian Brooks and his family who continued the tradition begun by Nancy
Powel and Bruce Woodruff).
Vicky Christmas
1959 - 2014
Mary Palmer
1930 - 2014
Ann Taylor
1935 - 2014
Sacred Heart Village | 8
SHV employee Jamar Freeland with Molly, a
canine trained to detect bed bugs.
Br. Ronald Giannone speaks to reporters at the
groundbreaking ceremony for Sacred Heart
Village II, on Wilmington’s East Side.
M. Eileen Schmitt, M.D.
1943 - 2015

10. Sacred Heart Village 2014 Snapshot
By the Numbers
13 Years of service to
seniors
78 Total number of
units at SHV
81 Total number of
Sacred Heart Villagers
85 Individuals are on
the waiting list in Dec.
24/7 Security and
monitoring services
82 HUD Real Estate
Assessment Inspection
score (a passing score
is 60 or above)
101 Age of the oldest
resident at SHV in 2014
9 | Annual Report 2014

11. A Financial Summary of 2014
Revenue:
Project Rental Assistance 663,114
Revenue from Tenants 287,523
Grant & Contributions 100
Interest Income 517
Café, Convenience Store & Vending 43,799
Miscellaneous Income 1,402
Total Revenue: 996,445
Net Loss: 401,163
The above summary has been prepared from financial statements audited by Master, Sidlow and Associates, P.A.
Copies of the adited financial statements are available online at www.sacredheartvillage.org.
Expenses:
Salaries & Benefits 472,569
Workers Compensation 53,988
Café, Convenience Store & Vending 25,092
General Insurance 35,129
Audit & Professional Fees 73,168
Office Expense 22,272
Utilities 161,734
Building Grounds & Maintenance 140,347
Depreciation 327,438
Interest 82,815
Miscellaneous Expense 3,056
Total Expense: 1,397,608
Financial Summary for October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2014
Sacred Heart Village | 10
Project
Rental
Assistance
66.55%
Revenue
from
Tenants
28.85%
Grant
&
Contribu?ons
0.01%
Interest
Income
0.05%
Café,
Convenience
Store
&
Vending
4.40%
Miscellaneous
Income
0.14%
Salaries
&
Benefits
33.81%
Workers
Compensa9on
3.86%
Café,
Convenience
Store
&
Vending
1.80%
General
Insurance
2.51%
Audit
&
Professional
Fees
5.24%
Office
Expense
1.59%
U9li9es
11.57%
Building
Grounds
&
Maintenance
10.04%
Deprecia9on
23.43%
Interest
5.93%
Miscellaneous
Expense
0.22%