A Village Homecoming

The bond between Children’s Village teachers and parents was strengthened by a shocking experience; in August 2020, Children’s Village was irreparably damaged by a tornado that touched down on the Doylestown Hospital campus. Classified as an EF2 tornado with winds ranging from 111-135 miles per hour, “it ripped the roof off of the main room, and the ceiling crashed in,” said Rodrigo. “It was hard to believe what we were seeing. Fortunately, the teachers kept calm, sprang into action, and kept the kids safe hiding in closets and other spaces. The emergency drills paid off that day,” she continued. “It felt like a miracle that we did not have serious injuries.”

Mike and Lindsay Gladysz’s children, at the time ages 8 months and 3 years, were at Children’s Village that day. Mike recalls hearing about the tornado from Lindsay, who works in the Doylestown Hospital laboratory. “I will never forget it. I was trying to get to campus and receiving periodic updates from Lindsay,” said Mike. “It was incredibly scary, but I knew the teachers and everyone at the hospital would do everything possible to the kids were okay.”

The school building was damaged beyond repair. Within a week, however, Children’s Village was operational in a new location on Ferry Road, and camaraderie emerged from the chaos. “We went from one unbelievable experience to the next,” said Rodrigo. “Dozens of volunteers helped us move into our new space and prepare it for the children, including former parents and students and people from the community.” Children’s Village staff lost count of the number of trucks delivering donations from community members who rallied to get the school back on its feet as quickly as possible.

Jeanne and John Hubbard, PhD, steadfast supporters of Doylestown Health, were particularly moved by the challenge facing Children’s Village. “We wanted this wonderful school and the children to ‘come home’ to campus,” said Jeanne. “Doylestown Hospital takes such special care of patients and families, and Children’s Village is a part of that family.”

One year after the tornado hit, the Hubbards issued a $1.5 million challenge match to launch the rebuild. “Children’s Village is an essential part of Doylestown Health’s continuum of care,” said John. “Not only does the hospital care for patients but a reliable, top-quality daycare and school is an important aspect of supporting Associates and the hospital’s mission.” The Hubbard’s gift “gave us hope,” said Bernadette Rodrigo. “We didn’t even know them! It felt like they were saying they believed in what we do.” In addition to the Hubbard’s generosity, support from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, Pat and Alex Gorsky, and hundreds of donations have led to the homecoming.

As Children’s Village was being rebuilt, The Village Circle parents committee, led by Mike Gladysz, began fundraising in earnest for the rebuild. “After a pause during the pandemic, we re-launched some favorite activities, such as family night at Jules Pizza. It was the most successful fundraising night they’ve had!” said Mike. “We held a fundraiser at the Bucks County Children’s Museum with CV families and friends in June. It was terrific to do what we can to help bring this incredible new school building to life. All of us are grateful for what the teachers did that August day and how they continue to take such incredible care of our kids.”

“Words cannot express how much we appreciate this support,” said Rodrigo at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Now, Children’s Village has returned to an extraordinary new home built with love by a true village of supporters.

To learn more about the Children’s Village rebuild and campaign, please visit DoylestownHealthFoundation.org/ChildrensVillage/