Jo Ann Engard has been our faithful case manager for nearly our entire 20 years of ministry to the poor and homeless of Norristown. At first she was our only employee and did it all herself. To many she is the very face of the Hospitality Center. Over the years she has helped over 10,000 people!
Jo Ann has been a vital part of the lives of so many. She has been a birth coach; given 1st birthday parties; helped desperate moms place their children for adoption and then comforted the mothers; helped a loving father regain custody of his children who were taken into foster care when he was hospitalized; given sanctuary to prostitutes and encouraged them out of that bondage; 
ushered an abused wife out the back door to the hospital then coaxed the gun from the abuser and directed the police to the abandoned infant; orchestrated reunions of estranged family members; comforted the suicidal, coaxing them to give her their intended means of death, and visiting them in mental hospitals; accompanied clients to court and visited them in prison, then helped them adjust when they were released; advocated for tenants in disputes with landlords; treated each addict with respect and love, increasing their hope until they agree to go to rehab, then visiting them there; given beautiful memorial services for deceased clients- to name just a smattering of the ways she has blessed many all through their lives.
Now with sadness we must announce that Jo Ann is leaving on 12/31/11.
At a much deserved open house in her honor on December 17, clients old and new, clergy, and representatives of other agencies joined our staff, board, and volunteers in telling story after story of how Jo Ann has been a great blessing to them, personally. We are delighted that Jo Ann promises to visit the Center often. Jo Ann, we thank you and we love you.