A Culture of Giving

Since our founding in 1893 as a Quaker boarding home, charitable giving by residents, their families, charitable foundations, religious organizations, and members of the community has had a positive impact on the quality of life of our residents. These contributions have enabled us to provide special programs and services that would not be possible without private support.

Gifts in recent years have supported:

• Anne's Garden, the Worth Garden, the Ruth T. Cottom Garden, Helen's Grove, and Sidney's Garden all of which are enjoyed by residents and their families;
• The Barclay Friends Caring Fund, which assures that elderly residents whose resources have dwindled will be able to remain in their home at Barclay Friends;
• Horticultural Therapy, to provide social, recreational, and therapeutic opportunities for both experienced and novice gardeners;
• Barclay Friends van, which takes residents to Longwood Gardens, Winterthur, Valley Forge Park, Brandywine River Museum and other popular destinations.

Barclay Friends hosts two fundraising events each year.  The Annual Golf Classic, planned and organized with the assistance of members of the community, is held in June and benefits the Barclay Friends Caring Fund.  The Barclay Friends Caring Fund provides resident assistance as well as supports programs such as art, music, and Horticultural Therapy.  "Residents are part of our family at Barclay Friends.  When their funds run out, we have made a financial commitment to help them stay with us" Board Chair Tom Sweeney explained.

The annual Barclay Friends Festival of Gardens is a West Chester garden tour held each September and features the lovely gardens of the residents of West Chester.  The Festival of Gardens benefits the Horticultural Therapy program and is supported by members of the West Chester community who help plan and host the annual event in different sections of the Borough of West Chester each year.