History of MSHN
MSHN traces its origins to the compassion and vision of women in Philadelphia who sought to meet the needs of children orphaned by the Civil War.
Our Mission
Serving on average 2,600 children, individuals & families, annually, MSHN is devoted to the well-being of children in all walks of life. By providing access to a safe home and family life, health of mind and body, children, adults and families can achieve their greatest potential. It is with these supports that our most vulnerable citizens can make contributions that have a positive impact in our communities.
MSHN provides life enriching services to children, adults and families as they face the challenges of limited resources, increased poverty and homelessness, disability, inequities in education and behavioral health services. Quality services provided include housing, childcare, education programs, permanence in families, mental health services and nutrition programs.
Programs That Change Lives
Housing That Heals
We offer emergency and long-term housing, along with supportive services, to help families find stability, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.
Creating Strong Families
Through personalized coaching and parenting programs, we empower caregivers to build strong relationships and create healthy, loving homes.
Schools That Uplift
By partnering with local schools, we provide case management and services that support students and families beyond the classroom.
Our History
MSHN traces its origins to the compassion and vision of women in Philadelphia who sought to meet the needs of children orphaned by the Civil War. In the late 1800s, Mrs. Ellen Simpson, wife of Bishop Matthew Simpson, called upon the women of the church to organize a charity dedicated to caring for these vulnerable children. In 1879, Colonel Joseph Bennett generously donated the property and buildings that now make up our Main Campus—laying the foundation for more than 145 years of service. While MSHN programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community, our mission remains steadfast.
Essentials for daily living
Social, emotional psychological, and education supports
Programs that strengthen families and foster future leaders
United Methodist Church Connection
“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE.” – Jeremiah 29:11
The vision to give hope and a future to children left orphaned after the Civil War began with Mrs. Ellen Simpson, wife of Bishop Matthew Simpson of the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the late 1870s, Mrs. Simpson issued a call to the women of the church to organize a charity to care for these vulnerable children. She inspired the original Orphanage Society with these words:
“If we attempt it (founding an orphanage) it means work. We can only succeed by earnest united effort, standing side by side and above all, by faith in God!”
After operating from temporary locations on Park Avenue and Berks Street in Philadelphia, a generous gift from Colonel Joseph Bennett, a local businessman, provided the land at 4300 Monument Road—the permanent home of the Methodist Home for Children and MSHN for 145 years.
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children, women and families, served on average annually
Rooted in Faith. Committed to Service.
For more than 145 years, MSHN has carried forward a mission inspired by compassion, dignity, and community. While we maintain a historical relationship with the United Methodist Church, there is no formal organizational affiliation.
As one of the Health & Welfare agencies of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, we actively share updates about our programs and services with church constituents throughout the region.
Local churches—alongside individuals, businesses, and community organizations—have been steadfast partners in our work. Their generous financial support has helped sustain our mission of serving children, families, and individuals facing life’s most difficult challenges.
Together, we continue to build on a tradition of faith-driven service, creating lasting impact for generations to come.
Awards & Honors
Our team is humbled to have received the following awards, honors, and proclamations:
