Patrician society

The Patrician Society strives to effectively meet the basic needs of economically disadvantaged adults, children, and families in the surrounding community.

The Patrician Society has operated in Central Norristown since 1981 and has filled many roles over that time, including a men's shelter and a children's summer camp, but today we primarily operate a robust food pantry serving about 250 families a week. We also provide financial assistance through our H.U.M.A.N. program, which stands for Housing, Utilities, and Miscellaneous Aid for Neighbors, and that can help with rent, electric bills, ID replacements, SEPTA passes, etc. We have a very small staff and are lucky enough to be able to operate with the dedicated help of about 50 volunteers at any given moment. Our volunteers are the most important figures in our organization.

We have a lot going on on-site to keep our pantry running and able to offer a wide range of food staples like meat, dairy, and produce. Our volunteers help accept deliveries, make pick-ups and drop-offs, package/portion food for distribution, and operate the food distributions.

Our agency's values:

Respect: We lead with compassion, treat everyone with dignity, and recognize everyone’s inherent value. We respect one another’s differences and unique lived experiences.

Growth: We are continuously learning. We embrace change and innovation, pivot where necessary, and respond as the world evolves. We pursue growth in ourselves and encourage it within our community and client population.

Community: We are deeply committed to our community and to building and maintaining lasting relationships. We work to see our community thrive and look to their voices for guidance.

Justice: We recognize that structural inequality harms some but not others and creates wide disparities, which drives food and housing insecurity. We remain mindful of this in our work and actively oppose these forces where possible.

Good Stewardship: We manage the resources entrusted to us by our donors with the utmost care and responsibility.