Harrity Award Given to Four Phoebe Volunteers for Exemplary Service

One highlight of the recent Phoebe Institute on Aging‘s Generations Un-gala event, held Sept., 23, 2021, was the presentation of the Rev. Dr. Grant Harrity Award for Exemplary Service. Recipients included Mitch and the Rev. Jami Possinger and Robert and Judy Miller. Together, these exceptional volunteers have served more than 50 years in leadership roles for Phoebe Ministries. 

“Both the Possingers and the Millers have been pivotal supporters of Phoebe’s mission and vision — sharing their time, talent and treasures,” said Scott Stevenson, president and CEO of Phoebe Ministries. “Their combined expertise and service has helped to ensure Phoebe’s reputation as a leader in senior services as we move into the future.”

The Possingers were the 2020 award recipients, but due to the pandemic, the presentation of the award had to wait until the 2021 event. Residents of Allentown, Pa., the Possingers’ service to Phoebe Ministries spans more than 20 years. Mitch Possinger serves on Phoebe’s Governing Board, chairs the Nominating and Governance Committee, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Phoebe Institute on Aging and the Phoebe President’s Council. The Rev. Jami Possinger has served as a member of Phoebe’s Church Relations Committee, and as chairperson of the Clinical Pastoral Education Committee. Additionally, they have established the Jami and Mitchell G. Possinger Pastoral Care Fund to support Phoebe’s pastoral care program. This fund positively impacts the direct daily spiritual support of the senior residents who call Phoebe their home. At the Un-Gala event, the Possingers were finally honored with their award, which was originally announced in 2020.

The Millers received the 2021 award. Residents of Orwigsburg, Pa., the Millers’ service spans more than years. Bob Miller served on the Phoebe Governing Board, from which he recently stepped down as chair. He remains active on Phoebe’s Audit, Finance, and Investment Committee. During his tenure as chairperson, the Phoebe Pharmacy expanded, Phoebe purchased the former 38-acre Rodale Publishing campus for a new 60+ independent living community — Chestnut Ridge at Rodale — and the Phoebe Berks and Phoebe Allentown campuses underwent extensive renovations. Additionally, the Millers established The Robert & Judith Miller Family Fund in support of Phoebe’s charity care promise to provide compassionate care to residents regardless of their ability to pay.

The Rev. Dr. Grant Harrity Award for Exemplary Service is presented annually to individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment advance the aging services field. Created in honor of Harrity, the community leader and president/CEO of Phoebe Ministries from 1984 to 1994, the award recognizes individuals who advocate for and effect positive change in the lives of seniors and their caregivers. 

The Phoebe Institute on Aging Generations Un-Gala: Twilight in Tuscany, was presented by Citizens at the Folino Estate Winery in Kutztown, Pa. All proceeds from this annual event benefit the Phoebe Institute on Aging.