Reformed Presbyterian Woman's Association

The Reformed Presbyterian Woman's Association (RPWA) is a nonprofit organization established in 1897. It was founded to manage and support the Reformed Presbyterian Home (RP Home), which provides care for the elderly and was initially intended to serve as both an aged person's home and an orphanage if feasible.

History

The genesis of the RPWA began in 1890 when a member of the Wilkinsburg Reformed Presbyterian Church lost her hand, rendering her unable to work. Her attempt to seek admission to the United Presbyterian Home was unsuccessful due to lack of space. This incident prompted the women of her church to petition the Reformed Presbyterian Synod for the establishment of a similar home.

Encouraged by donations, including a significant bequest from John A. McKee's will, the women petitioned again in 1895, leading the Synod to authorize the development of the home under the management of the RPWA. The organization was chartered in March 1897, and the RP Home opened that same summer.

Operations

The RP Home initially operated like a large household, with residents contributing to its upkeep. Over the years, the home has expanded, with significant renovations and additions, including a move to its current site in 1903 and further expansions in 1957 and 1983. The RPWA continued to play a crucial role in managing these facilities, ensuring the provision of care for the elderly.

Recent Developments

In 2007, the RPWA expanded its mission with the completion of the Upper Rooms apartment building, which includes HUD program housing for low-income, frail elderly individuals and independent living options. This development reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to providing supportive living environments.

Mission

The RPWA is dedicated to serving the needs of vulnerable populations by operating and maintaining facilities that offer care, support, and community for the elderly, aligning its work with the principles of the Reformed Presbyterian tradition. Through its management of the RP Home, the RPWA continues to uphold its founding mission, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for its residents.

[1] https://rphome.org/about/ [2] https://www.rca.org/equipping-congregations/womens-transformation-leadership/history/ [3] https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/who-we-are/history/ [4] https://gentlereformation.com/2019/07/10/a-brief-maybe-incomplete-history-of-women-in-the-rpcna/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associate_Reformed_Presbyterian_Church